AM I A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR INCORPORATING EQUINES INTO MY THERAPY JOURNEY?

1. Do you enjoy animals and outdoors?
2. Are you are at least 6 years old (minimum)? 
3. Are you interested in a different approach to therapy?
4. Interested in practicing new coping skills and stress management techniques in real time in the presence of a non-judgemental team of therapists and horses?
5. Looking for new ways to manage stress, depression, process grief and loss?
6. Hoping to Learn and practice new self-care techniques?

MORE ABOUT HAALT THERAPEURTIC CENTER

Currently HAALT offers specially trained program horses, one of which is registered through Pet Partners.  All HAALT program horses are

• Specially selected and trained to work in the therapeutic environment to help people. 
• Cared for to the highest degree possible to ensure their needs are met in the process of helping others. 
• All HAALT program animals are highly valued and are always to be treated with respect.

On occasion hawks, peacocks, turkeys, barn cats, chickens, ducks, fish, owls, or visiting registered therapy dogs may join our session 

schedule an appointment

Samantha Hodges, owner and lead therapist of HAALT Therapeutic Center, PLLC holds a Masters in Social Work and Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling Certificate from UNF, is a PATH Int’l Equine Specialist in Mental Health & Learning (ESMHL), a Pet Partners Evaluator & Handler, and is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).  Samantha has experience working with children and families, adolescents, and adults affected by domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues.  Samantha is passionate about offering a unique space at the farm to foster relationships with animals to promote healing and growth. 

Donna Heffernan, ESMHL ​is passionate about her role as equine specialist because it combines her love for horses with her love for helping others. She began riding as a teenager then hung her boots up to tend to her family and career.  Donna returned to horses at the age of 50 and purchased her heart horse "Dutch."  Donna has over a decade of experience assisting with barn management duties and assisting with beginner riding lessons on a therapeutic farm in North Carolina.  She moved to FL to be closer to her sons and enjoys spending time with her family, Dutch, and of course helping others through her love of horses.  Donna works as the equine specialist during the psychotherapy session to ensure the safety and welfare of the horses. She leads the activities with the horses during our sessions and has a gift for "speaking horse."