Meet our team
One Heart Stables is utilized by the youth in the Children’s Residential Center at CCHO as well as children and adults in the general public for equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP). Our therapists are certified instructors in equine-specialized therapy, and they are eager to help you achieve your goals. Learn more about our caring team below.
Who can benefit?
Children and adults with the following challenges can benefit from participation in EAP:
-
Depression, anxiety or trauma disorders
-
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
-
Relationship or communication problems
-
Sensory processing disorders
-
Behavioral issues
-
Substance abuse
-
Eating disorders
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an experiential form of mental health therapy that uses interactions with a horse (equine) to facilitate individual growth and relational healing. Board-certified therapists use experiences with a horse and personal reflection to achieve the participant’s therapy goals. Individual, family and group sessions are offered and can include riding or working with a horse on the ground.
Psychotherapy incorporating horses at One Heart Stables began in 1995 as a service to the children in the residential center on the Christian Children’s Home of Ohio campus in Wooster. The program has expanded to serve children and adults in the general public. Our mission remains to improve the quality of life for our clients through compassionate equine-assisted therapy.
Our team looks forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve your goals. Most insurances are accepted.
Why Horses?
Horses are unique because they offer a pure, nonjudgmental relationship to the client. A horse’s instincts cause the animal to live in the present moment and react to immediate surroundings; therefore, a horse often reacts to the mood and behavior of the participant. Whereas a dog loves unconditionally and a cat loves quite conditionally, a horse’s behavior is always honest.
Psychotherapy incorporating horses offers clients struggling with depression, low self-esteem or anxiety the opportunity to engage in authentic connection. The concepts learned in developing a relationship with a horse can be easily translated to developing healthy relationships with others.