Counseling Services

Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC) is a process guided by a licensed mental health professional trained to integrate the animal into the human experience to meet agreed upon clinical goals. With the assistance of an equine specialist, the therapy team offers activities, strategies, and interactions to allow the client to recognize dysfunctional behavior patterns, 

build healthy relationships, improve communication, build problem solving skills and develop coping strategies.

Horses provide a unique, real life relational experience. As social creatures craving safety and security with the herd, engaging with horses allows the client to experience relationships without judgment. Equine Assisted Counseling is an opportunity to safely explore the self and experiences past and present with the authentic response of both horse and human.

Horses are curious and social creatures whose trust in each other allows them to survive and thrive. Safety and trust are building blocks of the therapeutic relationship. No previous horse experience is necessary.

Animal assisted counseling is an integration of qualified animals into the therapy process facilitated by a licensed mental health professional.  Our therapy team assists the client in building a safe and trusting relationship with both the animal and the therapist who serve as therapeutic agents of change.  Animals provide humans with both mental and physiological benefits that contribute to a more adaptive, healthy approach to life’s most difficult challenges.

Child centered play therapy focuses on the child's innate ability to grow and heal. It allows the child the freedom to make decisions and choices using their own natural language of play. The therapist is a facilitator tracking and processing with the child , providing an environment where the child feels safe to explore. Child centered play therapy is a means to assist the child with many things including self-esteem, independence, trauma, self-regulation, anxiety, depression, grief, social skills, and other issues they may experience in their world. They may choose to partner with one of our small animals or miniature equines, adding the elements of relationship and empathy-building to this mode of counseling.

Traditional Counseling is a form of talk therapy, but often includes a broad spectrum of techniques and modalities. Unlike other counseling centers, Paws for Reflection Ranch offers alternative settings for traditional counseling. Many clients who opt for the traditional counseling route at the Ranch choose to have their session outside watching the horses graze, sitting under our covered porch, or strolling along the Nature Trail. Even in these sessions, all the benefits of the Ranch are available to the client. Additionally, when the weather is not conducive for outdoor sessions, there are multiple indoor spaces available for traditional counseling to ensure continuation of care. The Ranch offers a welcomed change to the hustle-bustle of everyday life. The natural environment provides an ideal place to break down challenges and quiet the mind.

Christian Counseling is also available at the Ranch. All of the answers to life are contained in God's Word. God provided us with this peaceful ranch setting and all of His wonderful Therapy Animals to help clients find peace, hope and healing. You can feel the Holy Spirit's presence when you first enter the Ranch. All of our other counseling program offerings can be led by a Christian Counselor.