Stable Minded Solutions owner Karla Palmer offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Facilitated Learning services in Los Alamos. Courtesy photo
By KARLA PALMER
Owner
Stable Minded Solutions
Mental Health is a hot topic these days. Who needs it. How to find a provider. What kind of therapy might work for YOU. After working in the mental health field for more than a decade, I am excited to announce the availability of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Facilitated Learning services here in Los Alamos County through my business Stable Minded Solutions.
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
A fast growing form of counseling or psychotherapy, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy uses a horse’s natural ability to mirror human behavior and relationships to teach clients about themselves and how they interact with their world. Horses are incapable of being anything other than genuine. They have no hidden motives. They give respect when they are respected and they’re incredible life lesson teachers when it comes to communication, boundaries, and addressing trust issues.
Who can benefit from this service?
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy has been proven effective in treating mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, addiction, and a variety of trauma related diagnoses. Any age appropriate individual interested in trying this modality can use this service. A good number of clients will never sit on a horse and riding or previous horse experience is not a requirement for participation.
What is Equine Facilitated Learning?
Equine Facilitated Learning places more emphasis on horse handling and riding skills in order to help clients improve focus, self-esteem, problem solving, confidence, and other practical skills. The environment is encouraging with an emphasis on clients learning to validate themselves instead of depending on the doubtful validation we all tend to seek from negative sources.
What credentials do clinicians have in order to provide these services?
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with the State of New Mexico. In addition, I am certified by the Board of Equine Interactive Professionals to provide mental health services utilizing equines. My horses are chosen for their personalities and ability to be safe with clients. Each horse has a story not unlike each human has a story. Sharing the stories between horse and human is how the relationship thrives and benefits both!
Looking for Riding Lessons? Try Equine Facilitated Learning instead. Learn emotional regulation, anger management and communication while you learn to ride!
Whether you’re seeking a different sort of therapy or looking for a chance to learn life skills and enjoy the chance to be on horseback, please visit our website at www.StableMindedSolutions.com to learn more about this new service available in Los Alamos County!