Equine Therapy

Teen girls at Sunrise are offered an opportunity to experience Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP). Equine Assisted Therapy at Sunrise is facilitated by a master's level therapist and a highly experienced equine specialist. The therapist has been trained in the facilitation of equine therapy by EAGALA, who provides education, standards, and support to professionals providing these services. Equine Therapy is centered on metaphors. These metaphors mirror real life on many different levels and are used to raise young women's awareness of issues they carry. As individual issues arise within the equine setting the girls have en-vivo opportunities to work through such issues. Equine therapy is an effective modality to learn skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving. It provides a natural setting in which to face fears and increase confidence and self-esteem. Michele Peterson, LCSW, received her certification through EAGALA and runs our equine program.