Mental Health Services
Equine-Assisted Therapy
Contact us to learn if our programs are right for you!
Equine-Assisted Therapy/Psychotherapy (EAP) is a mental health service, conducted under the direction of a licensed mental health professional, that involves horses as integral partners in the treatment process.
Our EAP sessions are collaboration process between a mental health professional, an equine specialist, an equine partner (the animal itself), and the participant. The unique and dynamic presence of horses serves as a catalyst for thoughtful exploration, emotional skill building, and personal growth.
The integration of equine partners into mental health services becoming more widely recognized for its effectiveness in addressing various concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal difficulties. EAP offers a holistic and experiential approach to therapy, promoting well-being and fostering positive life changes.
Meet Our Providers
Equine Connection Center partners with mental health professionals to offer EAP on-site at the sanctuary. Our mental health service providers are experienced with a variety of EAP modalities as well as hold licensure for their respective professional credentials.
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EAGALA-certified Mental Health Professional
Eliina has over a decade of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor both in private practice and as an equine-assisted psychotherapy practitioner. She holds a Master’s degree in Counseling and Development from George Mason University and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from John F. Kennedy University. Eliina is an EAGALA-certified Mental Health Professional as well as a EAGALA-certified Equine Specialist.
Additionally, Eliina is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association for Trauma Professionals and EMDR Trained through EMDRIA.
Eliina’s clinical experience includes experience working with children, teens and adults in a variety of settings, including inpatient residential treatment programs, outpatient community mental health programs, outreach counseling, and groups. In addition to offering EAP at Equine Connection Center, Eliina offers virtual sessions in her private practice, Regain Yourself.
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Mental Health Program Coordinator
As Mental Health Program Coordinator, Ashley provides direction and vision for our mental health programs. She holds a Master’s degree from Loyola University and a Bachelor’s degree from University of Virginia. Specializing in children and adolescents, Ashley’s experience includes nearly a decade of critical response work for underserved populations in urban Chicago.
She is currently in process for transfer of her professional credentials from the state of Illinois to Virginia, and we look forward to accepting clients at ECC upon completion. In the meantime, Ashley acts as an equine specialist as well as provides non-clinical EAL services.
Get Started!
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Ways people can benefit from EAP:
Increased trust
Reduced anxiety
Increased self-esteem, self-acceptance, and social skills
Improved impulse control and problem-solving skills
Improved communication skills, including non-verbal
New skills in healthy boundaries and assertiveness