The Provo Daily Herald covered Wasatch Crest’s new equine therapy program. Find an excerpt from the article below.
“Rich McDonald, clinical director for Wasatch Crest Treatment Center, believes horses are intuitive creatures and that they understand just what many of his clients need.
Wasatch Crest, located in Heber City, works mostly with people experiencing addictions of all kinds, but according to McDonald, those addictions are usually coupled with other mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and more.
‘Equine therapy is a great way to address these issues,’ McDonald said. ‘They (the horses) are less intimidating.’
He said when it comes to the clients, the horses help bring peace to their chaotic world.
Wasatch Crest offers an on-the-ground form of equine therapy. There is no riding involved, instead the therapeutic services involve walking, grooming and bridling the horses.
‘This takes therapy out of the office,’ McDonald said.
McDonald is a strong believer in the connection of being outdoors to find quiet peace and inner strength. McDonald said most, if not all, of his clients with addiction, particularly drug addictions, have sought the services of various therapies and therapists before coming to Wasatch Crest.”
