Equine assisted learning and psychotherapy through Eagala
ABOUT US
Facilty
Stable for Life equine assisted growth and leaning association (EAGALA) facility is nestled on forty-seven acres in the Neelys Bend Community on the bank of Cumberland River and is just minutes from downtown Nashville. Our mission is to use the power of the horses to serve our community through the EAGALA model for equine assisted psychotherapy and learning. Stable for Life was founded in 2017 by Kelli L. Boyd, D.V.M., Ph.D. and EAGALA certified Equine Specialist.
WHO WE ARE
KELLI BOYD DVM, PHD, DACVP
EAGALA CERTIFIED EQUINE SPECIALIST
Kelli L. Boyd is a veterinarian who received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Mississippi State University in 1996 and in 2001, she completed a Ph.D. and pathology residency training at the University of Georgia. She started her career as a Veterinary Pathologist at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital where she worked for eight years. In 2009 she moved to Nashville to join the faculty at Vanderbilt University Medical Center where she is currently a Professor in the Department of Pathology Microbiology and Immunology. She has lived with horses since her parents brought home her first pony when she was eight. Horses have always played a major role in her life so Kelli has sought out a way to share the power of horses with others. EAGALA provides the avenue for Kelli to assist her community. She became certified as an EAGALA equine specialist in 2017 and established Stable for Life.
MENTAL HEALTH PARTNER
Paige Holliman, MEd,LPC/MHSP
Eagala Certified Mental Health Provider
www.stabletransformation.com
THE EAGALA MODEL
Horses helping people
The Eagala Model is a team facilitated approach that includes a licensed, credentialed Mental Health Professional, a certified Equine Specialist, and horses working together to support and guide the client.
The sessions are all on the ground, in an arena, where the horses are free to come and go as they please. They are never ridden. The mental health specialist guides the client through their processing, while the equine specialists ensures safety of the team, horses and humans.
SERVICES
EQUINE ASSISTED LEARNING
Group
We use the EAGALA model to work with teams to build trust, communication skills, and to solidify relationships. Our team sessions can be tailored to meet your specific needs and can be half a day, up to a two-day workshop.
Individual
EAL for individuals is highly specific to the client needs and is focused on developing strategies to achieve life goals. Individual work can be accomplished in ongoing short sessions or through intensive half day to two day sessions.
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Group
Group sessions can range from couples to large families. Because of the social hierarchies and the herd dynamics, horses make excellent partners in sessions which focus on interpersonal relationships, family dynamics, and family trauma.
Individual
EAP using the EAGALA model takes the individual out of the talk therapy session and gives them an opportunity to interact with the horses and create a metaphor for their life and the unique issues that they are facing. The ability to project to the horses allows the individual to define and address the issues in a uniquely safe space.