Hope is being able to see there is light despite all the darkness – Desmond Tutu
Whispered Dreams Youth Hope Ranch is a place where troubled youth can find answers, directions, purpose and dreams realized. They have an open door invitation to any youth looking for hope and a place to turn their lives around who are willing to put in the effort and hard work involved in the process.
At Whispered Dreams Youth Hope Ranch Jeff hopes to be able to introduce Jesus to these youth as the healer of destroyed lives and the fulfiller of dreams. Using the dynamics of ranch life and working with horses (EAC – Equine Assisted Counselling), as well as the dynamics of the wilderness surrounding the ranch, he uses the countless daily situations to promote character, teach life skills, create a healthy practice of self-examination and interpersonal skills, and build self esteem. Using these same dynamics, the Holy Spirit’s leading, and biblical principles, he hopes to “tear down, root up” those things that are destroying lives and “plant, build up and nurture” those things that will lead the youth down the path of a better life.
⁃ A program designed to teach life skills, promote inner healing and self esteem to youth utilizing horses and the outdoors as teaching and therapy tools
⁃ Can be tailored to suit a groups needs
⁃ 2hr sessions, 3 day or 5 day
E.A.C. is quite simply the practice of using horses as a therapy tool to help or aid in the process of inner healing work sought in the counselling process. It is an experiential tool where participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses followed by feedback involving the discussion of thoughts, behaviors, beliefs and patterns. E.A.C. does not involve riding lessons but rather focuses on the interaction between participants and the horse. Situations can be used to encourage problem solving, interpersonal communication and personal growth.
Some of the benefits in using E.A.C. are:
• Challenges clients in a non-threatening manner
• Rapidly breaks down defensive barriers
• Provides immediate cause and effect situations
• Captivates and holds attention
• Promotes change from dysfunctional patterns to successful ones