What Is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is an interactive/experiential approach to therapy. It is characterized by exploration, experimentation and spontaneity as the therapist works with clients in the arena. EAP is a collaborative effort between a therapist and a horse professional working together with the clients. As the therapist addresses clinical issues coming to surface with the client(s), the horse professional pays attention to safety issues. The goal in EAP is to generate a positive engagement with the client utilizing an experiential and animal based treatment. One of the most important benefits of EAP is that it breaks down defense barriers that are often created when a client enters a counseling session. The therapist identifies the topic or issue that the client needs to focus on (e.g. trust, patience and aggression). Once the topic is decided upon, the therapist picks an activity for the client to participate in. A related supportive activity is then initiated between the horse and client(s), which brings the primary issue to the forefront. The therapist then processes the experience with the client(s) in a traditional therapy format. EAP is a powerful tool and effective approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs, including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.

Our Staff Consists of:

• Katrina Lujan, MA, LPC - Executive Director/Therapist
  Katrina's specialties include drug/alcohol tx.(certified in SASSI), young children (certified in CFARS), adolescents & family therapy (trained in NCFAS & Family Preservation), domestic violence, trained in play therapy & sand tray, certified in EAP.
• Mark Boschelli, MS, LPCC, LADAC Clinical Director
  Mark's specialties include crisis response, substance abuse, qualified in the administration, scoring and interpretation of MMPI-2, SASSI-3, and ASI.
• Chris Pittelli, MA, LPC ­ Therapist
  Chris's specialties include relationship counseling, spiritual counseling, PTSD, TBI , autism and developmental disabilities.
• Francie Healey, MA, LMHC ­ Therapist
  Francie's specialties include crisis management, mediation, depression, career-counseling and communication specialist.
• Edward Montano, AA, LADAC ­ Substance Abuse Counselor (Bi-lingual)
  Edward's specialties include screening and evaluation, educational and support groups, SASSI 3 and ASI.
• Trish Daino, MS, LISW
  Trish's specialties include depression, Moral Reconation Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and suicide preventionm