Horsing around can heal the soul

Horses have traditionally been used for many different purposes - work, show, competition, trail riding, packing, and more. But, for Denise Smith, a licensed clinical social worker who lives on Columbia Avenues, horses are a source of healing, a tool she uses to help the emotionally wounded who come to her for assistance.

"It is hard to explain the special, unique way horses have of healing people from the inside out," said Smith. "Horses seem to mirror people and understand their needs."

Smith, 47, who currently works for Tehama County Mental Health, has been around horses her entire life growing up on a farm in Willows.

She received her Bachelors degree at California State University, Chico, and then went on to earn her Masters as a social worker at Sacramento State University in 2001.

Married to husband Martin Twisselman, and the mother of two grown children, Smith said she has understood what she calls the "magic of horses" every since she was a little girl and has been lucky enough to combine her two loves - horses and helping people.

"I knew when I went into counseling that I would eventually be using horses to help my clients," said Smith. "I now own seven regular size horses that I use to help teens and adults, and seven miniature horses that I use to help children."

She said the healing process for most people seems to happen much quicker when horses are involved, that the duality of touching and brushing the animals seems to have a positive affect.

"For children and adults alike who have been molested, the positive affect of touching and brushing a horse can almost be visible," Smith stated. "I customize the process of using my horses individually for each of my clients, as no two cases are just alike."

Smith explained her program of Equine Assisted Psychotherpy is a unique therapeutic approach that is slowly becoming better known in the world of social work and mental health.

"Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers," said Smith. "I find Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) to be one of the most effective forms of experiential therapy."

She explained the only requirement for her clients when working with her horses is that they dress appropriately - nothing fancy, just jeans, a t-shirt and tennis shoes, and that no riding is involved.

Using her horses, Smith has treated children to adults for behavioral issues, attention deficit disorders, substance abuse, eating disorders, trauma/abuse issues, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems.

"Horses help people learn about boundaries and dealing with obstacles," stated Smith. "I feel they also help people learn respect for themselves and others, trust, confidence and communication."

She said one of the reasons horses seem to work so well is due to their size and power. "This helps people overcome their fears and builds confidence. Horses are naturally intimidating to many people and when they are able to accomplish a task involving the horse, in spite of their fears, it creates wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating issues."

Smith said she has seen firsthand the remarkable affect horses have had on her clients as they struggle with problems, when other more traditional methods haven't worked.

"Horses mirror our body language. A client might complain that the horse is being stubborn and that it doesn't like me. But, then the lesson is learned that if they change themselves, the horse responds differently, reflecting the change in the client," explained Smith.

Smith practices her EAP work at her home where clients are surrounded by more than just horses, but also Smith's array of dogs, cats, and miniature cattle. In these simple surroundings, Smith offers are place of healing. 

Julie Johnson may be contacted at 824-5474 or jjohnson@tcnpress.com.