Our Practice

 Horses have a calming effect that is magnified by their size and empathy. Horses are herd animals that are known for attuning themselves to human emotion, often reflecting the behaviors of those around them. A horse is able to provide information to an individual to help them identify and process feelings and learn how to build trust and confidence.  

Equine assisted psychotherapy is a mental health treatment that includes equine activities to help promote emotional growth. EAP can have many positive results for several psychological issues. Some specific client challenges include behavioral issues, ADHD, anger management, conflict resolution, depression, anxiety, at-risk youth, victims of abuse, those in bereavement, those lacking self-esteem, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Equine therapy also helps children ages 8-12 develop social and relationship skills, build confidence, self-esteem, assertiveness, and achieve emotional regulation.  Equine Assisted Therapy often includes a number of beneficial equine activities such as observing, handling, grooming, groundwork, and structured challenging exercises focused on the child's or adolescent's needs and goals. Equine Assisted Therapy provides unique non-verbal opportunities for the client to enhance self-awareness, recognize maladaptive behaviors, identify negative feelings, and face self-defeating cognitions.

Christina Kelley, LCSW received her Master’s Degree in clinical social work from Florida State University. She went on to achieve her licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has worked for both Pinellas and Hernando County Schools as a social worker, working with kids who struggle with mental health and social emotional issues. Therapeutic approaches used include solution focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and follow the EAGALA model.