Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Healing Through Connection: Equine Therapy at The Ridge Maine

At The Ridge Maine, we understand that traditional therapy isn’t always enough for struggling teens. That’s why our Equine-Assisted Therapy program offers something truly special – a powerful combination of therapeutic support and hands-on experience with horses that can reach teens in ways that regular counseling alone often can’t. Our program has become a cornerstone of healing for many families seeking a different path to recovery for their teenagers.

The magic of our program lies in horses’ extraordinary ability to connect with humans, especially teenagers. These gentle giants have a remarkable capacity for emotional attunement, responding honestly to how a person acts and feels. This provides immediate, judgment-free feedback that teens often accept more readily than advice from adults. Through their interactions with horses, we’ve watched countless teens build confidence, develop patience, and learn crucial emotional regulation skills that serve them well beyond their time in our program.

Every aspect of our program is carefully supervised by a team of licensed mental health professionals and certified equine specialists trained in the Natural Lifemanship model. This ensures that your teen’s safety and progress remain our top priorities throughout their journey with us. Our professional staff guides each interaction, helping teens process their experiences and translate their learning into practical life skills.

The daily experience in our program offers meaningful opportunities for growth through both individual and group sessions. During one-on-one time with horses and therapists, teens can process personal challenges at their own pace, building trust and confidence in a safe, supportive environment. Group activities naturally foster teamwork and leadership skills, while also providing valuable opportunities for healthy social interaction and peer support.

Our approach goes far beyond simply spending time with horses. We incorporate purposeful activities that build responsibility and self-awareness. From daily care and grooming to more structur

ed exercises, every interaction is designed to help teens develop patience, focus, and emotional regulation. The physical nature of working with horses provides a constructive outlet for energy while teaching valuable lessons about boundaries and respect.

While horses are at the heart of our animal-assisted therapy program, The Ridge Maine also incorporates other animals in our therapeutic approach. This multi-faceted animal therapy program creates a rich environment where teens can find comfort and learning opportunities through different types of animal interactions. Some teens connect deeply with the quiet presence of a therapy dog, while others find their breakthrough moments while working with our horses. Through their time with our horses and other animals, teens develop practical skills and emotional resilience they can carry forward into their future.

The path to healing looks different for every teen, and we believe in the unique power of equine-assisted therapy to provide a transformative experience. We’ve seen firsthand how the combination of professional therapeutic support and meaningful interaction with horses can help teens discover their strengthsand potential. If you’re seeking a treatment program that offers something beyond traditional therapy, we invite you to contact us to learn more about how our equine therapy program can support your teen’s journey to recovery.

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