Broadcast date: 10/1/15
Reins of H.O.P.E.empowers clients to improve communication and problem solving skills, build confidence and trust in self and relationships and decrease mental health issues with the help of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP).
Those that have experienced EAP believe it is one of the most effective forms of experiential therapy. EAP uses horses as co-therapists for emotional growth and learning.
Why horses? Horses are powerful yet gentle ambassadors of the natural world. Like humans, they are herd animals and have to work together and communicate effectively to stay safe. Unlike humans, they are prey animals and remain vigilant for survival. They are apt teachers in awareness, being in the present moment, calming oneself quickly, setting appropriate boundaries and learning to trust. Since horses are large and powerful they create a natural opportunity for some clients to overcome fear and develop confidence.
Join host Kris Kington-Barker as she speaks with Laurie Parker, Executive Director with Reins of H.O.P.E., an acronym that stands for “Human Opportunity Partnering with Equines,” Sam Balcezak, their Program Director and Equine Specialist, as well as EAGALA Level 2-Military, and Lynn Dorgan, MFT, a Mental Health Therapist with the program, as they talk about providing access to alternative, equine-assisted mental health services to at-risk youth, military youth, active duty military, veterans, reservists and their families on the Central Coast.
Central Coast Voices is sponsored by ACTION for Healthy Communities in collaboration with KCBX and made possible through underwriting by Joan Gellert-Sargen.
