Horse Powered Growth & Learning

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique state-of-the-art approach to conducting psychotherapy and learning using a team of professionals and horses. An effective tool for personal, emotional and behavioral change, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can improve the well-being of individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations. The benefits include improving self-esteem, building confidence, learning social and leadership skills, developing communication skills, enhancing relationships, team building, and promoting self-awareness.

EAP and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is not about learning to ride or horsemanship skills. The experience does not involve riding the horses. Instead, the focus is on learning about yourself and your interactions with others, using the horses as part of the team.

The Programs

▲ Individual, couple and family sessions

▲ “Horse Powered” — an 8 week social skills and self-esteem development group for children and teens

▲ “Taking the Reins” — an 8 week group to learn parenting skills & improve family communication

▲ “Reining It In” – Substance Abuse Recovery Group — an 8 week group which focuses on relationship and life skills for individuals in recovery from substance abuse and dependence

▲ “Hoof Print for Success” — special ized groups sessions designed to meet your organization’s goals and objectives

The Therapists

Alison Johnson, Psy.D. is a Licensed Psychologist (NJ 3292) and Director of Summit Psychological Services, P.A.  The idea for Horse Powered Growth and Learning came from Dr. Johnson’s observation that horses give a unique in-the-moment perspective on problems or issues, providing information about powerful unconscious motives for our reactions and behaviors. At the same time horses provide emotionally safe and non-judgmental feedback, setting the stage for self-exploration and learning. Dr. Johnson is an EAGALA * certified Equine Psychotherapist. She also specializes in the treatment of children, adults, adolescents, addictions, eating disorders, mood disorders and women’s issues.

Sharon Mitchell, MSW has over forty years of professional and recreational experience with horses. An EAGALA * Certified Equine Specialist and NARHA ** Therapeutic Riding Instructor, she developed and manages the therapeutic riding program at Willow Pond Farm and co-founded the Horse Powered Growth and Learning program. Sharon is registered as an Authorized Provider of Services for the NJ Department of Developmental Disabilities. For excellence in the field of social work, she earned national recognition for program design and implementation.

* EAGALA — Equine Assisted Growth & Learning Assoc.

** NARHA — North American Riding for the Handicapped Assoc.

Willow Pond Farm, Longhill, New Jersey