Our programs are often customized to meet the needs of the individuals(s), family or team(s) we are serving.

Programming includes some or all of the complementary therapeutic programs listed below. We work closely and often partner with various outside credentialed specialists, including but not limited to: LCSW, LCSW-C, LICSW, LPC, ATR-BC, QMHP and GC-Cs.

Equine-assisted programs integrate various horse-human skill-building activities that can reduce stress, increase confidence and improve self-esteem.

Art therapy helps individuals process their experiences through hands-on activities in a playful, nurturing environment.

Therapeutic Horticulture allows participants to explore nature through mindful gardening activities, engaging all five senses to improve mood, increase attention span, confidence, and promote self-discovery.

These core modalities, when coupled with licensed counselors, have shown to be an immensely powerful combination.

OUR PROGRAMS

OHANA ALLIES PROGRAMS:

The Ohana Allies (OA) program is designed for youth who are struggling with difficult life circumstances including grief, low self-esteem, and social/family issues. Most of the youth have been diagnosed and stabilized before being referred to our programming that supports their mental wellness goals.

Our objective is to connect them to nature, themselves, and others through therapeutic equine, art, movement, horticultural and recreational activities. Through interactions with horses, immersive experiences in nature, and engaging in group adventures, they are given tools on how to navigate difficulties and connect with a community led by credentialed therapists. The goal is to reduce stress, demonstrate healthy expression of emotion, develop coping skills, and create a connected community.

The Ohana Family Allies (OFA) grief support group consists of children, along with parents and guardians experiencing the death of a significant loved one. The credentialed grief professionals facilitate grief discussions, engage in a meaningful activity based on therapeutic art, movement, or horticulture.

EQUINE-ASSISTED ACTIVITIES:

A PATH Intl. Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning (ESMHL) integrates horse-human interaction through Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), Therapeutic Horsemanship (TH), or Equine-Assisted Counseling (EAC-In collaboration with a mental health specialist using talk therapy).

These unmounted equine-assisted activities have been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, enhance emotional intelligence, improve communication skills, increase confidence and self-esteem. Horses are highly perceptive to subtle changes in their environment, often mirroring the emotions of those around them, giving the participant and equine specialist information to use in various skill-building activities.

BIG HEARTS, LITTLE HORSES- Our mini horses, Kokoleka & Pineapple, live full-time in "miniland" next to the Art Making and Stable Blooms shed. They inspire joy and bring delight to all our programs.

OTHER OHANA ANIMAL INTERACTIONS

MINIS ON THE MOVE

OUR MINI HORSES VISIT VULNERABLE CHILDREN AND ADULTS, IN THE SURROUNDING AREA, WHEREVER THEY CALL HOME, INCLUDING REHABILITATION, HOSPICE CENTERS AND HOMEBOUND PEDIATRIC HOSPICE PATIENTS.

MINDFUL GARDENING:

The Ohana Stable Blooms Horticulture programs use plants and gardening as the basis for improving mental and physical health.

Therapeutic horticulture uses plants and gardening activities to improve the mental and physical well-being of participants to meet individual goals. It allows participants to explore nature through mindful gardening activities, engaging all five senses leading to improved mood, increased attention span, confidence, and self-discovery.

ART PROGRAMS:

Children facing grief, mental or physical difficulties, process their experience through hands-on art in a playful, nurturing environment.

Creating art supports appropriate risk-taking, emotional expression, healthy attachment, creative exploration, and use of coping skills. Through art, individuals learn to be present with their experiences in the moment rather than focused on achieving a particular outcome.

MOVEMENT, REIKI AND SOUND HEALING PROGRAMS:

(IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DEEP ROOTS YOGA AND MOVEMENT AND SUE GARIS)

Therapeutic movement is the use of movement to promote emotional, social, cognitive, and physical integration of the individual. Through yogic practices of movement, breath awareness, and meditation, participants can release feelings stored in the body that are no longer serving them.

Reiki is an energy healing technique that promotes relaxation, stress and anxiety reduction through gentle touch. Reiki practitioners use their hands to deliver energy to your body, improving the flow and balance of your energy to support healing. Sound healing combined with Reiki involves incorporating healing sounds and vibrations using crystal singing bowls to enhance the energy healing experience of Reiki. Together, these modalities can be incredibly powerful and complementary in their ability to promote holistic well-being.

Participants are able to release feelings stored in the body that are no longer serving them through movement and breath.

HAND-IN-HAND HAIR

Free hair care for children facing cancer or admitted to hospice.

Services, such as haircuts, styling, braids and wig styling are provided at child's home within Loudoun County or at Ohana Preservation Foundation.