Testimonials
Hear what our past clients have to say about their experience at Sacred Presence.
Chelsea R.
Past Client
As a Client at The Arbor RTC, I was given the opportunity to participate in Equine Therapy; first, in a group and then one-on-one with a partner horse. My equine therapist Kris was not only knowledgeable but adept at meeting me where I was at in my progress. I got to pick a horse! Galahad. It was in the interaction of building rapport, trust, and feeling comfortable enough myself that I cried for the first time in a long time. As an alcoholic, sure I cried from frustration and anger. This was a guttural release of emotion, connecting to a place that had lain dormant.
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Kris had been working with me for a few weeks. I kept my walls up, fearing vulnerability. It was in my 6th week at The Arbor, having gone through all that The Arbor has to offer, that I lost control in the ring. Kris had been leading me through a Lifemanship session when something in me changed. I cannot pinpoint exactly what. I had been standing beside my horse stroking Galahad’s coat when he bolted.
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Kris asked me what had happened. Sputtering, I reported that I didn’t know. I had felt a jolt of what I can only describe as Alive! “What happened with you?”, pointedly signaling that my equine therapist meant that something had changed within me.
The dam broke. I hadn’t felt this level of vulnerability and safety congruently in years. It was a therapeutic cry as if every wall I had created to self-guard during my ‘dis-ease’ was finally able to dissipate. This was where my entire program took a turn. My horse did not judge me. He sat with me in my pain and joy and reacted when the feelings were too great. I felt understood. Equine Therapy was the modality that cracked my 20-year-built exterior. I feel that this was a major turning point in my Recovery. Through the three months I stayed in RTC, Equine Therapy was one of the penultimate experiences, which allowed me to begin to heal below the surface.
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*Now as a Clinician at The Arbor, I get to work in tandem with the Equine Therapy Department. Knowing how equine therapy touches on relationships in a way that primary therapeutic modalities do not quite reach alone. I can tailor the work I do congruent to that of Equine’s. I know that our Clients are acquiring a life-changing, palpable knowledge of relationships through our horses, our therapists, and their own vulnerability—All of this in the ring at The Arbor.
Tony C.
Past Client
I recently had the opportunity to engage in equine therapy with Kris at The Arbor. It was truly a transformative journey. Initially, I was a bit skeptical about how working with horses could impact my personal life, but this experience reshaped my understanding of relationships, communication, and emotional well-being.
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One of the most significant takeaways from equine therapy was learning how to cultivate healthy relationships. Horses are incredibly intuitive animals; they respond to our energy, body language, and emotions in ways that often mirror our interactions with people. Through this process, I gained a deeper understanding of the importance of setting boundaries, being clear and consistent in communication, and being emotionally present in my relationships. Working with horses taught me to be mindful of the way I engage with others, ensuring that I am offering authenticity and respect, rather than relying on manipulation and control.
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The combination of hands-on work with the horses and insightful guidance from Kris provided me with profound lessons that I now carry into my personal life. Thank you Kris!!
Dan P.
Past Client
Over the course of 90 days, I had the privilege of participating in equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions with Kris and Courtney while undergoing treatment for addiction. This experience was nothing short of transformative.
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From the very first session, I felt a deep connection—not just with the horses, but with myself in ways I hadn't before. Kris and Courtney created a safe, supportive environment that allowed me to explore my emotions, patterns, and responses in real-time. The sessions provided a hands-on, experiential understanding of how my nervous system operates and how addiction has shaped my neurochemistry. More importantly, I learned effective ways to regulate my nervous system, reduce stress, and foster a sense of connection—both with others and within myself.
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Equine-assisted psychotherapy complemented my overall treatment in a way that was both powerful and unique. Through working with the horses, I gained a deeper awareness of my emotions, learned to manage discomfort without seeking escape, and built trust in the process of recovery. The insight and guidance from Kris and Courtney were invaluable, and I truly believe this work played a significant role in my healing journey.
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I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking a deeper, more embodied understanding of themselves. It was an experience I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
Nick E.
Past Client
My experience with the equine therapy program at [Sacred Presence] was nothing short of transformative. When I first arrived at treatment, I was struggling with deep-seated emotions, trust issues, and the weight of my addiction. I never imagined that working with horses would play such a crucial role in my recovery, but it turned out to be one of the most powerful healing experiences of my journey.
The incredible team at [Sacred Presence] guided me through exercises that helped me reconnect with myself in ways I never thought possible. The horses had an uncanny ability to sense my emotions, mirroring my energy and teaching me valuable lessons about patience, boundaries, and self-awareness. They didn’t judge me or expect anything from me—they simply responded to my presence, teaching me how to be present in return.
Through this program, I gained a newfound sense of confidence, emotional regulation, and inner peace. I learned to trust again, not just in others but in myself. The lessons I took from my time with these amazing animals continue to shape my recovery every day. I am forever grateful to [Sacred Presence] and their equine therapy program for giving me an experience that was truly life-changing.
If you’re considering treatment at [Sacred Presence], I can’t recommend their equine therapy program enough. It’s more than just working with horses—it’s a path to healing, growth, and lasting recovery.