Veterans With PTSD Find Comfort In Unique Therapy
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – A group of veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is finding comfort in a unique therapy involving horses.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports up to 20 percent of veterans suffer from PTSD – something they say is difficult to seek help for.
Veteran Kevin Sakaki did not expect to find healing on a rural Virginia farm.
"There is something peaceful about being around the horses. It's just really relaxing," said Sakaki.
The retired marine suffers from PTSD and says a former race horse named Clayton is helping him cope.
Sakaki was diagnosed after serving tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"I just had short temper but being a sergeant in the marine core it's kind of that expectation that are you doing your job well when you are kind of on that edge a little bit. The problem was carrying that home," said Sakaki.
Suzi Landolphi leads the equine-assisted therapy program. She says veterans learn how to handle stress and begin to feel at peace through walking and grooming the animals.
"When you have gone through traumas you have to put up defenses. So you have to find a way to deal. It's not always helpful to yourself. You think it is, but it's not. What the horses offer is an opportunity to let down all your defenses," said Landolphi a Boulder Crest Equine Therapist.
One thing the veterans don't do with the horses is ride them.
"We're about relationship, companionship, partnership and connection. Not about control," said Landolphi.
When Army reservist Mike King returned from Iraq, he struggled with alcohol abuse and anxiety. He says spending time with horses is calming.
"You guys start to feed off each other and the energy is intertwined and that's when the work starts," said King.
After spending a week at the ranch, some with their families, many vets say they are moving in the right direction.
In addition to bonding with the horses, the retreat offers free stress recovery programs for veterans and their families.
