Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Where neuroscience meets nature—and healing begins.
At The Oaks, we understand that healing doesn’t always happen in a chair—and words aren’t always enough. That’s why we’re honored to offer Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy—a trauma-informed, brain-based, and experientially rich therapy that leverages the healing power of horses to help clients restore emotional balance, rewire the brain, and reconnect with their true sense of self.
Why Horses?
Horses are prey animals—meaning they are acutely attuned to nonverbal signals, emotional energy, and environmental cues. This makes them exceptionally skilled at reflecting what’s happening in a person’s inner world. Unlike humans, horses respond with no judgment, only presence. That alone can be profoundly therapeutic.
Neuroscience shows us that trauma and chronic stress live in the body, disrupting the autonomic nervous system and altering how the brain processes information. Healing requires more than insight—it requires regulation, rhythm, and relational safety. Interactions with horses provide all three.
Through equine-assisted therapy, clients experience:
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Regulation of the nervous system (via co-regulation... heart rate synchronization...centering)
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Increased emotional awareness and relational connection
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Decreased symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD
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Improved confidence, boundaries, and trust-building skills
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Integration of somatic and cognitive healing practices
This approach is especially impactful for those navigating:
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Trauma or abuse
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Anxiety and emotional dysregulation
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Attachment wounds
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Grief and loss
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Burnout or compassion fatigue
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Social and relational challenges
Meet Our Counselor
“I believe healing comes from being truly seen and felt—not just through words, but through presence. Horses offer that in a unique and powerful way.”
Tori Truhe, MA, LCMHCA
Trauma-Informed Clinician. Lifelong Horse Lover.
Clients participating in equine therapy at The Oaks will work with Tori Truhe, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate who combines her expertise in brain-based therapy with her lifelong connection to horses.
Tori brings a unique blend of passion and professional training to her work. A graduate of Liberty University with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Tori has supported clients in individual, school, and group settings, always centering her work on restoration, identity, and worth.
What sets her apart is her decades-long connection to horses. Tori has volunteered regularly at HorsePOWER Therapeutic Learning Center in High Point and deeply understands both the power and the nuance of equine interactions. Her ability to bridge her clinical skills with her equestrian knowledge allows clients to engage in deeply attuned, healing experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Whether working through trauma, rebuilding self-esteem, or learning new patterns of connection, Tori is committed to walking alongside clients as they rediscover their strength—often through the quiet presence of a horse.
A Natural Extension of Our Wellness Model
Equine therapy at The Oaks is not a standalone service—it’s fully integrated into our whole-person wellness approach. Sessions are crafted to support each client's goals while honoring the brain, body, and spirit in a gentle, grounded way.
Sessions are offered in partnership with HorsePOWER Therapeutic Learning Center in High Point, NC, a trusted and accredited facility known for its excellence in therapeutic horsemanship.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Whether you’re a parent exploring options for your teen, or an adult ready to begin a new chapter of healing—equine therapy may be the breakthrough you’ve been looking for.
Call us directly at 336-338-9291 or
Let’s walk the healing path—together.