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Our Approach: Equine-Assisted, Play, Art and Evidence-Based Therapy

Therapy that meets each person where they are, through talking, doing, creating and connecting.

Ask About Equine Therapy Our Services

Children, teens and young adults don't all heal the same way. At Serene Trails Therapy, evidence-based treatments like TF-CBT and CBT sit alongside experiential approaches: equine-assisted psychotherapy, art, sand tray and play therapy. Together we choose what fits your goals.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP)

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is an experiential form of therapy where horses are part of the session. All activities are done on the ground; no riding is involved. "Experiential" means you take part in hands-on activities with the horses that are designed to reflect what's happening in your life.

What makes EAP unique is the partnership with a living animal that reacts to people without judgment. Horses are aware of our emotions and respond to them, which can bring feelings to the surface so they can be worked through in the moment, in a safe setting. The focus is on doing and connecting: a chance to experience, explore, problem-solve, be creative, gain insight and practice what you're learning.

All activities are led by Brittany Rice, LCSW, an Eagala Certified and PATH Intl. Certified Professional.

What equine sessions can include

Nervous around horses?

Horses are big, but they're also gentle, and they connect with people on a deep level. No horse experience is needed, and we'll support any level of comfort.

Where equine sessions take place

Equine sessions don't happen at our Wiles Road office. The location of the barn where EAP is facilitated is provided upon confirmation of first appointment. 

Programs and fees

Learn more in What About Equine Therapy? and Exploring Equine-Assisted Therapy for Mental Health.

Other approaches we use

The approaches below are used across our child therapy, teen counseling and young adult therapy services. For more, read What Is TF-CBT?, What Is Child-Parent Psychotherapy? and What Is Art Therapy?.

Ways we work together

  • Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

    An evidence-based treatment for children and teens affected by trauma, and their parents or caregivers. It builds coping skills, works through thoughts and feelings about what happened, and strengthens support at home.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Practical tools to notice unhelpful thinking patterns and reactions, and to replace them with ones that move you toward your goals.

  • Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

    For children from birth to age 6 who have experienced trauma. Sessions begin with the caregiver, then continue weekly with caregiver and child together.

  • Play therapy

    For children 4 and up. Play is a child's first language; through it, children express feelings, gain a sense of control, and make sense of their experiences.

  • Sand tray therapy

    Children 4 and up use sand and small figures to show thoughts and feelings by 'doing' instead of telling. (We keep a vacuum nearby for spills.)

  • Art therapy

    With paper, pencils, magazines and scissors, children create and express emotions or experiences they may not have words for, and practice new social and emotional skills.

  • Family therapy

    Looks at how family members interact, and teaches new parenting, stress-management and communication skills so everyone can connect.

  • Mindfulness and body-based regulation

    Skills for living in the present moment and calming the body, so your inner strengths can shine.

  • Motivational interviewing

    A collaborative conversation style, often used with teens, that helps clients find their own reasons for change.

Curious whether equine or play-based therapy fits your child?

Reach out for a free phone consultation and we'll talk through the options.

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