Current Group Schedule
Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Summer 2021 Tuesdays — 6 weeks — 90 minutes each session
This work is primarily ground based. Very little to no riding will occur.
These groups will support folks working on challenges with symptoms of anxiety and depression, communication and relationships.
A personal history of developmental trauma or PTSD is not a prerequisite for participation.
Our website has extensive detail on the background of our approach and equine work.
July 2021. Groups will start as soon as minimum of 4 paid participants are available.
The next round of groups will start in mid/late August.
- All group sessions co-facilitated by Russell Chamberlain LCSW, CADCIII and Stacie Burgess, certified equine specialist.
- Combined 60 years experience.
- Check the About page on this site for more details.
Location: Zebs Wish Equine Sanctuary
Coed Teens Ages 13-17 4 – 5:30 pm
Participation is voluntary. Clients must be motivated to attend.
Adults Ages 18 & up 6 – 7:30 pm
Cost: $60/session
- $40 Additional cost for 30 minute screening and intake (unless current client).
- Total cost $400
- Note the expense includes cost of facility, horses, a certified equine specialist and licensed mental health therapist. Due to the time and expense of the equine portion of the group process we have less flexibility than typical office or telehealth based work.
- Minimum payment for 3 of the 6 sessions ($180) is required following the intake/screening session one week prior to the first group session.
- Payment for the final 3 sessions ($180) is required before the 3rd session.
Out of network reimbursement is possible. Each participant will receive a superbill invoice with all information needed for coverage. They can choose to submit this to their insurance company. Nothing is unique from a billing perspective about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with groups provided by a licensed mental health therapist.
Enrollment: Send email to russell@lifestreamtherapy.net. Providing:
- client name and age.
- Name, email, phone for person responsible for payment.
- A client portal link will be sent with online access to all intake and information/billing paperwork.
- A screening/intake session time will be scheduled as soon as paperwork completed.
A minimum of 4 paid participants is necessary to start group. A maximum of 8 participants per group.
Provider referrals are welcome. Collaborating with folks in ongoing outpatient therapy can be very helpful to client success.
Note this group is not appropriate for folks currently struggling with SPMI who are not stable with medication support. Also if struggling with Substance Use Disorder it is not acceptable to participate in group process while under the influence. The safety of the horses in particular is important.
Curriculum outline: Note this is a rough overview. Participant goals will dictate week to week content more specifically. Extensive detail, including videos, on all our work including Polyvagal Theory and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is available throughout this website.
- Week 1 Our unconscious protective nervous system response, Why horses?
- Week 2 Keeping myself safe, the impact of trauma on my resilience
- Week 3 Relationships
- Week 4 Emotional Regulation skills
- Week 5 Addressing specific emotional challenges
- Week 6 How to use what I’m learning in the arena the rest of my week
