The cold won’t stop you now. Starting November 1, our equine therapy sessions are held year-round in a climate-controlled indoor space in Batavia, made for people and horses alike.
This is not a heated barn. A heated barn can still sit around 20 degrees in a deep Chicago winter. Ours is a warm indoor space that’s comfortable for you and for Oreo and Cocoa in every season.
We’re the only place in the Chicago area offering indoor, climate-controlled equine therapy. Because our horses are minis and ADA recognized, we can work in indoor spaces large horses can’t.
Batavia session hours: weekdays starting at 3 PM, and Saturdays from 9 AM to 6 PM.
Call (630) 423-6010 to book a session.
Big news, Chicago! Thanks to Dr. Tonya Roberson of Helping Communities Help Themselves, our equine-assisted counseling program is now open year-round in the City of Chicago.
Grand opening: October 15.
Call (630) 423-6010 to book a session with Oreo and Cocoa in Chicago.
Equine-assisted therapy is a clinically supported treatment approach that integrates the therapeutic relationship between humans and horses. Unlike horseback riding lessons or recreational programs, our sessions are designed as ground-based therapy, guided by our clinical team, trained in equine-assisted methods.
During each session, a member of our clinical team, such as Victoria Lunacek, guides safe, therapeutic interactions with horses. Activities may include grooming, observation, leading, and mindfulness-based exercises.
Equine-assisted therapy may be covered by insurance depending on your individual plan. Our team will verify your benefits before sessions begin. Families also have the option to choose self-pay.
Our indoor program is possible because Valley Sheltered Workshop opened its doors to us. VSW provides adults with disabilities real opportunities to learn, work, and belong, and we’re grateful to share their space in Batavia.
These partners have given $500 or more to support our equine program. Thank you for helping our ponies help others.
Our equine therapy sessions are held at a private farm near Naperville. The exact location is provided upon booking to ensure a safe, private, and distraction-free experience.
Starting November 1, sessions are also held year-round in our climate-controlled indoor space at Valley Sheltered Workshop, 325 Main Street, Batavia, IL 60510.
Have questions about equine-assisted therapy? You’re not alone. It’s one of our most unique services. Here’s everything you need to know.
Equine-assisted therapy is a clinically supported treatment approach that integrates the therapeutic relationship between humans and horses. It is not horseback riding lessons or a recreational program. It is structured, goal-oriented therapy guided by our clinical team, trained in equine-assisted methods. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, communication, confidence, and personal growth through safe, intentional interaction with horses.
No prior horse experience is required at all. Our sessions are completely ground-based, with no riding involved. Everything is designed to be safe, trauma-informed, and sensory-friendly regardless of your background with animals.
Equine-assisted therapy is beneficial for children, teens, families, and neurodiverse youth. It can be especially powerful for those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, emotional regulation challenges, social and communication difficulties, family conflict, low self-esteem, and identity development.
Horses are highly intuitive and responsive to human behavior. They provide immediate, nonjudgmental feedback in a way that is uniquely powerful in a therapeutic setting. Working with horses helps clients build confidence, strengthen emotional regulation, practice mindfulness, develop communication and trust, and experience genuine connection without pressure to perform.
Sessions are guided by a member of our clinical team and may include activities like grooming, observation, leading, and mindfulness-based exercises with the horses. Every session is tailored to the client’s specific goals and treatment plan. The focus is always on safety, trust, and emotional growth, not horsemanship skills.
Equine therapy sessions are held at a private farm near Naperville, Illinois. The exact location is provided upon booking to ensure a safe, private, and distraction-free experience. Starting November 1, sessions are also held year-round in our climate-controlled indoor space at Valley Sheltered Workshop, 325 Main Street, Batavia, IL 60510. We also provide services across Naperville, Aurora, Plainfield, Montgomery, Bolingbrook, DuPage County, Kendall County, and the greater Chicagoland area.
At Valley Sheltered Workshop, 325 Main Street, Batavia, IL 60510. Call (630) 423-6010 to book.
Year-round, starting November 1.
No. It’s an indoor space built for people, not a barn, so it stays comfortable for clients and for our miniature horses all year.
Equine-assisted therapy may be covered by insurance depending on your individual plan. Our team will verify your benefits before sessions begin. Families also have the option to choose self-pay. Give us a call at (630) 423-6010 or email us at Contact@transformativegrowth.org and we’ll look into your coverage before you get started.
As a nonprofit, we are committed to making our services as accessible as possible. Cost depends on your insurance coverage and individual situation. Reach out and we’ll walk through your options together. We’ll do everything we can to make it work.
Yes. We provide evaluations and documentation for Emotional Support Animals and Service Animals. If you’re interested in learning how animal-assisted therapy can support your counseling journey or if you need an ESA evaluation, reach out to our team and we’ll walk you through the process.
Give us a call at (630) 423-6010, email us at Contact@transformativegrowth.org, or click Contact Us on this page. Our team will answer your questions, verify your benefits if needed, and get you connected with our equine therapy team. We’re here to make the first step as easy as possible.
