Episode 151 Incorporating Horses Into Mental Health & Wellbeing Experiences: Interview with Amanda Graham

The Holistic Counseling Podcast

This episode is sponsored by Alma. Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.

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What is Equine Therapy? How can animals play a role in promoting emotional, psychological, and social well-being?

MEET Amanda Graham

Amanda Graham is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and her life journey has not been straight or traditional. Amanda founded Unbridled Way Forward in January 2020, leaving an 8-year position as an executive at Alliance Health, and returning to her mission of providing mental health and well-being services incorporating horses.

She has been incorporating horses into her work for more than 20 years, first in Colorado where she was director of a nonprofit mental health center, and more recently here in Rougemont, North Carolina. She is also a meditation teacher and offers a variety of online and in-person options for organizations and individuals.

Find out more at Unbridled Way Forward and connect with Amanda on Instagram, Facebook

Wayfinding through Grief in the Company of Horses Sun, Sep 24 | Unbridled Way Farm

Herd Meditation At The Farm Sun, Nov. 05 | Unbridled Farm Way

IN THIS PODCAST:

• What is equine therapy? 4:14
• How to integrate horses into meditation 12:53
• What are the benefits of equine therapy? 26:29

What Is Equine Therapy?

• What are the different equine therapies available?
• The importance of understanding your client's needs when integrating horses into therapy
• A look at different ways to use horses in therapy
• Why are horses a unique animal for therapy?

How To Integrate Horses Into Meditation

• What is “Herd Meditation?”
• The benefits of eco-wellness
• Treating clients who have anxiety with horses
• The importance of letting your clients know what to expect

What Are The Benefits Of Equine Therapy?

• How to use client interaction with horses to dig deeper
• Finding creativity when working with horses
• Having a trauma-informed approach for clients as well as the animals

Connect With Me

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The Art of Breath: How to Integrate Breathwork Techniques for Effective Therapy Sessions with Chris McDonald, LCMHCS

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Resources Mentioned And Useful Links:

Find out more at Unbridled Way Forward and connect with Amanda on Instagram, Facebook

Arenas for Change – ARCH

Horses for Mental Health