Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of therapy do you offer?

Katie considers herself a trauma geek, and is passionate about providing integrated, evidence-based trauma modalities including eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions and strategies. If you are interested in hearing it, she would love to tell you all about the neurobiological foundation for trauma healing. Katie takes a holistic approach to treatment planning, working collaboratively with her clients to determine the modality of treatment that will fit them best . 

​

In addition to the traditional therapy offerings at Artemis Behavioral Health, equine-assisted therapy is an added activity that can be an additional feature of your trauma healing journey, with the horse acting as both a soothing partner in the therapy session, and also a catalyst for interesting observations and self-reflection. 

​

Katie values providing a casual and warm environment in which her clients feel safe to be themselves. She works together with her clients to collaborate on a treatment plan that best fits their therapy goals.

What is different about an equine-assisted therapy session vs. a traditional therapy session?

In a traditional therapy session, Katie meets with her clients in her virtual office via telehealth to provide targeted trauma healing strategies. These sessions can occur from the comfort of your home.

​

When an individual participates in equine assisted therapy, the session takes place at the barn, and the horse acts as a collaborator in the healing by helping the client identify reactions they may experience to external stimuli. The horse provides a way for the client to learn about their own reactions by observing how horses interact with them and with the environment. 

How do horses help heal complex trauma?

Horses are naturally prey animals, which means that they survive based on the same “fight or flight” instincts that are often activated when an individual experiences a traumatic event. By observing and learning about how horses react and respond to their environment, it can help a client understand their own reactions and also consider alternative perspectives for how to respond.

​

Spending time with horses can also ease anxiety related to thinking about or processing your traumatic experiences through their naturally soothing presence.

Will I get to ride the horses during my therapy session?

Although some types of equine therapy involve mounted activities, equine assisted psychotherapy at Artemis Behavioral Health takes place through ground activities such as grooming, walking with, leading, and observing the horses. This allows the client to remain focused on their trauma healing without the added element of risk that riding presents. 

How will you keep me safe?

Prior to your first equine-assisted therapy session, Katie will review safety guidelines with you. She will go over the safe way to handle and be around horses, and the do’s and don’ts of spending time at the barn. If at any time you feel nervous or uncomfortable, you are welcome to let Katie know and she will help you decide what level of activity with the horses will help you stay within your body’s window of tolerance. You will never be expected to handle or spend time with the horses alone.

Is equine-assisted therapy covered by my insurance?

Yes, equine assisted therapy sessions are billed to your insurance plan in the same way a traditional individual therapy session would be. 

How much does it cost if I don’t have health insurance or if you’re out-of-network for my plan?

$150 per hour long equine-assisted therapy session

Is any horse experience necessary to participate?

No horse experience is required! If you’ve never handled horses and you are just interested in the experience of spending time with a horse as part of your healing process, Katie will manage all aspects of handling the horse, so you can enjoy observing and spending time with the horse. 

​

Are you a seasoned horse person? You can discuss some options with Katie that involve some ground activities with the horse that involve the horse in a more active way with your healing (i.e. spending time with the horse at liberty, with Katie’s support)