Equine-Assisted
Mental Health Services
How do equine-assisted sessions improve mental health and well-being?
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Encourages emotional awareness and regulation through real-time interaction with horses
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Builds trust, communication, and healthy relationship skills
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Provides a nonjudgmental and experiential environment for healing
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Helps clients process trauma without relying solely on verbal discussion
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Increases confidence, self-esteem, and personal accountability
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Promotes mindfulness and present-moment awareness
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Helps identify patterns in relationships, boundaries, and coping behaviors while learning tools to use in day to day life
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Creates opportunities for problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership development
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Incorporates movement and outdoor environments, which can reduce stress and improve overall well-being
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Eagala specifically uses a ground-based, team approach involving a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and horses—enhancing both safety and clinical effectiveness
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Eagala is internationally recognized with standardized training and ethics guidelines
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Sessions are client-led and solution-focused, allowing clients to discover insights through experience rather than instruction
We are currently accepting new clients!
We provide individual and group sessions in either Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and/or Eagala (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning) for people seeking alternatives to traditional talk therapy.
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Anxiety
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Depression
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PTSD
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ADD/ADHD
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Communication Issues
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Addiction
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Sexual Trauma
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Grief & Bereavement
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Relationship Problems
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Behavioral Issues
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Workplace Challenges
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Low Confidence and Self-esteem
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Leadership
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Team Building
$250 - 60 minute private session
$400 - 60 minute group session (up to 5 people)
Eagala sessions are lead by a licensed mental health professional, a certified equine specialist and the horses.
For more information or to book a session email winterspringsanctuary@gmail.com or
call Nicole Will at 917-808-6367
At Winterspring our mission is to provide equine-assisted services to everyone who can benefit from it. We work to raise money to make sessions available to those who may not have the financial means to participate otherwise. Currently, we are not accepting insurance. Please get in touch and we can discuss cost and payment options. Thank you!
What is Eagala?
The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) model offers a unique and effective approach to mental health treatment. This method incorporates horses as co-facilitators in the therapy process, allowing clients to engage with these animals in a safe and supportive environment. Through structured activities and experiential learning, clients can: explore their emotions, develop coping skills, and gain insights into their personal challenges. EAGALA's focus on the client-horse relationship helps foster trust, self-awareness, and personal growth, making it a tool for healing and transformation.
Trauma informed care
Horses can play a significant role in helping trauma survivors heal. Their gentle nature and intuitive abilities create a safe space for individuals to explore their feelings and experiences. Through equine-assisted therapy, using Eagala, survivors can build trust and develop emotional awareness, fostering resilience and self-confidence. Interacting with horses can also provide a calming effect, allowing individuals to process their trauma in a supportive environment.
Team building and leadership
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) provides a unique approach to team building and leadership development. By interacting with horses in a safe environment, teams can enhance their communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The presence of horses helps individuals to reflect on their behaviors and relationships, fostering a deeper understanding of leadership dynamics. This experiential learning opportunity encourages teams to build trust and strengthen connections, leading to improved performance and cohesion in the workplace.