Orlando Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine Therapy 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 children and teens, sitting in a chair and talking can feel like the hardest part. Being outdoors with a horse offers a different way to begin.
This is a future service. If you are interested in being contacted when this service becomes available, please reach out with a brief, general message.
The process begins with Jennifer through a consult and, when needed, 1 to 2 in-person sessions first to understand the concern, talk through goals, and decide whether this path makes sense.
Why horses can help in ways an office cannot
For some kids, 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.
That is part of what makes Equine Assisted Psychotherapy worth considering. It gives some children and teens 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 children and teens 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 child 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 children and teens, 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 child can actually feel.
Confidence
Doing something that feels big and real can build courage.
Competence
Children 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
Families usually 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 help their child.
You may be looking into this because
-
ADHD-related challenges are affecting daily life
-
Anxiety or overwhelm take over quickly
-
Something scary or traumatic still feels very present
-
Big feelings are hard to manage at home, at school, or both
-
Self-esteem or self-worth have taken a hit
-
Boundaries are part of the work that needs attention
Some families also ask about Equine Assisted Psychotherapy when
-
Traditional office therapy feels like too much pressure
-
A child or teen opens up more through activity than conversation
-
Confidence needs room to grow
-
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. Start in person with Jennifer
Before horse-based work is considered, Jennifer may begin with 1 to 2 in-person sessions to better understand the concern, talk through goals, and decide whether Equine Assisted Psychotherapy makes sense.
3. Choose the right next step
If this looks like a good fit, Jennifer can talk with you about what comes next. If another path seems more helpful, she can guide you there instead.
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 is to figure out what might actually help and for families to understand what this work is, how it begins, and whether it may be worth exploring.
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 a therapy approach that includes structured work with horses to support things like regulation, confidence, trust, and connection. For some children and teens, it can feel more approachable than a traditional office setting.
No. This is not a live service yet. The first step is to ask about the service through the contact page. Jennifer may begin with 1 to 2 in-person sessions first before deciding whether equine therapy is the right next step.
This may be worth exploring for children or teens dealing with ADHD-related challenges, anxiety, trauma, big feelings, self-esteem concerns, boundary work, or resistance to traditional office therapy.
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 Therapy
If you are wondering whether this could be a better fit for your child, the next step is to reach out through the contact page with a brief, general message.
Jennifer Wisser-Stokes Counseling LLC
1858 N Alafaya Trail, Suite 208, Orlando, FL 32826