Client Experiences

Please note that as a mental health provider, we don’t solicit reviews or testimonials, but we do welcome them. We’ve found that it can be helpful for new and prospective partners and clients to read about first hand experiences.

-the Strides team

Dear Chris (and Andrea too!)

Thank you so much for the beautiful Christmas ornament with Rosie and I, I really love it! This is a very delayed thank you, but I am hoping it is still good timing as I saw your request for testimonies. Please feel free to use my testimony below and shorten or take out whatever you need to, and let me know if you need me to write it in a different format:

My time at Chestnut Ridge was instrumental to my experience in the UNC Thrive intensive outpatient program for veterans with a history of traumatic brain injury. I was part of the first all female cohort, which was both wonderful and challenging. It was comforting being around other women, but our similar stories of trauma often heightened my nervous system. Spending time at the camp with Rosie (my chosen horse) grounded me so I could be more present and show up for the rest of the intensive program. One of the most rewarding and growth-filling experiences was when I walked around the pasture with her and told her what I was experiencing. I could talk to her more easily than I could talk to my peers in group therapy sessions. Throughout our time together, she helped teach me how to be more present, to ground in nature, and most importantly, that my vulnerability can be a strength, not merely a target for those wanting to do harm. When I tried walking with her by command or with any type of force, she was resistant (as was I). However, when I bore my heart, she willingly followed my lead around the pasture. Rosie was a great source of comfort, strength, and love for me--she was essential to my healing journey through an incredibly intensive program. I hope Chestnut Ridge can continue to provide tremendous healing through their equine therapy to as many people as possible, veterans and others. -- S.