Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy
Healing Through Animal Connections
We understand the transformative power of connection when it comes to overcoming the isolation and loneliness that often accompany mental health challenges. That’s why we embrace the animal-bond theory, which forms the foundation of our experiential approach to therapy.
At Hope Farms, individuals are provided with a warm, caring setting where they are able to access a community of support with non-human species such as emus, rabbits, dogs, cats, horses, goats, chickens, ducks, and pigs, just to name a few!
By forging connections with our animal friends, you can discover a renewed sense of purpose, joy, and interconnectedness.
Lisa Helps Clients With
- ADHD
- Anger Management
- Behavioral Issues
- Coping Skills
- Divorce
- Emotional Disturbance
- Family Conflict
- Grief
- Life Transitions
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Relationship Issues
- School Issues
- Self Esteem
- Self-Harming
- Stress
- Suicidal Ideation
Types of Therapy Lisa Offers
- Animal-Assisted Therapy
- Art Therapy
- Attachment-Based
- Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
- Culturally Sensitive
- Experiential Therapy
- Expressive Arts
- Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
- Person-Centered
- Play Therapy
- Sandplay
- Somatic Techniques
- Strength-Based
- Trauma-Focused
Lisa's Training and Certifications
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Trust-Based Relational Intervention
- Motivational Interviewing
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
- Somatic Attachment Therapy
- Animal-Assisted Social Work Certification
- Dual Certified with Equine Growth and Learning Association
- 2-Year Certification as Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher
- Somatic Attachment Therapy Certification
Why Choose Animal-Assisted Psychotherapy?
Animals and nature can provide a powerful form of healing. For some people, animals give a glimpse of hope, a sense of calm, ease and safety, or a sense of connection we all need and deserve. That’s why Lisa believes connecting with the natural world can often be the first step in healing.
Benefits Include
Enhanced Emotional Connection
Animals have an innate ability to connect with us on an emotional level. They provide unconditional love, support, and companionship, creating a safe and nurturing environment for clients to explore their emotions and work through their challenges.
Reduced Anxiety & Stress
Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress levels. The presence of a gentle and non-judgmental animal companion can help individuals feel more relaxed, lowering their defenses and promoting a greater sense of calm during therapy.
Increased Motivation & Engagement
Animal-assisted therapy often increases motivation and engagement in the therapeutic process. The presence of animals can make therapy more enjoyable, encourage participation, and provide a unique source of inspiration and encouragement.
Improved Social Skills
For individuals struggling with social anxiety or communication difficulties, interacting with animals can help develop and strengthen social skills, fostering greater self-confidence and connection with others.
How We Help
We offer a client-centered approach
Everyone’s therapy experience will be unique to them. We use a strengths-based empowerment-focused lens for clients of all ages: children, youth, and adults. Treatment plans are designed depending on a client’s unique needs and interests, often incorporating interactions with animals and the environment, mindfulness, expressive arts, somatic therapy, music, art, play therapy, and more!
Lisa, is highly trained and experienced in various therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Trust-Based Relational Intervention, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and the CAMS Model for suicide intervention.
In addition to these evidence-based techniques, we incorporate animal interactions into our sessions to create a nurturing and supportive environment. By combining expressive arts, movement, play, and nature, we tailor our approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each individual.
Lisa is dual-certified with EAGALA, ensuring a safe and ethical approach to equine-assisted therapy. Furthermore, she holds an Animals and Human Health Certificate from the University of Denver, indicating a comprehensive understanding of the therapeutic benefits animals can offer. Lisa has completed a two-year program to become a certified Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher from the Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Awareness Training Institute, further enhancing her ability to guide clients towards greater self-awareness and emotional well-being.
Get In Touch
Start Your Healing Journey with Hope Farms
Whether you have questions about our services, want to collaborate with us, or simply want to say hello, we value every submission we receive. By filling out the form, you’re taking the first step to building a relationship with us. We promise to respond to you within 24-48 hours.
