Services Offered
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
EAL is a hands on, experimental approach to learning with the use of horses. We offer EAL to individuals ages 10 years and older. EAL is a curriculum driven program that empowers individuals to better understand various life skills, such as team building, communication, problem solving, and so much more. This curriculum is designed as a 12 week program, but can be adjusted to meet the needs of various individuals or groups, so please contact us for further information. Please note that EAL is a non riding program and is offered outdoors, so please dress appropriately.
Individual Counselling
Rural Connections offers the opportunity to seek out counselling services with equine assisted interactions. The individual can participate in various groundwork interactions with the animal throughout the session, such as grooming, walking the horse, etc. The sessions can be guided to focus on a variety of topics, such as mild to moderate anxiety or depression, self-esteem, self-harm, life transitions, relationship concerns, self awareness, behavioural concerns and more. Upon completion of the initial assessment, the social worker and individual seeking services will build a therapy plan to identify the individual's goals. These goals will be continuously reassessed throughout follow up sessions. The sessions are offered outdoors, which provides an opportunity for individuals to experience the mental health benefits of connecting with nature and the therapeutic benefits of working with animals.
Group Work
Rural Connections offers a variety of group work plans, which can include schools, youth groups, corporate organizations, sports teams, and families. The sessions can be designed to meet the needs of the groups and will promote various skills, including team building, communication, overcoming challenges, developing relationships, and more.
Group work may be focused on completing an Equine Assisted Learning exercise, or could be adapted to meet the needs of the different groups. Similar to our other services, group work will be offered outdoors to fully experience a wholistic approach to our physical and mental health. Please contact us to further discuss the desired outcome of the group session.