Our Clinical Approach

Philosophy Informing our Clinical Approach

The Neurosequential Model & Holistic Healing: Mind, Body, Soul, Spirit

Neuroscience or “brain science” teach us that one cannot separate mind, body, soul, or spirit – every part of us is connected, and so healing must be holistic in nature. We utilize techniques that integrate each part of our being in healing work, through incorporating movement, emotional processing, spiritual exploration, and cognitive rewiring. 

Healing Through Connection to Self, Others, & God

We are hurt in relationship, but we also heal in relationship. Our brain literally develops and grows, from infancy through adulthood, through relationship. In integrating therapeutic techniques with authentic relationship with the horses and therapist, we are able to help clients improve relationship with themselves, others, and God. As humans, when any of those three are out of balance, we struggle.

    • We must love ourselves and take care of ourselves appropriately. We do not believe in creating narcissists with a self-centered focus, but empowering clients as healthy, self-actualized individuals.
    • Developing safe, supportive relationships with others in our lives is one of the strongest resilience factors for overcoming life’s obstacles, as well as creating belonging and joy.
    • Connection with God brings not only a sense of purpose and meaning to life, but is scientifically proven to improve overall well-being and longevity.

      Resetting the balance of connection in our lives brings significant hope and healing.

Nature Deficit Disorder & Getting Back to Basics 

Humans have gotten so far away from the natural world and all its benefits. God gave us everything we need in nature, but our 21st century lives no longer, on average, embrace the way we were designed to benefit from nature. Terms like Nature Deficit Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder (check out our blog “The Long Gray” about surviving winter) are more and more common as we experience the lack of nature in our lives. And yet, rediscovering balance in life and receiving from nature has proven health benefits physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. We often prescribe these to our clients, but also are able to receive from nature in these ways during our outdoor  equine therapy sessions year-round:

    • fresh air: the ranch is surrounded by preserved farmland and woods.
    • sunshine, rain, real weather: our climate-controlled lives no longer give us the benefit of natural Vitamin D and warm rays on our face, crisp and cool rain drops on our skin, or the warmth generated by movement on a cold winter day.
    • gentle movement: walking around the ranch (whether it is a walk-and-talk session or just making your way to the field or ring where your session will be held) brings in gentle cardio (don’t worry, it’s at your pace!) that is regulating and centering. You may even be invited by your therapist to do some gentle stretching or yoga as you process things; or you may get to ride a horse and connect with their movement to help ground your nervous system in safety.

You Are Not Your Diagnosis OR Your Trauma 

We believe all people are created with purpose and intention. You are not a mistake. You are not defined by your failures, your struggles, or your diagnosis. You are not defined by your trauma, and certainly not by what someone has done to you. You are not a victim. Your story may have been written by others’ poor choices or by difficult circumstances so far – but you get to write the rest of the story. Our goal is to walk alongside you to empower you to become all that God created you to be, and to live your life to the fullest. We integrate our mission statement into all that we do: empowering individuals and families to find hope, healing, and wholeness through therapeutic work with horses.

counselor equine therapist therapist counseling equine therapy equine assisted therapy horse therapy

Evidence-Based, Trauma-Competent

At Take Heart we integrate evidence-based therapeutic techniques with authentic relationship with horses (and other animals) to facilitate life-changing experiences for our clients. Being outdoors and around animals empowers us to take a holistic approach to healing that addresses body, mind, soul, and spirit. We incorporate somatic movement, emotional regulation, cognitive and behavioral strategies, and faith-based, meaningful discussions. In doing so, we are able to face the root of any issue. This approach also aligns perfectly with the neurosequential and attachment-based model of development and healing: regulate, relate, then reason. Equine therapy is just one part of what we do; we also incorporate pieces of many common, evidence-based modalities:

  • attachment therapy
  • what we call “attachment-based behavioralism”
  • experiential therapy
  • somatic therapy
  • cognitive-behavioral therapy
  • animal assisted therapy
  • neuropsychotherapy
  • interpersonal therapy
  • EMDR

Additionally, we focus on not just being trauma-informed, but trauma-competent. We work to help you understand and overcome your difficult experiences. No more feeling stuck.

We understand that spirituality is a core component of humanity. Studies show that faith is a crucial part of healing and long-term well-being. Faith and a relationship with Jesus is the foundation for our team and our work but we are not “religious.” Anyone is welcome at the ranch, no matter your spiritual background. It’s hard to deny – the peace you feel at the ranch is something truly special.

Who Do We Work With?

You. If you are reading this, you are our ideal client. 

We work with everyday people experiencing real-life challenges ages 3 and up, through counseling & equine assisted therapy. Some of the challenges are clinical in nature, while others are more common to humans generally. There is no way to truly make a “list” of who we work with that is all-inclusive. And we don’t just say “equine therapy is for everybody” out of a desperate marketing attempt – we actually mean it, because we have experienced such a wide variety of clients receiving real healing on the ranch, and because our approach is able to be tailored to any individual or family’s needs. That being said, some common clients we work with are:

Common Life & Clinical Struggles:

  • Grief & loss, of loved ones, or of significant loss experiences
  • Overwhelming anxiety, worries, or chronic stress
  • Depression, loss of motivation, suicidal ideation or wanting to escape painful circumstances
  • Family & marriage relational challenges, or overcoming the impact of divorce
  • High-achieving adults or teens struggling quietly
  • Low confidence or self-esteem and its impact on your work, relationships, schooling, and future

Trauma & PTSD:

  • Adult & child survivors of neglect or abuse (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) or domestic violence
  • Survivors of sexual trafficking or exploitation
  • Veterans & active duty military members & family members
  • Survivors of accidents or natural disasters, or other extreme circumstances
  • Complex trauma from chronic stress or long-term traumatic situations

Other Common Individual & Family Themes We Work With:

  • Neurodiversity: Autism & ADHD
  • Foster & Adopted Kids & Families
  • Challenging behaviors
  • Eating Disorders & unhealthy relationship with food
  • Overcoming shame
  • Spiritual concerns

Transferring Learning from the Ranch to Real Life

The greatest distance is not in miles, but in the inches between our head and our heart. We all know this — we can “know” something is true, but not feel it or believe it emotionally. Equine therapy is not just a feel-good experience for the hour you spend at the ranch, but a real lesson in transferrable skills for you to take off the ranch and into real life. We don’t just give you more head knowledge, but help you to embody what you are learning through restorative experiences with the horses and your therapist that literally rewire your brain.

You deserve this. Whether you’re 3 or 93; you deserve to live a free, purpose-driven life. Our holistic approach will help you get there. Embodied understanding of new concepts in therapy goes beyond just talking about an idea or new perspective:

  • It’s recognizing the peaceful feeling on the ranch you can take with you into any situation.
  • It’s improved emotional regulation that empowers you to face any challenge with confidence and grace.
  • It’s the quiet confidence and sense of self that carries into all your relationships.
  • It’s a healthier and kinder outlook on your struggles that helps you validate your experience, but make changes as needed.
  • It’s increased insight into how your history impacts your present and potential future, with the strategic ability to make choices to change your future.
  • It’s the ability to recognize patterns that hold you back, and make necessary changes that last long-term, and that impact the next generation positively.
  • It’s useful and practical coping skills that equip you for real life stressful situations.
  • It’s a renewed interest and ability to make meaningful connections and build support systems to walk alongside you.

Ready to start your
life changing journey?

Wherever you are at on your journey, we are here for you. Our human and equine team will walk alongside you so you can find hope, healing, and wholeness in your life. You are worth it. Reach out to us today.

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