5H Model for Trauma

Helping Humans Heal with Horses and the Herd

Learn the 5H Model for Trauma

The 5H Model for Trauma Recovery Training is designed for Licensed Mental Health providers, Occupational Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, and Nurses interested in incorporating equine work into their practice, as well as for providers who already partner with horses in their clinical work.

Participants will learn how therapy with the help of horses can be applied in psychotherapeutic settings, across a broad range of diagnoses and needs. Trainings take place in a private barn and include dyadic exercises, group work, and hands-on experiences alongside traditional lecture-style learning.

Practical Benefits of Therapy with Horses

Horses engage clients beyond verbal processing alone, and they create opportunities for:

  • Present-moment awareness through immediate interaction and feedback

  • Attunement and observation of body language, movement, and intention

  • Mind-body connection through sensory and movement-based experiences

  • Exploration of patterns and beliefs as they emerge in real time

  • Relational awareness through the horse’s responsive, nonverbal feedback

See the Space

Meet the Instructors

Molly DePrekel, MA, LP, CEIP-MH

Molly is a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma, animal-assisted therapy, and nature-based approaches. She has incorporated animals into clinical work since 1992 and has extensive experience training professionals in equine-assisted practice.

Sheryl Butler, OTD, OTR/L

Sheryl is an occupational therapist with 30 years of experience across medical, educational, and social systems, including school-based and equine-assisted practice. Her work focuses on Autistic youth and adults and their families, and she frequently presents on interdisciplinary co-treatment models for autism and trauma.