Services Available

 Equine Assisted therapy is catered to each individual's needs, follows a code of ethics for standards of care, is solution focused meaning it holds a belief that each individual has the best solutions to their problems.

Tell me and I will forget, Show me and I may remember, Involve me and I will understand." ~ Chinese Proverb.  We begin to better understand ourselves through our experiences, which in equine assisted work, involves experiences with the horses.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)/Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Equine Assisted Mental Health is an opportunity to partner with horses as a process toward change and emotional growth.  It is experiential in nature and solution focused, creating an opportunity to learn about yourself and others by participating in activities with horses.     

The solution focused, experiential nature, allows clients to find their own solutions to problems.  This process allows for deeper meaning and understanding of behaviors, patterns, and beliefs, by processing the outcome of the activity.  Clients have the unique opportunity to try out new behaviors and attitudes in a non judgmental environment.  

 Traditional, in office sessions are tailored to meet the needs of the individual client or family. They can take place within the 4 walls of the comfortable and peaceful office or outside in nature if you prefer. Therapeutic modalities used in the office setting include cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and solution focused therapy methods. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT includes looking at thoughts, beliefs, behaviors and your environment to help support your emotions. If we could just magically change the way we feel, especially when we are feeling poorly, we would. If it were only that easy! Our emotions are neither good or bad, rather, they are information for us to use. There are some emotions we would rather not feel all the time. This is where CBT comes in handy. By looking at thought patterns, beliefs, and our behaviors, we can directly impact and support the way we feel. 

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or DBT involves learning skill sets to help individuals balance their thoughts and their emotions and use what is called the “Wise Mind.” In DBT, skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and being effective in relationships with others are taught and practiced. 

Solution Focused Therapy uses goal setting and strength awareness to get where you want to be or how you would like to feel.

   Groups form throughout the year and are available upon request. They are held at Bridgewater Support Services or are able to travel to your destination upon request. Examples of groups available include teen emotion regulation, stress and anger management, grief, trauma, depression, anxiety, self esteem, girl/boy scouts, team building, etc. Please visit Bridgewater Support Services on facebook to see the most recent group offerings.  

 Telehealth services are available in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. This has been a great addition to the services available. Telehealth is an easy way to connect from the comfort of your own home through Simple Practice software as a video conferencing therapy session. Benefits to telehealth include easy access to services, less time traveling, and you get the benefit of continuing mental health sessions when access may be limited.