horsetherapy

Our Services

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or EAP, is an experiential modality in which participants learn about themselves and their relationships through participation in activities involving horses. All sessions are supervised by a clinical social worker and an Equine Specialist trained through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Association). EAGALA was founded in 1999 and is a non-profit association dedicated to improving the mental health of individuals, families, and groups around the world by setting a standard of excellence in EAP.

EAP has been effectively used to treat behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship issues and communication problems.

All activities involve work on the ground with horses. This is NOT a riding program. Working with horses is effective as they are large and powerful creatures who provide immediate feedback about how they are being treated. It is evident that individuals make very strong connections to the horses they work with, which strengthens their ability to overcome fear, develop self confidence and inner strength.

The Benefits of

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy:

• Enhances Team Work

• Improves Communication Skills

• Builds Healthy Relationships

• Increases Assertive vs. Aggressive Behaviors

• Cultivates Effective Responses to Anxiety & Depression

• Develops Behavior Management Skills

• Boosts Self-Esteem

Our Professionals:

Jackie O’Connell-Bagnati, ACSW, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in both Virginia and Arizona and has over 20 years experience. She has worked with children, adolescents and adults in individual, marital, family and group therapy. Jackie has also worked in various treatment settings including outpatient and inpatient clinics, residential settings, correctional facilities, partial hospitalization, emergency outpatient mental health services, military family violence and mental health programs, and two previous EAP treatment settings.

Wendy Parker is an Equine Specialist and Owner of HorseSpa Farm which she founded in 2003. She completed Part 1 of the EAGALA certification process in2007 and earned her Natural Horsemanship Level 1 status through the Parelli Center, Ocala, Florida in 2002. Wendy also has an MS in Nursing from UCSF, and a law degree (JD) from William and Mary. Wendy has over 15 years experience working in psychiatric and intensive care nursing.

Sessions are held at HorseSpa Farm located on one hundred and fifty eight

acres in the Chuckatuck borough of northern Suffolk. HorseSpa Farm is

a facility that caters to the more natural, physical and mental needs of horses

and will provide a healing environment for you and your family.

Fees:

Fees vary according to session type. We offer a variety of sessions which

include the following:

Individual

Marital

Family

Group

Team Builder