WHAT WE DO
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
For Military and 1st Responders
Roughly 20 Veterans or active military a day commit suicide nationwide,
according to data from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Veteran suicides account for 18% of all suicides in the United States.
Veterans make up less than 9% of the population.
About 70% of those who took their lives were not regular users of VA services.
First responders are usually the first on the scene to face challenging, dangerous, and draining situations.
They are also the first to reach out to disaster survivors and provide emotional and physical support to them.
These duties, although essential to the entire community, are strenuous to first responders and with time put them at an increased risk of trauma.
We work with first responders to:
- Discuss the challenges encountered during regular duty as well as following disasters.
- Shed more light on the risks and behavioral health consequences
(such as PTS, stress, and depression) of serving as a first responder. - Present steps that can be taken to reduce these risks either on the individual or institutional levels.
We believe Pennsylvania Warhorse will allow active military and 1st responders suffering from PTS and their families to seek the help they need without the stigma of visiting a mental health facility.
We are not “therapists” in the traditional sense of the term – we don’t re-hash the past trauma.
We are willing to discuss any topic if asked.
However, we believe equine-interspecies communication allows for healing using the connections those suffering make with the horses.
Getting Treatment
1st Responders and Military personnel DO NOT need a medical diagnosis to participate in Pennsylvania Warhorse.
We will not inquire about diagnoses.
Pennsylvania Warhorse is available to service members of all ages and from any branch, whether or not they were deployed during service.
Emergency personnel are also accepted, whether having served in the field or a hospital.
Individuals may be a good candidate for treatment if they experience:
- Trouble sleeping
- Nightmares
- Depression or Anxiety
- Issues with anger, drugs/alcohol, sustaining a healthy relationship
- Struggle with adjusting to civilian life
- Post-Traumatic Stress
The inter-species communication methods used have proven effective in helping humans deal with the stress of life’s challenges, build better relationships with their horses and families, and find renewed value in their life.
CO-THERAPY WITH YOUR CURRENT COUNSELOR / THERAPIST
We can coordinate with your current counselor/therapist and provide sessions that compliment your current treatment goals.
Our equine professionals are certified in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy by The OK Corral Series and are trained to work with counselling professionals and collaborate on the best treatment plan. This OK Corral Series does not include riding.
Ask your counselor/therapist about a referral to Pennsylvania Warhorse. Pennsylvania Warhorse and your counselor/therapist will work out insurance billing.
Testimonials
PA Warhorse helped me master my emotions and increased my confidence through basic horsemanship.
Some people choose to meditate when they need to take their mind off things.
Some people choose to fly fish.
I spend time with horses.
-Stephanie R