In this heart-centered and insight-rich interview, Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss—licensed therapist, transpersonal psychologist, and founder of Eudaemonia Equine Connections, Inc.®—offers a rare glimpse into the transformative role horses play in mental health. Speaking with friend and colleague Dr. Dulce Garcia-Morman, she explores the nuanced differences between traditional talk therapy and equine-assisted services (EAS) approaches, especially in supporting trauma recovery, PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Listeners will discover how horses accelerate trust and healing through their silent, somatic presence, allowing clients to bypass the verbal masks often worn in human relationships. Dr. Rebecca explains why equine therapy is so powerful for veterans, at-risk youth, and individuals with complex trauma—shedding light on attachment, shame, dissociation, and the nervous system.

With grounded clarity and deep empathy, Dr. Rebecca also shares her emotional story of losing her beloved therapy horse “Dancer,” and the unexpected spiritual bond that followed with “Autumn,” a golden flaxen-mane mare who now carries forward the healing mission. Through this connection, Dr. Rebecca found not only personal solace but renewed purpose—and current hopes to raise enough through the “Seen Through Horses Campaign” to make Autumn’s care permanent.

This video interview was originally recorded for Dr. Dulce Garcia-Morman’s author submission to The Eden Magazine’s May 2024 edition—a feature exploring equine-assisted mental health through the lens of lived experience, therapeutic insight, and healing connection with horses.

View the full magazine and article, “An Ecology of Ideas” (pp. 62–65): https://theedenmagazine.com/magazine/may-2024-gene-baur

Narrated by Dr. Rebecca, this episode advocates for suicide prevention and addiction recovery, demonstrating the profound hope and healing that can emerge between humans and horses. It highlights the strength that comes from vulnerability and the importance of sharing our stories with others.

Please Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe to support this episode and the podcast show.

September Suicide Awareness and Addiction Recovery Month

September is dedicated to raising awareness about the profound impact of suicide, the urgent need for prevention, and the importance of supporting addiction recovery. This month brings us together to acknowledge the struggles faced by those affected by suicide and addiction, break the silence and stigma surrounding mental health, and encourage open, honest conversations. The importance of awareness cannot be overstated. Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy, and yet it is preventable. Together as a community, we can help those in crisis feel seen, heard, and valued by fostering a culture of understanding, compassion, and support.

The Power of Sharing and Healing

This episode is a powerful reminder that sharing our trauma stories can be an essential part of the healing process. The women featured demonstrate that we don’t have to be ashamed or feel alone in our struggles—there is strength in being seen and heard.

As we reflect on these stories, we recognize the unique and transformative power of the horse-human connection in trauma healing and recovery. The deep, intuitive bond between a person and a horse offers a pathway to profound emotional and psychological healing.

Testimonials and Resources

In this episode, we share testimonials from individuals who have experienced the healing power of horses and the hope, wellness, and recovery they provide.

During this month, we also emphasize the availability of crucial support and resources. Whether through therapy, helplines, community programs, or simply reaching out to someone you trust, help is always within reach. If you or someone you know is struggling, remember you are not alone, and that hope and healing are possible.

Remember: It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to offer it. Together, we can create a world where every person feels the support they need to carry on.

Support Our Cause

Awareness, prevention, recovery, and support thrive through community—just as our clients thrive through their bond with horses. In addition to raising awareness, we strive to reduce the stigma and shame associated with mental health issues and substance use. A crucial part of healing and recovery is the strength that comes with the vulnerability of sharing our trauma stories with our community.

We cannot succeed in our mission alone. Please consider supporting our September 2024 GoFundMe fundraiser, “Horses for Hope: Fund Life-Saving Mental Health Services”: https://gofund.me/4547f8bc

Any amount helps, and your contribution will provide vital resources for our participants and community members in need.

From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support, your compassion, and your commitment to making a difference. Let’s connect to protect—together, we are creating a brighter, more hopeful future.

Guest bio

Blair McKissock Ph.D., CTRS began as a Recreation Therapist 25 years ago specializing in adventure therapy and animal-assisted therapy in mental health. Equine-assisted learning quickly became her preferred intervention. She earned certifications as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and Equine Specialist (ESMHL) while training with many specialists in the field of equine-assisted services. She holds a Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in Applied EcoPsychology studying the impact of equine-assisted work on those with trauma. She also holds certifications as a yoga teacher trainer, wellness coach, and a trauma specialist that all contribute to her practice and Breath Body Brain. Blair currently serves as the Director of Education at Strides to Success where she partners with Debbie Anderson to provide consulting, professional education workshops, online courses, and resources in equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding. Her research has been published in peer-reviewed publications and textbooks supporting the efficacy of equine-assisted work as a mainstream intervention option for learning and therapy. She is a passionate international speaker and advocate for the benefits of the human connection with nature, specifically equine interaction. She is very active with PATH Int’l supporting the development of professional competencies and educational opportunities in equine-assisted learning.

Learn more: https://stridestosuccess.org