When a veteran returns from service, he or she can be damaged physically, mentally and emotionally.
It's extremely important to get these individuals reconnected to themselves and their loved ones.
Veterans often feel a loss of value and purpose. However, their greatest contribution may lay ahead in life.
The Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) is one organization that provides Horse Inspired Growth and Healing (HIGH) and other therapeutic activities for its PATHH Programs (Progressive and Alternative Therapies for Healing Heroes).
Suzi Landolphi, staff member at BCR, has witnessed firsthand just how healing horses can be for veterans. The energy coming from the horses is so incredible; overpowering in a positive way.
Why are horses such great animals for this type of healing? For one, they believe in teamwork, just like the veterans. They don't want to live alone (or even in a stall). Rather, they prefer to stay together as a way to keep each other safe, also similar to the mentality of veterans.
Suzi says that as humans, we often have "too much brain, not enough heart." The horses set a standard of inter-dependence, not co-dependence. They provide a connection to authenticity and allow the veterans to begin to trust themselves once again.
Listen in as Suzi shares more about what BCR does, as well as why it's so essential we take care of our veterans.
Wednesday, 11 May 2016 12:45
Healing Power of Horses for Veterans
When a veteran returns from service, he or she can be damaged physically, mentally and emotionally.
Additional Info
- Segment Number: 5
- Audio File: naturally_savvy/1619ns3e.mp3
- Featured Speaker: Suzi Landolphi
- Guest Website: Boulder Crest Retreat
- Guest Facebook Account: https://www.facebook.com/BoulderCrestRetreat
- Guest Twitter Account: @BCRforHeroes
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Guest Bio:
For the past two years, Suzi Landolphi has regularly traveled to Boulder Crest Retreat (BCR) to provide Horse Inspired Growth and Healing (HIGH) and other therapeutic activities for the PATHH Programs (Progressive and Alternative Therapies for Healing Heroes).
In January 2016, Suzi made the move from Malibu to Bluemont to be a full time BCR staff member and Lead PATHH Guide. Before coming to Virginia, Suzi was the Clinical Director of a residential, dual diagnosis treatment center and founder of BIG Heart Ranch and Farm, where veterans, families and clients participate in animal-assisted therapy and organic gardening. Suzi has also worked with several national VSO’s and other healing organizations for veterans and their families. Many years ago, Suzi started her own healing journey by participating in a wild horse gentling program, which she continues to provide as a post traumatic growth activity for veterans and organizations such as the EOD Warrior Foundation.
Before becoming a therapist, Suzi received a BA in Theater from Middlebury College and worked as a video and film producer/director. Later, her unique therapeutic work with trauma lead her to being featured on many TV talk shows, including Oprah, and having two books published by Putnam.
Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness is a rural sanctuary that provides free accommodations, recreational and therapeutic activities and programs to help our nation’s military and veteran personnel and their families recover and reconnect during their long journey of healing from physical and invisible wounds of war. The 37-acre retreat is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bluemont, Virginia, just 50 miles west of Washington, D.C. The Retreat is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and is entirely funded through private donations from individuals, foundations and corporations.
For more information about Boulder Crest Retreat, please visit http://www.bouldercrestretreat.org - Length (mins): 10
- Waiver Received: Yes
- Host: Andrea Donsky, RHN and Lisa Davis, MPH
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Naturally Savvy
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