Open Up & Engage

I thought that equine was very helpful for the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) boys.  Many of them struggle with substance use and engage in oppositional behaviors and all of them have problems with mood and/or anxiety. It seems like the horses helped them open up and engage in treatment better. The horses seemed to give them an "excuse" to express some enthusiasm and they seemed to drop some of their defenses and seemed more willing to show their authentic selves. Some of the exercises were challenging and when the kids persevered and succeeded they seemed to feel a sense of pride and there was a definite positive energy. 

​In addition to some of the experiences at the ranch, I felt there was a shift overall in some of the group members and some of them were more inclusive and empathetic with others in the group.  I am very grateful to have had the experiences with equine and I think the boys benefitted immensely from their experiences.  It seems that some of them gained more from the five sessions ​of equine than they did from the months of IOP treatment before starting equine.  

~Russell Bingham, CMHC
Southwest Behavioral Health Center