WHAT IS GROUP THERAPY

Group Therapy is a unique kind of therapy where a group of people who are likely experiencing similar challenges in the period of their lives gets together to share their difficulties which as a result give, and at the same time, receive help from each other. We make sure to maintain a safe environment that is conducive both for sharing and accepting each other where each can grow and trust one another and where each and everyone will feel respected and valued.

Group size is kept small (4-8 people) to provide more connection and support.  

Additionally, it is a "closed group" which means once an 8 week session has started no new members can join the group.  This means your group members will remain the same for the duration of the 8 weeks, allowing for more connectedness, predictability, stability, and communication.

WHAT TO EXPECT
The sessions consist of processing on the certain issues that a member or the group is experiencing, and others will give their feedback and reaction towards the said issue and provide other perspectives, support, or validation. This helps each member understand the issue(s) from a different perspective in order to understand others. This also helps with one's reflection about his/her situation which can then help for insight and personal growth. Half of the group will consist of interactions with horses and fellow peers, and the other half of the group will contain an art activity and processing with peers.

FAQ

Why horses?
Horses are uniquely attuned to their environment and to everyone in it. They are continually assessing leadership and communication skills in the people they encounter, and then respond honestly and without hesitation to that information. For this reason, they are invaluable resources enlightening participants with self-awareness and mindfulness.

Where are the sessions held?

Sessions are conducted at Camp Cheerful. Camp Cheerful is located off of 82/Royalton Road, down from the Strongsville Mall and I-71 exits and runs parallel to the Metroparks..

Address: 15000 Cheerful Lane, Strongsville, OH 44136

Will we ride the horses?
These activities do not involve riding horses and require no prior experience with horses. We work with the horses in a natural setting which offers participants awareness of their thought and behavior patterns and offers an opportunity to explore new ones.

I'm very familiar with horses already. Will I get anything out of this?
Absolutely. These sessions are not based on traditional horsemanship, but rather interacting with the horse in a peaceful and authentic manner. Doing groundwork with the horses is completely different than any other horse interactions.

What happens in an Art & Equine Assisted Activity session?
All sessions take place on the ground (no riding) with certified staff (both MH therapists and Equine therapists accredited in EAGALA and PATH) and one or more horses. Art and equine assisted activities will be selected to align with the specific goals of each group. No two groups are ever alike.

What kind of special training does the staff have?
The groups will be led by Rachel Tomasewski LPCC, LICDC, ATR, CCTP, EMDR of Sarah McKay Counseling and an Equine Specialist from Camp Cheerful. Our equine specialists are trained facilitators through EAGALA, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association and/or PATH, the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship.

I am afraid of horses. Can I still benefit from this type of activity?
Absolutely! Working within our supportive environment, it is your fear that may prove especially effective in breaking through old patterns and revealing important insights. No prior knowledge of horses and/or horsemanship is needed and/or necessary.

What kind of Art experience should I have?
As much or as little experience you have with art is perfect! The art activities are therapeutic in nature and designed for individual expression, emotion regulation, stress reduction, and to build connection within the group.

What if I'm allergic to horses?
Contact us to discuss issues surrounding allergies. In most cases we can work around this so that you have a complete and exciting experience with minimal impact on you!

Does the program operate all year-round? What happens during bad weather?
Activities are held in both our indoor and outdoor facilities, which enable us to work year-round regardless of the weather.

What is the cost to be in a group? Fees and cancellations?
The first half of the group (the first hour) can be run through your insurance and will be run at the time of the session.
The second half of the group (the second hour) is paid to Camp Cheerful and is not covered by insurance. All fees will be collected for Camp Cheerful in full (approximately $40 a session for 8 weeks = $320) prior to the start of each 8 week session (the payment can be made in cash, personal check, or cashier’s check). This fee is used for the use of the facilities, horses, staff, etc. There are no refunds for cancellations and/or missed groups. If you will be absent please provide advance notice if possible.

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably and appropriately for outdoor weather. Any clothing you don’t mind getting dirty as we will be in a sand arena or outdoors. Dressing in layers is highly recommended.  Being in the barn is like being in an outdoor garage.
Closed toe shoes (tennis shoes or boots) and long pants are REQUIRED for participation for safety reasons.

Who should I contact to register or for additional information?

Please contact Rachel Tomasewski at Sarah McKay Counseling (rachelandhopper@gmail.com) to register for a session or to ask any further questions or to register.