FAQs

Are you wondering if NW Hearts United's services are right for you?

Our programs are based on the knowledge that Emotional Regulation brings stress relief, builds inner strength, and is the key to preventing unhealthy coping skills!

What is Emotional Regulation?

Emotional regulation refers to our ability to manage and respond to an emotional experience. The ability to regulate emotions is a core component for healthy functioning.

Emotional regulation can be defined as the ability to identify, understand and accept emotional experiences; control impulsive behaviors when distressed; and flexibly manage emotional experiences as situationally appropriate (i.e., not flying off the handle at home, school or work!)

Low emotion regulation (emotional dysregulation) is associated with addictions / substance use, eating disorders, ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and personality disorders. When behaviors & emotions become persistent sources of distress or lead to self-destructive coping behaviors, it is time to take a step back and mindfully evaluate the manner in which you relate to your emotions.

For example, anxiety disorders are not simply a problem of too much anxiety; instead, one’s strategy and capacity to regulate one’s emotions is what contributes to the development of an anxiety disorder.

Identifying and working on emotional dysregulation is an important component to mental health.

NW Hearts United’s horse and hybrid programs

Therapy and wellness interventions with horses at NW Hearts United utilizes both the physiology and psychology of the horse to heal the physiology and psychology of the human. Our approach gets beyond simply talking about issues and instead participants learn by experience, often reaching positive change more quickly than through traditional therapy approaches.

Much of the therapy takes place on the ground, side-by-side with horses. Horses respond to human behavior honestly and without judgement.

Typically, our services last 4 to 20 weeks with only about 5% of clients requiring continued services.

Significant changes in behavior and symptomology are reported; developing tools to navigate life's challenges, excel in school, communicate needs, and maintain healthy relationships.

Our system of support is consistent and adaptable for a variety of mental health and behavioral issues and many aspects can be implemented with or without interacting with a horse.

Our clients typically are facing challenges in their relationship with others, including parents, children, spouses, and coworkers; and struggling with issues relating to trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression, grief and loss.

Our goal is to help clients discover effective new strategies to manage unhealthy patterns and behaviors.

NW Hearts United is a good fit for those seeking:

Support that gets to core issues quickly and effectively.
Programs for your organization or group that are innovative and effective.

What are the benefits of our signature approach?

Relief of Stress & Anxiety
Gain Clarity & Inner Calm
Enjoy Healthy Relationships
Embrace new possibilities
Feel Empowered
Immediate results as soon as one session

Issues we address:

Youth & Adolescents
Adults
PTSD & Trauma
Anxiety & Depression
Grief & Loss
Family Issues
Team Building

What can I expect?

No horse experience necessary.

All sessions take place with a licensed mental health professional, an equine specialist, and one or more horses.

For individual clients, we recommend a minimum of 8-12 sessions.

Close ongoing communication with parents and caregivers throughout services.

Our foundational certifying organization produced a couple of videos that exemplify and explain more:

What are payment options?

We accept cash, check and credit card. Please call or email our office to connect with someone who can answer your questions about other payment options.

We have scholarships and sliding scale options for those that qualify.

For private insurance, we provide you with the necessary paperwork to be reimbursed directly by your insurance company.

Referrals

Referrals from another professional are not required. If you are a referring professional, inquire about suitability, contact us to connect.

Next Steps

Experience one of our signature emotion regulation exercises for an initial practice on soothing difficult emotions.

Join one of our Skills groups.

Seek therapy.

Individual, couples, and family support available. Groups available as well.

NW Hearts United is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax ID number 46-1803982) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.