Paws for Reflection Ranch

Partnering with animals
 to heal the mind, body, and spirit.

Animal-Assisted Therapies & Activities

Horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, and other pets will be partners in individualized programs. Clients will receive a combination of physical, psychosocial, educational and motivational benefits.  Everyone can experience the healing power of pets. All ages can enjoy the unconditional love and affection given freely by these 4-legged friends.



Counseling Services - Linda Horne, LPC & Amy Dojahn, LPC

Learn to navigate life's journey with our licensed counseling staff aided by our animal partners.  Benefit from individual counseling sessions where you can explore difficult issues that may be preventing you from fully enjoying life.  We offer traditional counseling in a non-traditional setting, as well as, Equine Assisted Counseling (EAC).


                                         

What is Equine Assisted Counseling?  EAC incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning.  This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviors, and patterns.  The utilization of the horse, a dynamic and powerful living being, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors for the client or group to apply to challenging situations in their own life.  The horse also has the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them.  Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers.

The focus of EAC is not riding or horsemanship.  EAC involves setting up ground activities including the horse which will require the client or group to apply certain skills.  Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem-solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAC.

EAC is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups.  EAC addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs. 

Counseling services are by appointment only and are available for both adolescents and adults. Call the Ranch for more information. 972-775-8966.


HorsePower - a youth-at-risk program

The objective of HorsePower is to empower one to recognize their strengths in an effort to make choices and build relationships that would enable positive decision-making when faced with life's challenges.

Aided by the horses, children will focus on the following in our 4-week session:
     * Learning problem-solving skills
     * Trying out new behaviors and getting feedback from an unbiased Ranch Partner: the horse
     * Developing positive relationships and respect for others
     * Identifying personal strengths and growth areas

Sessions will meet for 2 hours, one day each week for 4 weeks.
Groups of 8 will be divided into 2 age groups: 12-14 years old and 15-18 years old.


A special Parenting program will be offered at the same time as HorsePower.  To improve communication between parent and child, parents will focus on:
     * Communication styles
     * How to talk so your child will listen
     * How to listen so your child will talk
     * Parental self-care

All sessions will be led by Licensed Professional Counselors, assisted by Equine Specialists.  Call the Ranch for more information, 972-775-8966.


    


Horse Medicine for the Soul - Transformational Coach Allison Ingels

Unvresolved health issues?  Can't seem to get well?  Coping with serious illnesses?  The many experiences illness brings can limit your freedom and introduce fear into your life.  As seen on the Veria channel of Dish network, Transformational Coach Allison Ingels will partner with the instinctive and natural wisdom of the horse to assist you in:

     Healing emotional distress surrounding illness and suffering
     Interpreting the language of emotions
     Experiencing the freedom to choose powerfully
     Successfully completing patterns of behavior that may have restricted your freedom of  expression in
              the past
     Gaining access to living each moment to the fullest.

Experience a connection with horses and nature in a way that creates opportunities for you to learn and grow. Horses teach us to become aware of what's going on inside by responding to the messages we are sending out.  In the presence of horses, you will find the freedom to express your true spirit.  Let Allison and her horses guide you through a natural experience to live life to the fullest.  All work is done on the ground - no previous horse experience necessary.  Call 972-775-8966 or email us at pawsforreflection@att.net to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Click on this link to read more about Allison's work featured in the October issue of the Midlothian Now magazine:

http://nowmagazines.com/2009/09/30/a-reflection-of-peace/


                                             

* * NEW PROGRAM
Harmony in the Herd

Harmony in the Herd is an experiential team building program designed with your business in mind.  Move learning out of the office and to the barn where you will experience the incredible results of horse guided learning.  Thru horseplay, you will identify and remove barriers leaving a clear path to the success of your business.  Today's organizations can only function effectively if their people know how to work together productively in high-performance teams.

Why horses?  Horses must know how to effectively communicate and work together, achieving Harmony in the Herd, in order to survive.  Having no egos or hidden agendas, horses are the perfect partners to assist us with goal setting, self-discovery, and problem-solving.  Horses have proven to be incredible teachers of leadership and team work.  Your team will come face-to-face with their personal leadership challenges and will be coached to overcome them.  The changes they make are reflected back instantly in a dramatic and memorable way by the response of the horses.

Contact us today at 972-775-8966 or pawsforreflection@att.net for customized packages and scheduling.

              Pull on your boots and grab your cowboy hat.
                      Let's take your business to the next level!

Youth Summer Day Camps  
                                                                      
We are proud to be part of the movement to bring children back to nature.  Our summer camps teach children kindness to animals, the earth, nature, other people and themselves.  Through experiential learning, guest speakers and guest animals, the children are introduced to a variety of different animal friends. We also explore the many exciting treasures that can be found in our natural environment. Arts and crafts, music, and swimming round out each day.  Bring your child for a unique camp experience!  Check out the calendar for dates and registration details.

  More photos in Photo Gallery. .


 Youth Field Trips                           

Children crave the adventure and enlightenment offered by Mother Nature and animal friends.  Let us plan a program to complement what your students are learning in the classroom.  We'll inlude learning about the types of animals present at the Ranch, hands-on time with the animals, creative arts and crafts, nature walk, music, and more.  We offer a wide variety of activities to choose from and can promise a day filled with fun and adventure.  Activities can be tailored to accommodate most any age group and ability level. Full facilities available for eating lunch.  Call 972-775-8966 to schedule your Ranch experience.

   
Self-Discovery Workshops

Be sure to visit our Calendar page to read about the workshops available each month.  From Meditation Techniques to Natural Horsemanship, we offer a wide variety of topics from which to choose.  We continously look for new topics focusing on Natural Health to introduce to our clients.  If you would like to suggest a topic and/or service provider, please contact us either by phone
972-775-8966 or email at pawsforreflection@att.net.



Business Retreats - Also see Harmony in the Herd

Get away from the office and plan a winning strategy for 2009!  The Ranch is a perfect setting to catch your breath and get your creative juices flowing.  Include some team building activities to get your staff working together.  Plenty of areas indoors and out for meeting with your group.  Full facilities available.  Have lunch catered or bring your own.  Move planning a retreat to the top of your to-do list! Call 972-775-8966 to plan your retreat.


Youth Retreats

Let us help you plan a retreat for your youth group.  Activities can include team building, learning about and experiencing hands-on activities with Ranch animals, arts and crafts, music, and more.  Facilities allow for indoor overnights and meal preparation.  Plenty of areas indoors and out for meeting with your group.  Outdoor movie system available for use.  Give your youth group an experience they'll treasure.  Call 972-775-8966 to begin planning.




Paws for Life

This program targets clients who are currently battling with cancer and those who are cancer survivors.  Allison Ingels, a cancer survivor herself, will be leading the sessions alongside her specially trained horses.  In her heart centered healing practice, Allison assists people moving beyond illness and pain by identifying core issues and healing the residue of upsetting memories, distracting emotions, self-limiting beliefs, and related physical distress.