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The Equine-Assisted Mental Health & Wellness Experience
for Former Athletes
Welcome to WellEquined, a harmonious blend of therapeutic healing with horses and emotional wellness practices. This immersive, three-day retreat is tailored for former athletes seeking a holistic approach to mental health and wellness. Developed by athlete transition expert, Dr. Dawn Whitaker, the program seamlessly combines equine-assisted psychotherapy and carefully-selected mindfulness practices while fostering a sense of camaraderie among peers who share similar experiences. This comprehensive approach aids in overcoming anxiety, depression, and self-doubt as participants rediscover their confidence and identity outside of sport.
Let WellEquined guide you through your own healing journey to find your peace.
Dr. Dawn Whitaker, EdD, MCM
WellEquined Program Founder
Inspired by years of research in transition from sport and her work with athletes, Dr. Whitaker realized an immediate need for addressing mental health challenges among former athletes, particularly issues such as depression and emotional dysregulation. This realization sparked the creation of WellEquined, a pioneering program that harnesses the transformative power of equine-assisted therapy. WellEquined represents the inaugural initiative of its kind for athletes, marking a groundbreaking approach in mental health and wellness tailored to address the unique mental and emotional challenges that athletes typically encounter after leaving their sport.
Athletes often face challenges in seeking therapy, given factors such as stigma, hypermasculinity, ego, and pride. My goal was to transform the therapy experience into an enjoyable, safe, and relaxing one, creating an environment where they willingly engage while reaping the benefits — ultimately leaving with a heightened sense of calm and emotional control."
- Dr. Dawn Whitaker
What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?
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A unique and alternative approach to mental health treatment, which involves guided interactions between individuals and horses under the supervision of a licensed therapist.
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The innate sensitivity of horses to human emotions and non-verbal cues creates a dynamic therapeutic environment. They are like living biofeedback machines!
For athletes navigating life after sport, this form of therapy offers distinct advantages:
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Facilitates self-reflection, emotional regulation, and the development of coping skills, crucial for navigating identity loss and other uncertainties that may accompany life after sport.
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Supportive outlet for the physical and emotional challenges faced after transition in the bond formed with the horses.
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"Through a natural connection with these intuitive animals, athletes can explore and address their personal challenges, develop emotional resilience, foster healthy coping strategies, and enjoy a more positive adjustment to post-sport life."
- Dr. Dawn Whitaker
Your Core Experience: The Unique Healing Power of Horses
Experience the profound influence of horses on your overall well-being through daily equine-assisted therapy sessions. These majestic creatures possess the remarkable ability to help you regulate your heart rate and soothe your nervous system. Let them guide you through your personal challenges with adjusting to life after sport, in a unique and transformative healing experience.
Your Supplemental Experience: Mindfulness Practices Designed to Support the Benefits of Equine-Assisted Therapy
Elevate your healing journey with thoughtfully chosen wellness practices seamlessly integrated into your days. These mindfulness practices are designed to assist you in processing the emotions that may arise during your equine therapy sessions, amplifying the life-changing benefits you'll experience.
Program Outcomes
The horses are naturally calming; even the donkeys are calming. Afterwards, I felt totally relaxed. I want to come back every week! Now, when I feel myself getting angry, I pull out my phone and look at the photos of my time with the horses. It brings me back to what I was feeling then and it calms me down."
Marquis - Former NFL Player, Cleveland Browns
I found that there were equine-assisted therapy programs for veterans, first responders, and other groups in need, yet there were none tailored specifically for former athletes. My passion became bringing this transformative experience to them, providing an alternative approach to enhance their emotional health and well-being."
- Dr. Dawn Whitaker
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