Coastal Connections: Compassionate Hearts Lincoln offers a new path to healing with horses

This Coastal Connection is sponsored by Baths by Spicer Bros. 

LINCOLN, Del. - A program in Lincoln is offering a way to treat mental health, with the help of horses. At Compassionate Hearts, mental health and healing come with hooves.

This is equine-assisted psychotherapy, where trained horses, licensed therapists and trained staff work together to help people navigate emotional challenges. At the heart of this therapy is the idea that animals, particularly horses, can reflect human behaviors in a way that creates powerful moments of realization and growth.

"It feels a little safer when we put the story on to the horses," said executive director Rosemary Baughman. 

It's a concept that Compassionate Hearts says is hard to describe but is undeniable once you experience it. The group says that many people turn to them because they are more comfortable here than in a traditional counselor's office.

"So we kind of ask the client's perspective and they work through. They work through their own stories just by watching the horses and what their perspective is. Then the mental health professional will ask them questions and bring it back to their lives." said Bekah Baughman.

Therapy sessions can take place outdoors or inside traditional office spaces, depending on a client’s comfort level. In addition to therapy horses, the center is also home to therapy dogs and donkeys. 

Compassionate Hearts is currently offering free consultations and will be hosting a fundraiser on June 28, where CoastTV’s Madeleine Overturf will serve as emcee.