My Nonprofit Reviews

As a woman Marine Corps veteran with severe PTSD, MST, suicidal ideation, and a history of severe self harm, I have been fortunate to experience the healing that happens through Spring Reins of Life (SRoL).

I attended the Equine therapy programs first through the Women’s Treatment Unit at the Lyons VA on a monthly basis and subsequently through an 8 week program veteran group.

The SRoL equine herd, with the help of facilitators Christianna Capra (CC) and Dr. Maria Katsamanis (Dr. Maria), saved my life. Not figuratively but literally. I would not be alive if it was not for the healing that occurred in this unique psychotherapy environment.

My PTSD symptoms at the time left me feeling anxious, damaged, numb, empty, angry, and suicidal, to name a few. Then I met a horse named Molly. She was the first sentient being who interacted with me because she wanted to, not because she was obligated to. That continued interaction and developing relationship helped to gradually change my perspective to one of “maybe there is something in me that is still good or worthwhile”.

I continued to attend the therapy sessions with the herd and with the help CC and Dr. Maria’s guidance, I began to slowly start to feel for the first time in several years. The suicidal ideation slowing began to go away, my anxiety was gone while I was with the horses, and I was able to feel love for Molly and my 12 year old son again. I started to feel HOPE for the first time in at least 5 years. I cannot explain it exactly but horses are healing creatures. They see you, not your symptoms hiding who you are.

The environment at SRoL is nurturing, laid back, and fun (when appropriate). I was immediately at ease when I arrived, I was never pushed to do anything I was not comfortable with or did not want to do. I had one bad experience horseback riding years prior to attending equine therapy and was absolutely terrified of them. CC was instrumental in explaining the basic rules of interacting with horses in a way that I could understand, feel comfortable, and keep myself safe. I trusted Dr. Maria immediately, inherently understanding that she would never judge me, anything I did, or shared about my past actions or current feelings. I very quickly came to trust CC as well.

What I thought was the end of the road for me, turned out to be the beginning of a very rewarding recovery process. I will forever be grateful that SRoL available when I so desperately need this therapy.

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