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 licensed clinicians trained in equine-assisted methods.
During each session, a licensed therapist—clinical staff such as Victoria Lunacek, Makenna Wheeler, and others—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.
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 licensed clinicians 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 — there is 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 licensed therapist 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. We also provide services across Naperville, Oswego, Aurora, Plainfield, Montgomery, Bolingbrook, DuPage County, Kendall County, and the greater Chicagoland area.
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.
