My name is Karla Miller. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in the State of Iowa specializing in trauma, especially with people who have experienced human-to-human maltreatment. I am also certified as an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) through the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship, Int’l (PATH).
For many years, I have wanted to combine my work with horses and my career as a trauma therapist. I have been a volunteer with Miracles in Motion Therapeutic Equestrian Center for about 14 years and have witnessed the power and magic that being in the presence of horses brought to me. I wondered what effect partnering with horses to work with my clients would have.
Horses are uniquely suited to assist clients in being more mindful, present and trusting. Their addition to the therapeutic process can enhance-and sometimes surpass-other forms of therapy.
With the expansion of mental health services at Miracles, I am able to work with horses as partners in assisting clients in addressing issues, including: trust; control; relationships; identity; spirituality; mindfulness; confidence, and agency (the power to affect change).
In addition to my focus (and those of other therapists), there are other Miracles programs developed incorporating horses in assisting children and adults with disabilities. All in all, it is so exciting to be able to offer these services.
If you can, please help fund services by donating whatever you can. It’s so easy. You’re already at my webpage. Just hit the “Donate” button, enter the amount, and voilà! You have become a supporter, getting in at the ground level of these unique and powerful services.
Thank you so, so much! I appreciate you beyond what you could know, and by extension, so do our clients, students, and volunteers.
Loving horse partners and helping people,
Karla
