Programs offered by EquiTeam Support Services:
EAP for Children and Adolescents
Through repeated failure and the development of destructive habits, at-risk children and adolescents have lost faith in the possibilities that await them if they are successful in putting their lives together. To accomplish this goal, these individuals must be in a caring environment that promotes their best effort and reinforces personal self-worth, respect, and well being. The establishment of EquiTeam Support Services was a direct response to the growing number of children and adolescents that are experiencing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties in the home, school, and community settings.
EquiTeam Support Services offers the following services for this population:
- Individual Counseling
- Sibling Counseling
- Family Counseling
Upon receipt of the referral, EquiTeam Support Services contacts the family/guardian to schedule an intake appointment. EquiTeam strongly recommends that the child's natural family and/or individuals significant to the child attend the intake appointment in order to obtain a complete and thorough history. At the intake appointment the client will experience a tour of the facility, introduction to all animals, Intake paperwork, and a comprehensive counseling assessment.
Sessions occur weekly and last for approximately 45-50 minutes in length. Length of treatment varies due to individual treatment concerns however the average length of treatment is between 12-16 sessions.
LOOKING FOR A GROUP SETTING? Please contact EquiTeam Support Services to inquire about open groups for your child or adolescent.
EAL for Children on the Autism Spectrum and their Families (Utilizing the Horse Boy Method)
As a result of our ongoing success with EAP/EAL, EquiTeam Support Services is expanding the organization to provide EAL utilizing the Horse Boy Method with children on the autism spectrum. The Horse Boy Method is a cutting edge approach to gaining direct communication with children on the Autism spectrum using the horse as a colleague. It is a three stage process that (1) creates the right environment for the child, (2) addresses sensory issues, which in turn allows for (3) perspective taking and academics to be taught from the saddle; riding with the child. If there is one thing that defines Autism it is the difficulty of relating to the exterior world. The horse can carry a person into the exterior world without resistance and provide a living, breathing environment where information can be easily received and retained. Using EAL together with the Horse Boy Method, it is the focus of EquiTeam Support Services to provide an effective environment to address the following three core behavioral domains of children on the autism spectrum:
- Repetitive behaviors (e.g. compulsive behaviors, unusual attachments to objects, rigid adherence to routines or rituals, and repetitive motor mannerisms such as stereotypies and self-stimulatory behaviors)
- Social deficits (e.g. deficits in reciprocal social interactions, lack of eye contact, diminished ability to carry on a conversation, and impaired daily interaction skill)
- Language abnormalities (e.g. echolalia)
 EquiTeam Support Services was established in 2007 to provide Equine Assisted Psychotherapy/Learning to at risk youth and families in need in York County and surrounding areas. Due to increasing demand for treatment of higher functioning children on the Autism spectrum (Asperger's), as well as referrals for lower functioning Autistic children it became the mission of EquiTeam to create a program to effectively treat all children on the Autism spectrum. To achieve this goal, EquiTeam connected with Rupert Isaacson to implement his "Horse Boy Method" with the already established Equine Assisted Learning program.
The Horse Boy Method was pioneered by Rupert Isaacson, his autistic son Rowan and their Quarter Horse Mare Betsy. In 2007 Rupert, his wife Kristin and Rowan rode across Mongolia together – a journey that became the book and film "The Horse Boy". Since that journey the Horse Boy Method has helped hundreds of families in Central Texas, North America and Europe to find the same incredible results in terms of sensory healing and direct communication with the exterior world.
EquiTeam's goal is to provide an environment in which autism families can find respite from man-made and industrial stimuli – which are known triggers for chronic episodes, seizures and tantrums of an Autistic child. As soon as the Autistic child (or young adult) has relaxed into this environment the horse is introduced.
Once the horse is involved, the sensory work begins in which the child lies body to body with the horse in various positions that calm the nervous system. Following the sensory work the riding part of the treatment begins. In Horse Boy Method the certified back rider is seated in the saddle, with the child in front and uses a combination of the horse's rhythms and rapid response prompting to establish or promote communication. It is from here that teaching of perspective-taking skills and academics (from very basic to really advanced academics, such as fractions, science, geography and general math) can be achieved.
The bottom line is that Horse Boy Method really works. When this is combined with the already proven Equine Assisted Learning model that EquiTeam Support Services currently utilizes, it is clear that the joint program offers limitless success.
It is the vision of EquiTeam to utilize this program in a mobile capacity. Horses will be taken to selected locations on a weekly basis. The sessions will consist of families entering into the friendly environment at agreed upon times. Session times will overlap so that families may interact with each other and create a stronger support network. Additionally, collaborating with different facilities in the York area and Northern Maryland will encourage networking for all parties.
Leadership and Development
Whether it's teambuilding you seek or a specific need you wish to fulfill, this Leadership and Development program is for you. A simple phone call or e-mail will connect you with our Executive Director to schedule a workshop specific to your needs.
Although each Leadership and Development group is unique, the following will occur to establish a plan of action:
EquiTeam Support Services will schedule an appointment with you to discuss specific wants and needs. A thorough assessment will be completed to establish an Equine Assisted Learning program specific to you.
A 1/2 day Leadership and Development workshop or 2-3 1 1/2 hour sessions will be scheduled to meet the needs of your staff.
Following the Leadership and Development workshop/sessions you will receive an assessment of your team's current strengths and weaknesses, and a plan of action tailored to meet your ongoing needs.
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