Mental Health Services
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
(EAP)
Now offering select EAP sessions!
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a mental health service, conducted under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional, that involves horses as integral partners in the treatment process. Grounded in the principles of traditional psychotherapy, EAP sessions are collaboration process between a mental health professional, an equine specialist, an equine partner, and the participant. The unique and dynamic presence of horses serves as a catalyst for emotional exploration, communication, and personal growth.
In EAP, horses are co-facilitators in the therapeutic process. 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 emotional 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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Licensed Professional Counselor, EAGALA-certified Mental Health Professional
Eliina has over a decade of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor both in private practice and EAP. 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 spans over 10 years and 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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Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ashley is a founding member of Equine Connection Center and is ECC’s on-site Mental Health Program Coordinator.
Ashley 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 her beginning active practice at ECC upon completion.
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