EAGALA

The Global Standard for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Personal Development

Are you looking for something different than traditional office-based talk therapy? The EAGALA model is a unique counseling option that requires a mental health professional and a horse specialist working together to structure emotionally safe, experiential sessions with horses. EAGALA is effective for youth and adults of all abilities addressing a wide range of issues including: grief, trauma, substance abuse, relational conflict, depression and anxiety.

The EAGALA model is grounded in 4 key principles: 

• TEAM APPROACH – A mental health professional and a qualified horse specialist work together with the client and the horses.
• GROUND BASED – No horseback riding is involved. Instead, effective and deliberate techniques are utilized where the horses and environment become metaphoric in ground based experiences.
• SOLUTION ORIENTED – All individuals can discover the best solutions for themselves when given the opportunity. Experiences allow the individual to explore, problem-solve, discover and overcome challenges.
• CODE OF ETHICS – This approach adheres to high ethical standards for its practice to ensure the highest level of care.

WHY HORSES?

Horses are the perfect partner in therapy because they are highly sensitive and intuitive by nature.  To evade predators, horses have evolved to be extremely sensitive to their environment. They instinctively analyze and react to our body language and other nonverbal cues, therefore providing us with valuable feedback and insights for other areas of our lives.

Horses are large and powerful. It’s hard to ignore their size and presence! Approaching horses helps us reflect how we approach ourselves, our relationships and overwhelming obstacles in our lives.

Horses are social animals with refined roles within a herd. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. They can be stubborn, withdrawn or playful….in other words, they can be a lot like us!

HOW DO I BOOK AN EAGALA SESSION?

We have 4 mental health professionals and one tutor who are EAGALA certified. Their names are: Stacey Adelman M.Ed. Registered Psychologist, Catherine Young, BSW, M.Ed, Deanna Schwindt (M.Ed. practicum student) and Tiara Hogberg MSW practicum student. Our tutor is Joan Helmsing M.Ed. Registered Psychologist.

We ask that if you are new to Joshua Tree, please book an EAGALA INTAKE APPOINTMENT with one of our certified professionals. This appointment will take place in the office and will give us the opportunity to learn more about you so we can plan and prepare EAGALA sessions that will meet your needs. At this session, your clinician will work with you to book your EAGALA sessions in a way that works best for you.

DO YOU OFFER EAGALA GROUPS?

YES! We are excited to offer group sessions. Please stay tuned as all of our groups will be displayed on our website and our social media channels. Online booking will be available. Once registered, the group clinician will contact you to learn more about you to an effective EAGALA program and be planned and prepared.

DO YOU OFFER EAGALA SERVICES FOR CORPORATE GROUPS?

YES! We would love to work with you to create a memorable team building experience. Give us a call and we will work closely with you every step of the way!

WHAT DO I WEAR?

Please dress for the weather as our sessions will be primarily outdoors. We do have access to an indoor arena in each of our locations, however it is still strongly recommended to dress for the weather. Please wear CLOSED TOE shoes and comfortable clothing.