Heather Wilkerson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) holding a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and combines her career in psychotherapy/counseling with her passion for horses. Heather has earned the Advanced Certifications available by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), what is it?
EAP is a team approach that consists of a mental health professional, a horse professional, and a horse or horses. The team helps an individual or group learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses. The team processes each individuals experience by relating it to their everyday life and service goals.
EAP is experiential and encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. This differs from "traditional office psychotherapy" in that, in an office, the person's mind is primarily engaged without having to connect the mind with physical movements of the body. This approach is more effective in linking behavior to the mind. The person experiences what happens in his/her body versus just talking about his/her experience.
Opportunities for Personal Growth & Interactive Demonstrations
Experiential activities with our horses help people of all ages to improve self-esteem, build confidence, social skills, communication skills, develop healthy relationships and personal awareness. These activities help people learn to establish reasonable boundaries, earn respect and improve communication!
Therapy teams at Hope-thru-Horses, Inc. specialize in the treatment of post traumatic stress, ADHD, anxiety, anger management, behavior disorders, depression, grief, self-injury and other mental or relationship issues.