Read about Anxiety & EAP
Read about Depression & EAP

Anxiety is often a normal response to stressful situations.

One might experience anxiety during important life events (getting married, moving, new job, starting a family etc...). People of all ages are susceptible to anxious thought patterns. However, when anxiety is affecting one’s daily experience and interfering with one’s life it is important to seek help. 

Symptoms

Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders vary depending on specific diagnosis. They may include the following:

• Chronic, unproductive worry
• Feelings of intense panic
• Frequent fears of losing control
• Ongoing intrusive, distressing thoughts
• Specific phobias of a feared object or situation
• Fear of certain social interactions

“I gained more knowledge of how to handle my thoughts and feelings. I have been able to speak my mind much more clearly.” --Emma C.H.

How is EAP especially helpful for these and similar issues?

Horse Sense of the Carolinas (HSOTC) offers an alternative approach to assisting individuals struggling with anxiety. After the initial intake all sessions are experiential and take place on the farm. This setting provides an opportunity for clients to investigate personal issues in a peaceful and calming natural environment. Horses are large and sometimes intimidating creatures. However, at HSOTC we have a variety of excellent therapy horses and are able to pair horses appropriately with clients based on the individual’s needs and goals. HSOTC has a client-led approach and will support a client’s growth process, encouraging safe, challenging, and rewarding experiences.

What kind of EAP is offered at Horse Sense?

We offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy utilizing the EAGALA model. EAGALA (the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning Association) is an international organization that provides training and certification in this field, as well as establishes standards of practice, ethics, and safety. Learn more about it at EAGALA.org.

“I learned that fear can be overcome by slowly dealing with it in small steady increments.” --J.S

What do I do next?

Call 828-683-7304 to determine if Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is right for you!

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What is Depression?

Mood Disorders, like Depression, are divided into the Depressive Disorders, the Bipolar Disorders, and two other disorders. Each area has specific symptoms, duration, and specifiers that a person must meet in order to be diagnosed. It is “normal” to feel sad, have a change in sleep patterns and in appetite if you have experienced a loss, but it may no longer be considered bereavement if these symptoms have lasted longer than two months, have suicidal thoughts, or symptoms have intensified.

“I learned I’m going to be OK, I’m not lost forever…I have value. I like myself and I want to be back in the middle of life, smiling!"  --L, age 16

Symptoms

Although they can vary, some common symptoms of a Major Depression episode and are present during the same 2-week period are:

• Change in appetite &/or sleep pattern
• Irritability
• Sadness
• Tearfulness
• Feeling of worthlessness
• Diminished ability to concentrate or to think
  

How is EAP especially helpful for this issue?

EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. Participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns. EAP can help address non-verbal communication, expressing feelings, coping skills, cognitive patterns and belief about self, and relationship issues.

What kind of EAP is offered at Horse Sense?

We offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy utilizing the EAGALA model. EAGALA (the Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning Association) is an international organization that provides training and certification in this field, as well as establishes standards of practice, ethics, and safety. Learn more about it at EAGALA.org.

“I am here for a reason. I am important to my family.
I can do things.” –B.A.

What do I do next?

Call 828-683-7304 to determine if Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is right for you!

If you, or someone you know, are having thoughts of suicide, professional help should be sought immediately. Contact your physician or call Western Highlands Network (828-225-2800) for information about providers. Emergency help can be obtained by contacting your local emergency room or calling 911.