Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is a holistic and integrative approach to healing, recovery and wellness grounded in the neurobiology of relationships, self-regulation, trauma and addictions.
The Secret Equine Approach
S elf-awareness through horse wisdom
E motional congruency’s significance
C reates deep connection/communication
R elease the past, live in the present
E stablish healthy boundaries
T ransform personal relationships
E mpower your intuitive self
Q uiet the mind, listen with intention
U nion of mind, body, and heart
I dentify self-limited belief systems
N avigation of your inner compass
E xpand consciousness to deep awareness
T he Journey Begins
Horses are wise mentors in this unique type of work, as horses never lie or have hidden agendas. Instead horses respond to what they see and feel in the moment. As prey animals, their flight instincts become instant mirrors and non-judgmental feedback mechanisms for humans. Horses sense and respond to a person’s intentions, emotions and thoughts that are conveyed subconsciously through body language. Through the experience of observing a horse’s response to their requests and directions, each person learns how to communicate more effectively, face their fears and manage their emotions, and become more consistent and congruent with their actions. Through one-on-one interaction with individual horses, attendees also learn new relationship building skills. Sessions with horses are highly interactive and provide an ‘in the moment’ learning experience, giving participants skills which can be difficult to acquire in more traditional settings.
Transformational Riding Program
Students who have completed the Secret Equine Approach and desire to transfer their wisdom into their riding experience, may choose the Transformational Riding Program This program is designed to help enrich their riding skills, build strong communication, and connection with their horse. The Transformational Riding Program is for all level riders in any field of discipline. Working one on one in this program will enhance their overall riding experience and assist them in reaching their highest potential.
Secret Equine Experiences
• Private sessions (1 hour) $95
• Monthly clinics
Part 1- Intro to S.E.A $180
Part 2- S.E.A extended $180
Custom Programs
We offer custom programs to meet your needs. We can travel and do group sessions at your location or ours. Please call us to setup a custom program tailored for your needs.
Why horses?
Horses are wise mentors in this unique type of work, as horses never lie or have hidden agendas. Instead horses respond to what they see and feel in the moment. As prey animals, their flight instincts become instant mirrors and non-judgmental feedback mechanisms for humans. Horses sense and respond to a person’s intentions, emotions and thoughts that are conveyed subconsciously through body language. Through the experience of observing a horse’s response to their requests and directions, each person learns how to communicate more effectively, face their fears and manage their emotions, and become more consistent and congruent with their actions. Through one-on-one interaction with individual horses, attendees also learn new relationship building skills. A tremendous confidence boost comes from learning how to connect with and direct a 1200 pound animal without a word spoken. Sessions with horses are highly interactive and provide an ‘in the moment’ learning experience, giving participants skills which can be difficult to acquire in more traditional settings.
What can I accept to learn?
Make choices and take actions based on courage and awareness verses automatic, ‘learned’ responses.
Build trust in relationships and teams.
Develop skills to work through uncomfortable, emotionally charged situations.
Move from conflict into resolution and agreement more quickly.
Face fears and learn new behaviors to gain personal power and respect.
Experience breakthroughs that increase the depth of Emotional Intelligence.
For inquiries, please contact: Donna Snyder Donna@Johnnastables.com 717-645-3460
Meet Gerry Savage
My theoretical orientation is founded on my high regard for mind-body connection and integrated health. The blood is the lifeline of the body and physical health as thoughts are the lifeline to the mind and mental health. Thoughts, feelings and behaviors neurologically and physiologically send dynamic responses to the mind and body, affecting one’s overall physical and mental health. Negative thoughts and inaccurate personal beliefs manifest through one’s behaviors and physical aliments often outside of a person’s awareness. To help people achieve their potential, it is vital to practice holistic treatment by considering all factors that contribute to one’s overall health and wellness.
In an effort to decrease mental health stigma, I aspire to increase awareness for all people of the interchange between one’s mental and physical health and ultimately how it affects their overall level of functioning and potentiality. I support the APA endorsement of recovery-oriented patient-centered therapy. I have experienced more effective treatment outcomes by first helping people to develop a greater sense of self-efficacy towards their own health, wellness and potential. As people become empowered, they learn to rebuild their identity around meaningful goals as opposed to feeling powerless and defined by their life circumstances or illnesses.
My dissertation research explores if therapists attitudes towards people with severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, impacts their belief in the patient’s ability to experience recovery. Both future research on recovery for mental illness and the development of training programs to expand conceptualizations of disorders are paramount for change. Understanding the power of recovery will aid in reducing mental health stigma and will help build a new culture of mental health wellness