Mental Health Services

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy

For those seeking a powerful and transformative approach to healing, Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) offers a unique way to connect with emotions and foster personal growth. We partner with licensed and credentialed mental health professionals and facilitators, alongside horses, to help individuals, families, and groups address a wide range of mental health challenges.

Our sessions are designed to support those dealing with issues like trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, burnout, and relationship difficulties. EAP is also especially effective for those feeling “stuck” in their progress with conventional therapy, offering a fresh, experiential way to connect with emotions and develop new ways of thinking and behaving.

How Does EAP Work?
Horses are naturally attuned to human emotions and behaviors, offering immediate feedback in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Their sensitivity allows clients to experience and process emotions that may be difficult to access in a traditional therapy setting. In EAP sessions, the focus is less on talking and more on engaging in activities that encourage self-awareness, emotional regulation, and problem-solving.

Through these interactions, clients are given opportunities to observe and reflect on their own behaviors and relationships, practicing new skills in real-time. By working with the horses, clients can break down barriers to therapy, gain insights into their emotional states, and make meaningful changes in how they relate to themselves and others.

EAP Sessions at Haku Baldwin Center

All EAP sessions at Haku Baldwin Center are unmounted—meaning there is no riding involved. Instead, we create ground-based activities that are tailored to the client’s specific treatment goals. These activities foster critical life skills such as trust, communication, boundary-setting, leadership, and teamwork.

Our program is particularly suited for:

  • Individuals dealing with personal challenges or recovering from trauma

  • Families seeking to rebuild trust and communication

  • Groups looking to strengthen teamwork, communication, and leadership skills

  • First Responders and others in high-stress professions, including law enforcement, fire crews, paramedics, and medical and mental health teams

Thanks to our partnership with the Maui Strong Fund by the Hawai’i Community Foundation, EAP services are provided at no cost to fire-impacted residents and first responders affected by the Maui Wildfire Disaster. Services may also be subsidized for other eligible clients.


Why Horses?
Horses are prey animals with a natural ability to sense and respond to human emotions. This heightened sensitivity makes them ideal partners in therapy, as they react to a person’s non-verbal cues, helping to create a mirror that reflects back the client’s emotional state. This unique interaction allows clients to develop self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healthier ways of relating to others.

Working with horses can feel less intimidating than traditional therapy, as the focus is on engaging with the animals and the activities, rather than solely on verbal expression. Horses also provide instant feedback, helping clients learn and practice new behaviors in a supportive and non-judgmental space.

Why Choose Haku Baldwin Center?
As the only program on Maui offering equine-assisted psychotherapy led by a licensed mental health provider, Haku Baldwin Center is committed to providing high-quality, professional support. We adhere to the standards and ethics set by leading organizations in the field, including PATH Intl. and EAGALA, ensuring that clients receive the best possible care.

Our team understands the complexities of trauma, especially in the wake of the recent wildfires. We are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming space where clients can begin to heal, rebuild, and grow.

Confidentiality
We take your privacy seriously. All sessions are private and confidential.

Cost

  • Insurance: HBC does not currently accept insurance.

  • Scholarship: Thanks to our community partners, you may be eligible for free or partially subsidized services.

  • Direct Pay (Individual): $200 per hour

  • Direct Pay (Group Session): $300 for groups of 2-5 people; $400 for groups of 6-10 people

  • Please contact us to inquire about group rates for 11 or more people.

HOW TO APPLY
Complete the inquiry form below.

Additional Forms

Meet the Team

  • Sonja Bigalke-Bannan, MSW, LCSW

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    Sonja joined the team as a licensed mental health provider in January 2024, bringing her expertise to support fire-impacted individuals and families through our equine-assisted psychotherapy program. She is an EAGALA Certified Mental Health and Equine Specialist, an EMDRIA trained EMDR Therapist, and a Certified Harm Reduction Therapist.

    Additionally, Sonja holds OK Corral Certified EAP/EAL and PATH Intl. CTRI credentials. Sonja owns and operates Heart Horses on Oahu and we are thrilled she is able to serve clients across both islands.

  • Chrissy Stout

    Program Director & Equine Specialist

    Since 2009, Chrissy has been dedicated to providing quality Equine Assisted Services to our Maui community. She oversees all aspects of programming and possesses specialized training in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy for PTSD (EAP-PTSD), Equine-Assisted Services for Heroes®, and Equine-Assisted Learning.

    Chrissy's approach underscores the importance of mindfulness for humans and equines, and she holds additional certifications as a HeartMath® Mentor, Children's Mindfulness Coach, and is a Horse Powered Reading® Facilitator.

Mahalo to Our 2023-2024 Community Partners

  • Maui Strong Fund of the Hawai‘i Community Foundation

    COMMUNITY PARTNER

  • Maui United Way

    COMMUNITY PARTNER

  • TherapyNotes

    SOFTWARE SPONSOR

  • HeartMath® Institute

    COMMUNITY DONOR

  • Eleo Online

    SOFTWARE SPONSOR

  • Contact our team to learn more about becoming a sponsor today

    Email Chrissy Stout