Our “Why”
Within RANGE:
Equine Assisted Programs to support well-being
A Within RANGE client:
is motivated to make changes with equine support
does not require custody or forensic evaluations, court mandated treatment, have a violent offense history, Megan’s Law, or animal cruelty. See FAQ
The Strategy:
Within RANGE provides the framework as clients explore meaning from adverse life events.
How? By applying new skill-sets through animal constructive feedback . You learn how to restructure thoughts, connect feelings, and change behaviors so new ways of thinking, feeling, and doing become adaptive.
Experience a change within you.
Take charge with a consultation to make an informed decision.
Set Your Sights Within RANGE
You are now Within RANGE to explore a pathway forward supported by animals to heal, strengthen, and move onward.
Dr. Mel, Wally, horses and mini-donkeys are standing-by for your journey.
Equine Assisted Therapy and Learning Programs
for Every Season of Life
Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA)
Horses are large, social, highly intelligent, prey animals with fine-tuned environmental sensitivity, which helps them evade predators. Horses respond to our body language and nonverbal cues that help people see and learn about themselves through interactions. Horses become metaphors (symbols) helping explore solutions and insight from learning.
EAGALA: a ground based (no riding) approach. No prior horse experience needed. The EAGALA team includes a Mental Health Professional, a Equine Specialist, and horses. The team creates an emotionally and physically safe atmosphere, which becomes a place where clients explore solutions and learn through interactions.
The horses play out the clients’ stories and the stories shift in real time. The shift is often seen and felt.
Military and Vets can receive EAGALA via grants at STAT®
EAGALA photos by Richard Meade photography
O.K. Corral Series:
Equine Psychotherapy (EAP) and Learning (EAL)
The O.K. Corral Series EAP and EAL model was created by EAGALA founder and Army Veteran Greg Kersten. It is mostly ground-based with some mounted exercises, which is one way it differs from the EAGALA model. The O.K. Corral team: Mental Health Professional, horses, and a certified Equine Specialist.
Click here to learn about O.K. Corral “Red” Series.
Military and Vets can receive EAGALA via grants at STAT®
Theoretical Orientation
Eclectic: 17 years of clinical practice in psychology are drawn from Cognitive-Behavioral and Existential theories, which promote change and help discover strengths and purpose
Evidence-Based Therapies:
Cognitive-Behavioral (e.g., thoughts-feelings-behaviors)
Experiential (e.g., expressive activities with animals)
Existential (e.g., What is my purpose?)
Equines have a powerful and yet subtle way of inviting us to see our greatest challenges from their perspective and offer opportunities for insight. It’s a benefit from horsing around!
Want to Know More About Therapy?
The American Psychological Association (APA) has an article all about it
What is Evidence-Based Practice of Psychology?
Clinical expertise is informed by research and honoring each client’s:
culture
individual characteristics
personal preferences