Restoring Moms

Horses have been used for many therapeutic activities including treatment for traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorders, sensory disorders, and PTSD. This innovative project will help women with issues commonly experienced with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders such as: feelings of detachment from their baby, anxious and/or intrusive thoughts, feelings of incompetence, hopelessness and fear associated with traumatic experiences during the perinatal period. Group members will be observing how their attitudes, emotions and body language affect the horse; while the horse provides immediate, nonjudgmental feedback to them about their behavior. This human-animal interaction can create a space of acceptance, safety and compassion that leads to a deeper self-awareness necessary for healing.

Group Structure: 6 group members (no experience with horses required; no riding). Closed group to new members after group starts. Each session will be 2 ½ hours long and include: 15 minutes – arrival and greeting; 15 minutes – breathing exercises and mindfulness activity; 1 hour – of ground-work activities with horses led by equine specialist; 1 hour – process group about the experiences of the day, facilitated by April Parker, LCSW.