Blog.Media.Impact — H&H Connections

Resilience1220 now has 30 member therapists who are trained in a variety of counseling methods to reach teens and help them navigate mental health challenges. This month we would like to introduce Mallory Nicklas, who works with kids through equine assisted psychotherapy.

Each person has different needs when they seek therapy, and some young people may reach a different level of self-awareness through working with a therapist alongside horses. Equine-assisted psychotherapy can unlock a path toward healing, improved self-esteem, trust and personal growth.

Meet Mallory Nicklas

Mallory Nicklas trained in traditional psychotherapy as well as equine-assisted psychotherapy. She has been around horses most of her life and it came naturally to combine her two passions. She loves pairing her knowledge and experience to help kids see their situations through a different lens. Mallory joined the Mustard Seed Ranch almost two years ago to work with at-risk kids in this unique way. They have three locations in Colorado - in Denver, Douglas County, and in Evergreen.
Their unique program unfolds over the course of 18-20 weeks, during which kids learns with work with horses for 1 1/2 to 2 hours a week in a group setting. Mallory made a point of explaining that most of the activity is on the ground - kids spend very little time riding. Each child can establish a relationship of reciprocal trust and respect with the horse they are paired with. While teaching the kids how to connect with their horse, the therapist also focuses on communication, learning to establish boundaries, compassion, forgiveness, and being fully present. Kids learn to be accountable and to understand the consequences of their actions. As they develop a close connection to 'their' horse, oftentimes the kids become more confident and comfortable expressing themselves and talking about their feelings.

Mallory said that perhaps this is because the kids can be their authentic selves with their horse and not feel judged. For young people who are coming to the program from foster care or difficult home situation, they can develop a reassuring bond with a horse that they have not experienced in the home. They also benefit from developing relationships of trust with the adult volunteers who assist in the program.

Mallory and Mustard Seed Ranch connected with Heather Aberg and learned about Resilience1220 and wanted to be able to work with kids in the mountain area. Two Resilience clients participated last year, and several more will be part of programs which will be starting this summer or early fall.

Mustard Seed Ranch began their program in California and expanded to Colorado. Their model was developed primarily to work with young people who had suffered trauma, but they have expanded their work to connect with young people in other situations as well. Mustard Seed Ranch greatly appreciates the support of Gail Sharp, who provides her property and horses in Evergreen, and the volunteers that give so much to the program.