Shadow Mountain Equine Psychotherapy and the return of Angela Hicks, PhD!

Hi everyone! It has certainly been a long time since I have posted. A lot has been going on! Some major changes have happened around here, all for the good! The major news is that the week of June 1, I will begin to offer equine psychotherapy to clients with, and without, eating disorders. I have previously posted on how I see equine psychotherapy being relevant in the treatment of eating disorders, so I will not rehash that.

What is interesting is that there are virtually no equine psychotherapy options in the Salt Lake valley. I'm aware of a couple programs that offer hippotherapy, which is more designed to treat physical disabilities, though I understand some small amount of psychotherapy might be done at these facilities.

I feel strongly about the approach I am using in providing equine facilitated psychotherapy. What is emphasized is the clients' relationship with the horse, and using that connection to help facilitate change. Some other approaches use horses to complete certain tasks, such that the client can learn something. Unfortunately, this can take the client out of relationship with the horse. Therefore, in the approach I am using, the horse will not be forced to do anything other than be a horse. It is very hard to explain the power of equine psychotherapy; it really is something that must be seen.

So, I hope you will all check out my new website: shadowmountainequine.com. I am excited to get this phase of my work started, though my availability will be limited. I am very thankful to Keystone Equestrian Horsepark for their support of this venture. Check them out at keystoneteam.com

The other major change is that Dr. Angela Hicks is returning to part-time work with me! I am very excited about this, and welcome her back with open arms. She is completing her final stage of training to receive her PhD in Counseling Psychology; this will be her second PhD! So, she will have limited availability until the fall, but then will be back full force! Welcome back, Angela!