Equine-Assisted Therapy Growing in Maryland
–Strong Local Support for Equine-Assisted Therapy–
July 24, 2018—YORK, PA & COCKEYSVILLE, MD– EquiTeam Support Services announced today that the County of Baltimore, Maryland will provide space for equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) at the Center for Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park in Hunt Valley (“The Ag Center”) to better serve Baltimore County residents. EquiTeam, a nonprofit organization providing therapeutic mental health services in Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland, expands the availability of its offerings through this collaboration.
EquiTeam’s therapeutic mental health services are certified by the global standard EAGALA Model, which creates an interactive experience between horses, therapists and individuals. This fosters close communication that is helpful for working through complex emotions, trauma, and abuse. Issues addressed include addictions, anxiety, behavioral and cognitive challenges, childhood physical and sexual abuse, complex trauma, depression disorganized attachment, dissociative disorders, parent/child conflict, post-traumatic stress, combat trauma, traumatic brain injury, moral injury and military sexual trauma. EquiTeam offers therapy sessions specifically tailored to the needs of each individual or family.
Suzanne Berger, Deputy Director of Human Resources and Equine Programs Manager for Baltimore County, says, “We recognize the importance of supporting EquiTeam’s efforts to make its life-changing program available to at-risk youth, adolescents and adults, families in need and military services personnel. The value of this type of program, especially for military and youth, cannot be overstated.”
Ellie Williams, EquiTeam’s Executive Director, said, “We are excited to partner with The Ag Center to offer clients of all ages access to our distinctive equine therapy programs, which are professionally designed to promote mental health and enhanced well-being.”
Military Program and EquiTeam Operations Supported as Community Steps Forward
In recent months, other supporters have stepped forward to extend EquiTeam’s much-needed mental health services. Williams says, “As we work to fulfill our mission, the need for our services grows, as does the need for support. Donors help us change lives, and we are grateful for their support.”
Funds recently received from EquiTeam’s participation in the May 2018 Give Local York (PA) and an annual donation from the Allegra Knight−Nisha A. Kirk Foundation are greatly appreciated. These donations provide much-needed support for the nonprofit’s effective therapy model, which differs from other equine-assisted models in that the horses are not ridden during sessions.
Donations designated to EquiTeam’s Military Program were recently received from the PA Veteran’s Foundation, the Kinsley Foundation, Harley-Davidson, PNC Bank, Glatfelter Insurance, Mr. & Mrs. Steve Jenson, the Ed Balsavage Foundation and VFW posts 7530, 8638 and 8896. “We appreciate the support as we address the specific needs of our military and members of their families,” concludes Williams, “as we continue to seek funding through grants, foundations, contracts, private donations and donor funds.”
About EquiTeam
EquiTeam Support Services is a nonprofit, outpatient therapy organization providing therapeutic services in South Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland. Its mission is to improve the psychological and emotional health and well-being of individuals, families and groups. Using horses as teacher-guides, certified professionals interact with clients of all ages to foster self-motivation, communication and self-expression. For more information, visit www.equiteam.org.
About The Ag Center
The Center for Maryland Agriculture and Farm Park consolidates many the support services for the agricultural community, promotes the sustainability of the agricultural industry, serves as the educational resource center and field destination for school children and adults, and provides open space benefits of walking and equestrian trail riding.
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CONTACT: Ellie Williams, Executive Director
EquiTeam Support Services
717-309-2873
equiteam@comcast.net
