Equine Assisted Therapy
An experiential, relationship based approach to healing, guided by the Icarus Model.
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This is a non riding therapy.
Areas This Work May Support
Equine-assisted therapy may support individuals in exploring:
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Emotional awareness and regulation
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Stress and nervous system responses
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Relationship patterns and boundaries
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Identity, meaning, and life transitions
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Trauma-informed growth and reflection​
About This Approach
Equine-assisted therapy at Wild Ember is grounded in the Icarus Model, an experiential framework that emphasizes nervous system regulation, relational awareness, and meaning-making through lived experience. Rather than focusing on skill acquisition or behavior change alone, this approach allows insight and healing to emerge through interaction, reflection, and presence.
Sessions are non-riding and occur in a controlled, supportive environment aligned with clinical goals.
Provider-Led & Certified Care
Equine-assisted therapy services are provided exclusively by Ashleigh McDonnell, PMHNP-BC, who is certified in the Icarus Model. This ensures continuity of care, clinical oversight, and thoughtful integration with psychiatric and therapeutic services when appropriate.
Access & Scheduling
Equine-assisted therapy services require a completed virtual evaluation to determine clinical appropriateness. Not all evaluations result in equine-assisted therapy, as recommendations are based on clinical need, readiness, and fit. Completion of an evaluation does not guarantee appropriateness or scheduling of equine assisted therapy.
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Availability is dependent on caseload and may involve a waitlist.
Youth clients must be able to participate independently in sessions. Observers are not permitted on the property, as sessions are designed to support client autonomy, safety, and the integrity of the therapeutic process.
Equine-assisted therapy is provided using an evidence-based modality to allow for insurance billing when applicable.
All equine-assisted therapy services are provided in San Tan Valley.
Who This May Be Helpful For
Equine-assisted therapy may be appropriate for adolescents and adults who are interested in experiential approaches to healing, particularly when traditional talk therapy alone has felt limiting. This modality is always guided by clinical appropriateness and individual readiness.
Curious about equine assisted therapy?
You don’t need prior experience with horses to explore this work. We’ll help determine whether equine-assisted therapy is an appropriate fit.