The use of horses in therapeutic settings has been growing in popularity as more people become aware of the healing powers of animal-assisted interventions. Horses act as a key component in the therapeutic process serving as a grounded force of empathy and connection. 

I began engaging in this powerful work during my time as an intern at a facility located in Southern California back in 2022 and it is my goal to continue providing these opportunities here in Vermont. 

In this specialty, I am working under the training and clinical guidance of Dr. Alya Reeve, MD who is the founder of Kanthaka located in North Bennington, VT. 

Counseling with Equine Interactions has been emerging as an evidence-based treatment modality suited to support a wide range of needs and experiences. Horses provide a calming and non-judgemental presence where people often find it is easier to open up and explore their feelings.

The work is built around client-centered and goal driven counseling, tailored to best support the needs of each individual.

This approach can be especially powerful for adolescents who enjoy a non-traditional form of therapy that takes place outside of a typical office space.

Following interactions with horses, people have shown to improved in their interpersonal and relational skills such as improved social skills, emotional regulation strategies, and expressive communication . Additionally, self-esteem and self-efficacy have been shown to develop following engagement with horse related interventions.