Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) honors the horse as an active partner in the therapeutic process. The relationship that is built with a horse offers non-judgmental presence and resonance that can facilitates healing.

What to Expect

Equine-facilitated psychotherapy at Modern Thrive Counseling is:

Trauma-informed and clinically grounded

Experiential and relational, rather than riding-based

Collaborative, honoring client pace, consent, and autonomy

Integrated with psychotherapy, supported by a licensed, EFP certified clinician

Sessions may support work around trauma, anxiety, relationship concerns, grief, identity, life transitions, and nervous system regulation.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy: Clinical Approach

The HEAL Model™: Keys to Connection

Our work is guided and developed by the HEAL Model™, created by Leigh Shambo, MSW, LPCC. The H.E.A.L. model emphasizes core relational capacities which Leigh describes as the “Keys to Connection.” This model focuses on building emotional self-regulation and interpersonal regulation—skills essential to healthy relationships, a sense of belonging, and overall life satisfaction. These capacities are particularly important during periods of trauma recovery, heightened stress, and major life transitions.

Clinical Applications

Equine-facilitated psychotherapy using the HEAL Model™ may be beneficial in supporting treatment for:

Trauma-related concerns, including PTSD and complex trauma

Mood disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder*

Anxiety-related concerns, including generalized anxiety and panic symptoms

Dissociative symptoms and dissociative disorders**

* Equine-facilitated psychotherapy may be integrated alongside medication management when clinically indicated.

** In some cases, equine-facilitated psychotherapy may be offered as an adjunct to ongoing therapy with another mental health provider.

Keys to Connection

1. Body-centered awareness

2. The boundaries ARE the relationship

3. The Divided Self – social incongruence and self-judgment, triggers

4. Yin and Yang. Leadership – setting goals – assertiveness with sensitivity

5. The Art of Imagination in creating positive outcomes

6. The Successful Social Brain: Authenticity and acceptance

Meet the EFP Team!

Amy Harvat, LPC, is a psychotherapist and a HEAL-certified Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy & Learning professional. Horses have been a meaningful part of Amy’s life for as long as she can remember, and she has personally experienced the deep healing and grounding they can offer. It is a true honor for her to share this work with clients, inviting healing, connection, and growth through the powerful partnership between horses, therapy, and nature.

Odie is Modern Thrive Counseling’s equine-facilitated therapy partner. A 17-year-old Thoroughbred and retired racehorse (OTTB), Odie brings a gentle curiosity and steady, compassionate presence to his work. He has been thoughtfully trained in the Keys to Connection exercises and offers clients a meaningful, grounding therapeutic experience through his calm awareness and authentic connection.