Angel of God Equine Sanctuary
Serenity Center
Equine Assisted Therapy & Learning
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) occurs when people connect with horses and an equine specialist (with or without a licensed counseling professional) in an experiential manner to enhance and promote their emotional and physical healing or learning.
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People of all ages benefit from this highly successful approach to wellness.
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Our mission is to help each of our clients and visitors live a peaceful and fulfilling life while learning how to overcome the challenges that come with daily stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, relational attachment concerns, substance abuse, and neurodiversity.
We strive to provide the most effective support and treatment available in a compassionate and supportive manner. Including horse interaction with personal learning and counseling has been shown to offer many unique benefits, including:
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Setting/environment: A natural treatment setting, often outdoors and in nature, can help facilitate a more relaxing environment for therapy. The setting can also provide additional flexibility in the structure and pacing of the session.
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Touch and movement: The size and large touch surfaces of horses provide functional opportunities for the client to engage with their bodies and senses. Studies have shown that simply being in the presence of a horse reduces the heart rate and brings a sense of calm.
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Relational aspects: A non-human relationship can bring new relational experiences, additional social interactions and sense of support, opportunities for caregiving behaviors, self-awareness, and emotion regulation.
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Experiential engagement: The opportunity to practice and reflect on relational exchanges, to try new behaviors and thoughts, and have new experiences.
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We serve all individuals who desire to improve their mental health and wellness through the healing experience of horses.
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Dr. Judith Horvath, Equine Specialist
Dr. Judy is the founder of AGES and the Equine Specialist. Her specialty is equine learning and therapy. She has completed the PATH training in Mental Health Counseling and is working on the certificate; as well as the EAGAL certification in Mental Health Counseling. Dr. Judy has extensive experience in training, coaching, teaching, and Human Resources at the university doctoral, masters, and bachelor levels for over 35 years.
She is an accomplished manager, director, dean, and chair of business and IT over her impressive career. Presently, she is working on a podcast and blog for AGES as well as a book.
Our Licensed Counseling Associates
Most of us have goals. Sometimes it may feel like “just getting by”, but most of us yearn for something a little more than where we currently stand. And we want to feel better especially in the quiet moments. It may look like climbing out of the pit of addiction, finally putting boundaries on unhealthy relationships or getting personal struggles under control.
As a military career veteran, my experiences have cultivated an insight into human behavior, both in the quiet times and in the height of intensity that few therapist can replicate. Offering online telehealth appt from anywhere in Florida Mon-Thur and Special Equine Assisted therapy services in person.
For therapy to be truly effective in the long term, I like to encourage each client into being the captain of their own goals and I see my role as only to guide you to process your experiences and prioritize your goals. Don’t let my serious expression fool you, I enjoy bringing a sense of humor into our sessions as sometimes life needs humor to process it.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Qualified Supervisor, and Board Certified by the American Board of Clinical Social Work, Heidi brings many years of expertise in mental health and wellness to AGES Serenity Center. Heidi has enjoyed a successful career in mental health programming and clinical intervention serving as the past Clinical Director of the USF Counseling Center, globally recognized as a Certified Radically Open DBT Clinician and Trainer, and founder of Radically Open DBT Tampa private practice.
Heidi discovered her love for horses and helping others simultaneously at the age of 9 while volunteering at a therapeutic horse-riding program for children with mental and physical disabilities. Witnessing and experiencing firsthand the healing power of the horse-human connection, she has continued her work with equines and locally assisted in rehabilitating rescued Thoroughbreds retired from the track to prepare them for new loving homes.
We welcome Heidi to AGES Serenity Center! She is available for equine assisted groups, retreats, events, and private therapeutic sessions.
Rachel Lane, LMHC, MCAP, holds a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Master’s Certified Addiction Professional, National Certified Counselor and Board Certified Life Coach. She also has over 15 years’ experience as a Certified Financial Planner®.
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Rachel first began working with horses therapeutically with a client who bred Arabians south of Denver, CO. She, is a Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) practitioner. Together, they co-led workshops to help empower women after experiencing divorce or other losses. Rachel was amazed at the personal awareness, growth and healing that transpired in the process and has seen Equine Therapy as a natural adjunct to her clinical trauma training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), which is a derivative of EMDR.
Rachel completed training for the Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) through Path International and continues to expand her knowledge in this field.
Rachel's extensive background and expertise in both mental health and professional coaching allows her to help individuals unlock their potential for fully engaging in their lives, careers, and relationships.