Farm Based/ Animal Assisted Therapy
I believe that for many, the most effective healing happens outside the confines of a traditional office. By integrating my background in early childhood education, neurodivergence, and therapeutic horsemanship with my clinical specialization in sexual health and trauma, I offer a unique, integrative approach to therapy at a private farm in Saanichton.
Whether we are working with children navigating developmental milestones or individuals processing complex trauma, the farm provides a dynamic, sensory-rich environment that traditional settings cannot replicate.
Pediatric & Neurodivergent Counselling
My approach is neuro-affirming, child-led, and sensory-conscious. I utilize the farm as a living environment where children can process internal experiences through movement, play, and connection with our animal partners: Sypha (a 3-year-old Gypsy Vanner cross), Buddy (a senior rescue quarter horse), and Hope (a 4 month old Holstein cow).
How the farm supports regulation and healing:
Sensory Regulation & Grounding: For children with sensory processing differences, the farm offers an organic sensory environment. Unlike the static, often triggering environment of an office, the farm provides natural, rhythmic inputs—the texture of grooming brushes, the warm weight of a cow, or the gentle movement of walking alongside a horse. This helps calm the nervous system and creates the baseline of regulation needed for therapeutic work.
Active Animal Partnership: Our interactions are tailored to each child's needs and comfort. Through activities like grooming, petting, leading, and bottle-feeding calves, children learn to read non-verbal cues and practice empathy. These interactions provide immediate, honest feedback from the animals, which fosters self-awareness, emotional regulation, and social confidence.
Play-Based Growth: Moving away from a desk or office model, we instead, we use the farm to facilitate co-regulation and organic play. Whether we are hanging out in the pasture or engaging in gentle animal care, the process allows children to explore themes of bodily autonomy, boundaries, and consent in a natural, shame-free context.
Developmental & Sexual Health: My clinical expertise allows me to weave developmental education and sexual health support into these sessions. We can explore complex topics—such as boundaries, healthy relationships, and bodily safety—in a way that is accessible and highly effective for neurodivergent learners.
For adults working through trauma or seeking sex therapy, the farm offers an expansive environment that can make vulnerable work feel more manageable. Whether we are incorporating Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) with our animal partners or utilizing our fields and paths for "walk-and-talk" therapy, we take advantage of our beautiful environment in supporting you and your system.
Many clients choose not to engage with the animals directly but benefit immensely from the outdoors. We can incorporate as much or as little animal interaction as you prefer. Farm-based and equine-assisted sessions are considered standard clinical therapy. They are billed at the same rate as our office sessions and are eligible for insurance coverage as per your typical plan. I am always happy to fill out RTP forms as requested.
Alisha Stetchman is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with extensive postgraduate training in human sexuality, sexual development, and sexual trauma. She brings 8 years of experience in therapeutic riding, early childhood education, and behavioral intervention to her clinical practice. You can see more of her qualifications here.