Business Details
Equine-Assisted Mental Health Therapy in Cave Creek
Founded to address the need for clinically focused therapy incorporating equine components, we specialize in empirically-based mental health counseling that leverages the unique benefits of horse-human connections. Our team of licensed professionals and equine specialists delivers trauma-informed care for clients with PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and addiction, utilizing evidence-based modalities like Equine-Assisted EMDR. With over six years of collaboration with top recovery groups, we provide stabilization support and outdoor therapeutic experiences that extend treatment outcomes.Our horses receive specialized care including massage therapy and veterinary support, ensuring their well-being as therapy partners. We serve individuals, families, and groups through both inpatient and outpatient programs, combining clinical expertise with nature-based interventions to create lasting positive change.
Services
Equine-Assisted EMDR
Trauma Counseling
Family Therapy
Equine Assisted Learning
Team Building Programs
Stabilization Support
Inpatient Recovery Groups
Outpatient Recovery Groups
Horsemanship Education
Corporate Events
Highlights and features
- We offer EMDRIA-certified Equine-Assisted EMDR therapy
- Our team includes PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructors
- Specialized trauma treatment for complex PTSD and addiction recovery
- Horses receive advanced wellness care including PEMF therapy
- Proven outcomes working with top Valley recovery groups
Associations and certifications
- EMDRIA
- PATH International
What people say
Life-changing impact
Made all the difference
Fell in love with therapy
Profound emotional growth
Successful recovery journey
Services
Equine-Assisted EMDR
Our Equine-Assisted EMDR combines Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing with equine interaction to treat trauma and PTSD. The horses' natural attunement creates safe environments for processing distressing memories while licensed therapists guide 8-phase EMDR protocols. This evidence-based approach helps clients develop new adaptive coping strategies applicable to daily life challenges.
Trauma Counseling
Specialized trauma counseling addresses complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression through clinically-based modalities. Our licensed counselors use empirically validated techniques to help clients understand dissociation patterns and develop grounding techniques. The equine environment enhances traditional talk therapy by providing real-time behavioral feedback and somatic awareness opportunities.
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine Assisted Learning programs teach horsemanship skills while exploring horse behavior and communication. Clients work one-on-one with equine specialists to develop trust-building techniques and nonverbal communication skills. These sessions focus on relationship-building principles applicable to personal and professional interactions through practical horse handling experiences.
Team Building Programs
Our team building programs use equine interactions to develop leadership and communication skills. Participants learn herd dynamics principles applicable to workplace relationships through guided activities with horses. Corporate teams receive personalized feedback on group dynamics while developing practical strategies for improving workplace collaboration and conflict resolution.
Stabilization Support
Stabilization support services complement traditional treatment programs through equine-assisted interventions. We help clients develop grounding techniques and emotional regulation skills during recovery phases. Our programs provide transitional support between treatment settings while reinforcing coping strategies learned in clinical environments through structured horse interactions.
People
Ann Wilson
Founder / Licensed Professional Counselor
LPC with master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from University of Phoenix. Specializes in PTSD treatment using EMDR and equine-assisted therapies. Certified in Equilateral Equine-Assisted EMDR and Structural Dissociation Theory integration. 15+ years experience combining clinical expertise with equestrian background.
Kristina Vahe
Equine Specialist
PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructor with 15+ years equine experience. Trained at Meredith Manor with expertise in horse behavior and safety protocols. Manages equine care programs ensuring horses receive specialized wellness treatments. Assists dressage training while supporting client sessions.
Michelle Lannan
Equine Sports Massage Therapist
Certified equine sports massage therapist with internship experience in large animal veterinary care. Trained under Olympic equestrian coaches to develop horse-human communication techniques. Provides therapeutic treatments for program horses while teaching relationship-building principles to clients.
Jordyn McMinn
Licensed Associate Counselor
LAC specializing in emotion-focused therapy and family systems approaches. Certified in EMDR for trauma reprocessing. Integrates equine-assisted techniques to enhance relationship repair and emotional growth. Focuses on creating nonjudgmental spaces for client healing journeys.
Justin Hartline
Equine Specialist
Recovery specialist with 10+ years sobriety experience. Uses personal recovery journey to connect with clients facing addiction challenges. Manages equine care programs while sharing lived experience of equine-assisted healing benefits. Focuses on practical recovery applications through horse interactions.
Questions
What mental health conditions do you treat?
We specialize in PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, and addiction recovery using evidence-based equine-assisted therapies.
How does equine-assisted EMDR work?
Horses provide grounding presence during EMDR's 8-phase protocol, helping clients process trauma while developing new adaptive coping strategies through dual attention stimulation.
Are your therapists licensed?
All clinicians hold Arizona Board of Behavioral Health licenses or work under direct supervision of Licensed Professional Counselors.
What equine care practices do you follow?
Our horses receive massage therapy, PEMF treatments, acupuncture, and specialized veterinary care to ensure their well-being as therapy partners.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept Evernorth (Cigna) insurance and work with Valley recovery groups to provide accessible mental health treatment options.
Can I schedule a session without prior therapy experience?
Yes, our programs welcome all experience levels with horses and therapy. Sessions adapt to individual comfort levels while building trust through gradual interactions.
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