SPOTLIGHT
Psychotherapy Incorporating Horses OR MY CO-THERAPIST HAS 4 LEGS
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BY MALAIKA KING ALBRECHT
re you are interested in a rewarding, research-driven approach to healing and personal growth that is not your usual in office or Zoom therapy session? If so, you may be a candidate for counseling incorporating horses. Due to the rewarding benefits, the popularity of incorporating horses into therapy is steadily increasing. Over the past year, Google has seen record numbers of people searching for “equine therapy near me.” Those of us who have pets or have spent time around animals understand the feel-good effect animals can have, but beyond that good feeling, horses are exceptionally well suited for therapeutic work with people. Horses are non-judgmental, sensitive to non-verbal communication, and are social animals just like we are. In addition, horses react to subtle changes in their environment. Locally, Dr. Cheryl Meola has a private practice in Greenville that offers equine assisted services, such as counseling incorporating horses and wellness coaching for stress reduction. After the past year, it is no surprise that she has had a waiting list. To off services at reduced costs for those in need and for veterans and first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for free, she and I co-founded Horses and HEALTH Inc. Both of us are certified therapeutic riding instructors and equine specialists in mental health and learning with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH International). Horses and HEALTH’s purpose is to promote healing
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Her - Magazine
May 2022
