Human-Equine Alliances for Learning - HEAL - is a federally authorized non-profit organization that promotes, supports and studies Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP).  EFP is an experiential therapy in which horses are employed to facilitate emotional growth and learning for humans.  HEAL founder and lead therapist Leigh Shambo, MSW, LMHC has developed the HEAL Model™ of EFP, based on scientifically validated principles from the fields of neuroscience and psychology (human and animal).  The HEAL Model™ teaches core skills for navigating and enhancing relationships, while strengthening autonomy and awareness of self.  The horses are respected as sensitive and intelligent communicators who may guide the process in unique ways!  HEAL promotes through public education, supports with scholarship and program subsidies, and studies EFP efficacy and supporting science.

Programs for personal and family healing with Leigh Shambo, MSW, LMHC

Leigh Shambo is a licensed clinical therapist in private practice based at the HEAL Ranch in Chehalis, WA.  In this natural setting, clients shed stress, connect with innate strengths, and cultivate emotional resilience. Sessions may be held in the office, or clients may choose Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) - working with horses to support therapeutic growth. In addition to EFP, Leigh teaches mindfulness and employs somatic and cognitive-behavioral strategies to help clients ease depression and anxiety, recover from trauma, and grow from surviving to thriving. Leigh works with clients age 5 to 85, including couples, families and groups.

Private therapy sessions may be undertaken to address specific mental health symptoms or problem behaviors, or for support and personal growth in times of change. Brief therapy is effective for some issues while others will benefit from a longer course of sessions. Scheduling and formats can be flexible for out of area participants.  Contact HEAL with your questions or to schedule a session with Leigh Shambo.

Financial & Insurance Policies

Insurance Pre-Screening Form

Insurance Information Form

New Client Information Form

Counseling Disclosure Form

Recent research has indicated HEAL therapy's effectiveness and the HEAL approach  has been widely acclaimed in Shambo's workshops across the US, Canada, and England.  Most workshops and individual sessions take place at the HEAL Ranch, located in Chehalis, WA.  Here, the teachings come alive through guided practice with horses, who respond readily and reliably to the movements of human consciousness.  

HEAL teaches a philosophy of reverence and authenticity and HEAL sessions and workshops are designed to help you practice and apply the philosophy in horsemanship and life. You will notice immediate effects in your sense of self, your relationships, and your life path.

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP)

Horses allow people to experience connection in ways that accelerate healing and build relationship skills.  Clients who choose EFP find horse experiences safe and enlightening.  They are often surprised to discover that EFP aligns naturally with personal therapy goals.   Some clients ride as part of therapy, while others benefit more from non-riding equine activities.  No previous experience with horses is required or needed for EFP to be highly effective. Leigh is a recognized authority in the field of EFP and facilitates courses  world-wide.

What Disorders Benefit from the HEAL EFP Model™?

HEAL EFP PTSD Research

Educational offerings…

Workshops and group programs are available at the HEAL Ranch in Chehalis, WA and at other locations throughout the United States, Canada, and England. Some workshops focus on therapeutic applications while others have a distinctly equestrian focus*.

Continuing Education credits for counselors are available for most of our training programs.

* Workshops focusing on therapeutic applications of the horse-human bond do not require previous experience with horses and no riding is involved.

Self-Development & Professional Facilitator Training

How are EFL and EFP Different?

Equestrian Education - Riding, groundwork & connection for recreation and renewal

Improve your capacity for feel, timing, judgment and awareness-- the components of "spontaneous correct action" in training and riding. 

Invisible Horsemanship clinics help you master the mental and energetic states that are the enlivening "heart" of gentle, creative and effective training.  Leigh Shambo offers expert coaching for developing intuition and energetic vibrancy while practicing  natural training and riding concepts.

HEAL offers state of the art therapeutic instruction to help riders and horses with communication and intuitive understanding.  This approach offers profound growth by working through issues such as fear, loss and grief, or excessive reactivity.  A very healing and calming approach for traumatized riders and horses.

Horsemanship Services Based on the HEAL Model™

Questions? Contact HEAL and Leigh Shambo at leigh@humanequinealliance.org

Copyright © 2007-2010 Leigh Shambo