Orlando Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Orlando
A different kind of therapy when talking feels like too much
Sometimes the best therapy room is not a room at all. For some people, sitting in a chair and talking can feel like the hardest part. Being outdoors with a horse offers a different way to begin.
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Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is now available with Jennifer at Above and Beyond Equestrian. For children, the process begins with a parent session in the office or online, followed by approximately two in-office sessions with the child to understand the concerns, identify goals, and determine whether barn-based EAP is appropriate.
Above and Beyond Equestrian · Mondays and Fridays · $285 per approximately 60-minute session
Why horses can help in ways an office cannot
For people, a traditional office setting feels high-pressure, boring, or simply like the wrong fit. They may shut down when the work feels too direct. They may not know how to explain what is going on inside. They may do much better when there is movement, something to focus on, and less pressure to perform.
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That is part of what makes Equine Assisted Psychotherapy worth considering. It gives some people another way to engage without forcing everything through words first.
Honest feedback
Horses respond to what is happening in real time. That can make emotional and behavioral patterns easier to notice without criticism, shame, or a long explanation.
Lower pressure
When the focus is on the horse, the pressure to talk often eases. Some people open up more naturally when they are moving, doing, and engaged.
Help with regulation in real time
When feelings are too big, the horse often reflects that. When a person slows down, breathes, and settles, the horse often changes too. It can make self-regulation feel more real and easier to understand.
Trust without criticism
Horses offer a steady presence without complicated social expectations. That can help trust and connection feel more reachable.
Something an office cannot recreate
Being outdoors with horses changes the feel of the work. For some people, that difference matters.
Building a sense of “I can do this”
Working safely with a large animal can build something very real. Not just insight, but confidence a person can actually feel.
Confidence
Doing something that feels big and real can build courage.
Competence
People are reminded that they can learn, respond, and handle hard things.
Responsibility and pride
Showing up well with a large animal can create a strong sense of responsibility, pride, and capability.
Reasons families usually ask about this
People often start asking about equine-assisted psychotherapy when office-based therapy does not seem like the best fit, or when they are looking for a more active, less pressured way to work through what is bringing them to therapy.
You may be looking into this because
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ADHD-related challenges are affecting daily life
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Anxiety or overwhelm take over quickly
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Something scary or traumatic still feels very present
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Big feelings are hard to manage at home, at school, or both
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Self-esteem or self-worth have taken a hit
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Boundaries are part of the work that needs attention
Some families also ask about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy when
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Traditional office therapy feels like too much pressure
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Talking feels easier when there is also movement, activity, and interaction with the horse
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Confidence needs room to grow
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Trust and connection feel harder than they should right now
How the process begins
1. ask about the service
The first step is reaching out through the contact page with a brief, general message.
2. Begin with Jennifer
For children, Jennifer begins with a parent session in the office or online, followed by approximately two in-office sessions with the child. This gives her time to understand the concerns, identify goals, and determine whether equine-assisted psychotherapy is appropriate.
3. Choose the right next step
When equine-assisted psychotherapy is appropriate, the work can then transition to the barn at Above and Beyond Equestrian. If another approach makes more sense, Jennifer will talk with you about the next step.
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When care involves a child or teen, parent involvement still matters. Those early conversations help Jennifer understand what has been happening, what everyone has already tried, and what kind of support is most likely to help outside the session too.
Making sure this is the right fit
Jennifer wants this work to begin with care and purpose. Sometimes equine-assisted psychotherapy is the right next step. Sometimes office-based support is the better place to start. The goal here is simply to help people understand what this work is, how it begins, and whether it may be worth exploring.
What Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Can Look Like
Sessions at the barn may include ground-based work, mounted work, connected grooming, equine-assisted activities and interventions, and other ways of interacting and building connection with the horse. Jennifer remains the therapist throughout the process, and an equine specialist is always involved during the equine work.
Before You Come to the Barn
Wear closed-toe shoes. Crocs are not appropriate for barn sessions. Helmets are required for both groundwork and mounted work.
Related support
Child Play Therapy
For children ages 3 to 12 who communicate and process best through play, creativity, and developmentally appropriate support.
Individual Therapy
For teens, young adults, and parents who may need a more direct therapy format, either in person or, in some cases, online.
About Jennifer
Learn more about Jennifer's background, credentials, and the approach behind the practice.
Practice FAQ
Get quick answers about private pay, parent involvement, court boundaries, and getting started.
Services
Explore all of the support services Jennifer offers for children, teens, and families.
Frequently asked questions
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is psychotherapy that incorporates structured interaction with horses as part of the therapeutic work. It may support areas such as emotion regulation, confidence, trust, relationships, and connection while offering a more active alternative to traditional office-based therapy.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy sessions are available on Mondays and Fridays at Above and Beyond Equestrian. Sessions are approximately 60 minutes and are $285.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy may be worth exploring for individuals or families dealing with concerns such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, trauma, emotion regulation, confidence, bullying, relational concerns, homeschool-related challenges, or difficulty engaging in traditional office-based therapy. Jennifer determines appropriateness individually.
Jennifer determines appropriateness individually. Due to insurance requirements, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is not available for children under age 5.
Yes. When care involves a child or teen, parent involvement still matters. The early conversations help shape goals, direction, and support at home.
Yes. Jennifer Wisser-Stokes Counseling LLC is a private-pay, out-of-network practice. Superbills may be provided upon request.
Jennifer can recommend a different starting point, including office-based support, depending on what seems most likely to help.
Ask About Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
If you are wondering whether Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy could be a good fit for you or your family, the next step is to reach out through the contact page with a brief, general message.
Jennifer Wisser-Stokes Counseling LLC
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1858 N Alafaya Trail, Suite 208, Orlando, FL 32826
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