Thanks to a nice donation a local agency that deals with mental health issues will be able to expand its equine therapy program. Transitions-Mental Health Association received $2,500 from Central Coast Funds for Children, Transitions announced. With the money, teens from Transition’s Youth Treatment Program or YTP, will have the chance to enter an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Program, operated by Gina Sears, a licensed marriage and family therapist.
The program uses horses and horseback riding as a means of therapy for children under the care of Transitions and reports are that the program is very successful in helping the kids reach their treatment goals much sooner.
“The Equine Therapy Program,” Alley Jenson, program manager said, “has been such a tremendous opportunity for each child who has been able to participate. The kids light up every week they are able to go, share about their horse and teach us what they are learning. I have seen this program support not only the therapeutic process for these kids but also self-esteem, balance and general health and fitness. We are so grateful to be awarded this grant to help continue this program and hope to one day to be able to expand it as an option for all of our clients.” Some 80% of the children (ages 11-18 ½) in the program have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse and over 60% are from low-income families, according to a news release from Transitions. They are unable to cope in their home setting and need recovery and stabilization in an altogether different living structure. Last year 16 teens and pre-teens participated in the program. In the photo, a participant in the equine therapy program rides in Montaña de Oro State Park. Submitted photo.