On today’s podcast, we have Paul Cuellar, the veteran coordinator for Refuge Services. Paul is a Marine Veteran that served from 2005 – 2009, with two tours to Iraq. After Paul’s enlistment ended, he found himself in a familiar place veterans find themselves after they transition to civilian life. Paul would have issues adjusting to civilian life but would find life beyond what he thought. He would find his wife and have children. Happy ever after did not exist as Paul found himself going from job to job and dealing with PTSD. Paul’s faith in God helped him heal and move to a full transition life. Paul’s current job is the veteran coordinator for Refuge Services that uses equine-assisted therapy to help veterans.

Podcast: Therapy and Horses

https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1kd4jkDoO3VrZEQGXFDh

Refuge Services FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/refugeservices

Refuge Services Website and about me

http://www.refugeservices.org/

Refuge Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is community sponsored to provide services for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. Refuge Services provides equine-assisted therapies to individuals of all ages. Refuge Services, Inc. offers hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) to children, adolescents, and adults in Lubbock and area communities in an accepting, supportive and Christian environment.

Nationwide, equine-assisted therapies continue to gain popularity as a legitimate form of treating many issues from disabilities to mental health and behavioral diagnoses. Refuge Services provides a therapeutic setting for physical, occupational, speech-language, or licensed mental health professionals to incorporate horses into their treatment plan. During the hour-long sessions the therapist concentrates on improving the clients physical, sensory, emotional, cognitive, and/or psychological deficiencies as diagnosed by a medical doctor. Communication, trust, and bonding between the client and the horse provide a unique opportunity for increased productivity that has not been previously experienced in a traditional therapy session. The counselors and therapists are able to transfer the relationship between the horse and individual to the implementation of therapeutic goals and objectives, capitalizing on the increased self-esteem, body awareness, stimulated senses and overall positive receptiveness of the individual.

Refuge Services, Inc. was established in Lubbock in September 1999.  Since the birth of Refuge Services, over 10,000 clients have participated in our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP), which is an intensive therapy service incorporating horses into the therapy process.  Our support is world-wide, as the founders are leaders in the world in EAP and train others to do such services internationally.

In October 2006, Refuge Services purchased a 40-acre horse facility and expanded equine services to include hippotherapy and therapeutic riding.  Refuge Services currently is serving approximately 160 clients per week.  This expansion continues to open doors for much more growth and counseling opportunities.