Transitions Gets Horse Therapy Grant

San Luis Obispo-based Transitions-Mental Health Association has received $2,500 from Central Coast Funds for Children.
For the third year in a row, teens from Transition’s San Luis Obispo County Youth Treatment Program will have the opportunity to enter an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy program, operated by Gina Sears, licensed marriage and family therapist.
Equine therapy is an experiential treatment approach involving several aspects of horsemanship. Exposure to equine therapy has proved successful and contributed greatly to a young person’s rehabilitation.
“The Equine Therapy Program at YTP has been such a tremendous opportunity for each child who has been able to participate,” said Alley Jensen, program manager. “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 CCFC for recognizing the value of this program, and supporting it for another year.”
Transitions has operated the program for over 30 years. Approximately 80% of the young men and women in the program ages 12- to 18½ have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse and over 60% are from low-income families.
For more information, go online to: www.T-MHA.org or contact Shannon McOuat, community outreach manager, via email at: [email protected].