Fulshear Treatment to Transition, a residential treatment center for adult women ages 18-24, is evolving the Equine Therapy Program, to align more with our trauma and attachment focus. The equine program consists of seven horses and offers weekly recreational riding, equine assisted psychotherapy groups, and individual equine sessions that are available to all of Fulshear’s clients, if they choose to participate. Fulshear is introducing Natural Lifemanship, a trauma focused equine assisted psychotherapy approach, to be fully implemented over the course of 2020. The program is being very intentional with this transition to Natural Lifemanship from EGALA, so as to uphold the integrity of the current equine program. Molly Freemantle, LMSW and certified equine professional through the Equine Growth and Learning Association (EGALA), has spearheaded this change and managed the equine program for six years.
Nikki Garza, LCSW, and CEO of Fulshear Treatment to Transition, says, “Fulshear is always evolving, and we saw this as an opportunity to further develop the program to address the needs of our clients. I am so grateful for the team at Fulshear and their growth mindset to continue to learn, grow, and push the limits to lead the way.” The principles of Natural Lifemanship align with Fulshear’s beliefs about connection with others and the impact trauma has on healthy attachments. Developed by Tim and Bettina Jobe, Natural Lifemanship is being considered the new standard in equine assisted psychotherapy. Based on scientific and medical research, Natural Lifemanship considers the psychological and physical impact trauma has on brain development. The model views psychological, as well as behavioral disorders, through the lens of trauma. Horses help regulate humans through their physiological and psychological composure, making the relationship between the horse and client foundational for healing.
Fulshear has always involved horses in the therapeutic relationship because horses have the unique ability to mirror, and or react, based on emotions brought in during an interaction with a human. Horses are prey animals and function within a herd, which means that they use their strong emotional sense as a tool to survive in the wild. Their brain stem, the part of the brain responsible for survival, is much larger than other parts of their brain and operates similarly to someone who has experienced trauma or chronic stress. Through this mirroring, clients are invited to look at how they make requests in relationships, seek authentic healthy connections with others, and receive in the moment feedback on which part of the brain is being engaged.
About Fulshear Treatment to Transition
Fulshear Treatment to Transition, founded in 2003 and accredited by the Joint Commission, is located right outside of Houston in Needville, TX and Stafford, TX. Fulshear works with young women ages 18-24 struggling with mental health issues along with accompanying co-occurring disorders, and is known for its development of the Fulshear Adult Attachment Model.