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Breaking Ground Therapy and Wellness is now offering Equine-Assisted Psychoeducational Groups designed for teens
2-day program June 13th and June 20th
9am-1pm in Paso Robles
Breaking Ground Therapy and Wellness has achieved the Arenas for Change (ARCH) Program Designation indicating training, experience and specialization applying SEEN™ through horses, mental health, and organizational development.
About the Program:
Cognitive behavioral therapy is the #1 recommended approach for treating anxiety and depression, and cognitive behavioral education provides practical hands-on tools. At Breaking Ground Therapy and Wellness, our passion is helping others, so we have developed an intensive 8-hour structured cognitive behavioral psychoeducational program that incorporates equine-assisted learning to teach participants the most effective and valuable mental health tools available. Each group is led by licensed clinicians and equine specialists ensuring clinical support and hands-on experiential guidance.
At this time, we are offering groups designed to meet the unique needs of teens between the ages of 12-18. Each group consists of 6-8 participants and are designed to be more intensive in nature to facilitate faster, more meaningful results through focused, goal-oriented education and experiential learning during and after groups. Longer sessions allow for a more immersive experience, allowing participants to build momentum quickly instead of restarting each week in a traditional one-hour therapy format. In just two sessions, the tools provided can be used on a daily basis to help improve emotional regulation, create stronger self-confidence, reduce anxiety, and provide practical tools that can be immediately applied.
Program Structure:
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Understanding Thoughts, Feelings & Behaviors
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Identifying Negative Thoughts, Cognitive Distortions and Challenging and Replacing Negative Thoughts
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Emotional Regulation & Coping Skills
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Building Self-Esteem, Healthy Relationships, and Boundaries
Why horses? We believe horses offer unique benefits that compliment the work being done by providing immediate, hands-on feedback about emotions, boundaries, communication, trust, and nervous system regulation in a way that feels natural and empowering — especially for teens who may struggle to connect in traditional talk therapy settings. The small group setting allows participants to build connection, practice social skills, feel less alone in their struggles, and learn from one another while still receiving individualized support and attention.
-All experiential learning with the horses is conducted on the ground
"The space between words is where we live with horses.
In the silence we are truly heard"
Alita H. Buzel
Coming soon...equine-assisted psychotherapy
Breaking Ground Therapy and Wellness is excited to currently be offering equine-assisted psychoeducation, with equine-assisted psychotherapy launching soon. Licensed clinician Alisha Dozier and equine specialist, Currie Bailey, ACSW, have teamed up to start offering a unique therapeutic approach. Both Alisha and Currie combine a lifetime of experience working with horses and years of experience helping individuals overcome mental health barriers and other obstacles they may be facing in life.
What Is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy and what do you do with the horses?
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a clinically supported form of therapy that incorporates a licensed psychotherapist, equine specialist and a therapy horse. As a team, various models of evidenced based treatment are used based on client need and preference.
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cognitive behavioral therapy; trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy
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dialectical behavioral therapy
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trauma-informed therapy
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solution focused therapy
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narrative therapy
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acceptance and commitment therapy
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polyvagal theory and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
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insight oriented therapy
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expressive therapy
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psychoeducation
Therapy takes place either in the arena or in the pasture, however, the horses are not ridden, and all work is on the ground. The horses serve as partners in the healing process. Like other animals, horses mirror our internal state, providing opportunities for reflection, offering honest, and nonverbal feedback that increases insight, improves self-regulation and connection between mind and body.
What is equine assisted psychotherapy helpful for?
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anxiety
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depression
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PTSD and other forms of trauma
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anger management
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behavioral disorders
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substance abuse and use disorders
Inquire below for more information
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