Step Outside the Therapist’s Office: How Saddled Souls is Changing Mental Health Treatment

Lauren Crocker, the founder of Saddled Souls, is doing her part to change the way mental health treatment is approached. Rather than relying on the traditional therapist’s office, Crocker has found that the great outdoors, surrounded by horses, is a powerful setting for healing. While many may be used to sitting in a therapist’s office, the Saddled Souls approach is a horse of a whole different color.

Saddled Souls, a nonprofit organization based in Clarksville, TN offers equine-assisted therapy to individuals of all ages. Equine therapy, also known as horse therapy or hippotherapy, is a form of therapy that utilizes horses to promote physical, occupational, speech and emotional growth in individuals. According to Crocker and other experts in the field, equine therapy can be incredibly effective for a range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. It can also be invaluable in its ability to bridge communication gaps for children.

What Makes Equine Therapy Beneficial?

Trading therapy couches for saddles, Saddled Soul tailors their sessions to an individual’s specific needs and goals. The experience involves a range of activities such as grooming, leading, or riding horses. It allows those of any skill level to immediately begin interacting with these beautiful animals.

Research has shown that equine therapy can be particularly effective for individuals with PTSD. Veterans who participated in equine therapy experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, while adolescent girls experienced a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. Through caring for horses, learning to lead and halter them, and simply spending time with them, individuals can improve their self-image, empathy, assertiveness, stress tolerance, and impulse control. 

Bringing This Therapy To Those Who Need It Most

Lauren is passionate about making equine therapy accessible to as many people as possible. She believes that horses have an innate ability to mirror our emotions while providing honest, non-judgmental feedback. This makes them powerful partners in the healing process. 

“When you’re working with horses, you’re outside in nature, you’re moving your body, and you’re engaging with a powerful animal,” Crocker says.

One of the main benefits of equine therapy is its ability to provide more meaningful and substantial mental health gains than traditional talk therapy alone. Horses demonstrate the ability to make personal connections with individuals. This connection is why they are fastly becoming one of the most sought after forms of therapy for individuals, family, or groups. They also aid in team-building exercises. Overall, equine therapy provides a unique and effective way for individuals to gain personal insight and improve their mental health.

Through this understanding, Saddled Souls is doing great work in transforming mental health treatment. Individuals are finding new ways to connect with themselves, others, and the world around them. As more people discover the benefits of equine therapy, it is clear that the future of mental health treatment is changing for the better. 

Don’t let mental health challenges hold you back from living your best life. Take the first step towards healing today with equine therapy. You can learn more about this revolutionary treatment and the ways it can help you or those in your life by going to.

About Lauren Crocker

Lauren Crocker is an experienced real estate agent and broker. She specializes in both commercial and residential real estate properties in Montgomery County, TN. She is also the founder of Saddled Souls, a non-profit that specializes in equine-assisted hippotherapy for children. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/SaddledSouls

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