Voted 2026 Best of the Tri-State for Mental Health Services
Shire Counseling and Coaching + EAGALA
About the Modality
Equine assisted therapy harnesses the unique therapeutic power of the horse-human connection. This modality takes a treatment team approach, including a fully licensed mental health therapist, a skilled equine specialist and, of course our equine partners- THE HORSES! This modality guides you through an exploratory experience addressing your defined goals. This process enables you to gather insights about yourself by exploring your feelings, behaviors and patterns while connecting and engaging in activities with our equine partners.
These interventions are tailored for individuals of all backgrounds and abilities. This approach does not require prior experience with horses or animal experience and can be adapted to accommodate various physical needs. This treatment is ground focused and does not require physically riding horses. Through the power of mindfulness and connection, individuals are able to embark on the path of growth, change and healing.
Why Horses?
INTELLIGENT
To evade predators, horses have evolved to be extremely sensitive to their environment. They instinctively analyze and react to our body language and other nonverbal cues, providing valuable feedback and insights for other areas of our lives.
LARGE & POWERFUL
It’s hard to ignore a horse with their size and presence. We can’t just control a powerful horse. Approaching horses helps us reflect on how we approach our relationships and how we can face other big or overwhelming things in our lives.
PERSONALITIES
Horses are social animals with defined roles within a herd. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. They could be stubborn or they could be playful. In other words, horses are a lot like us.
Weblink: https://www.eagala.org/
Shire Counseling EAGALA Providers
Tiffany Shaw LCSW-C
Rebekah Gildersleeve LCSW-C
Rebekah Gildersleeve LCSW-C
Tiffany Shaw, co-owner of Shire Counseling and Coaching, leads this practice modality for Shire Counseling and Coaching. Tiffany is a lifelong equestrian and since 2007 a licensed mental health clinician holding her LCSW-C and EAGALA Certification. In addition to her equine specific trainings and experience, Tiffany is also a registered Cognitive Processing Therapists specializing in treating those with trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder across the life span. Driven by her passion for horses, Tiffany offers innovative equine assisted psychotherapy. With her extensive experience and training, Tiffany is poised to guide clients on transformative therapeutic journeys.
Rebekah Gildersleeve LCSW-C
Rebekah Gildersleeve LCSW-C
Rebekah Gildersleeve LCSW-C
Rebekah Gildersleeve is a co-owner of Shire Counseling and Coaching and a passionate Equine enthusiast. Since 2009, Rebekah has been a practicing clinician, obtaining her degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Rebekah obtained her EAGALA certification in 2024, allowing her to take clients out of the traditional office setting and promote growth, self-reflection, and success through innovative equine-assisted therapy. As a registered Cognitive Processing Therapist, Rebekah also brings specialized expertise in trauma treatment to her impactful work in the community.
Jayden Ballengee LCSW-C
Rebekah Gildersleeve LCSW-C
Jayden Ballengee LCSW-C
Jaedyn Ballengee is a provider at Shire Counseling and Coaching and has possessed a love for horsemanship since childhood and has been a practicing mental health provider since 2023. She received her MSW from Salisbury University, and spent the first years of her career providing school and office-based services to youths, adolescents, and young adults in Somerset and Worcester counties. After receiving her full licensure and joining the Shire team in 2026, Jaedyn was introduced to the EAGALA model and the unique approach that equine assisted therapy provides. Jaedyn is a trauma-informed provider, and along with her EAGALA certification is trained to provide eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. Her goal in practice is providing clients with a welcoming, safe environment that promotes overall growth and healing, and both EAGALA and EMDR assist in maintaining this standard while providing evidence-based treatment outside of traditional talk therapy.
Partners in offering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
About our partner Hearts of the Herd
About: Hearts of the Herd is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that was founded in 2023 to provide Equine Assisted Services for children and adolescents in the Frederick County Maryland area.
Mission: The mission of Hearts of the Herd is to empower individuals to allow for personal growth through relationships with their equine partners.
Vision: To provide a trusting, supportive and inclusive space for individuals in need of growth, hope and help through the powerful impact of equine assisted services.
Locations: 10214 Allview Drive Frederick, Maryland 21701
11917 Wilhide Road Thurmont, Maryland 21788
Weblink: https://www.heartsoftheherd.org/
About our partner Horses Healing Humans
About: Horses Healing Humans is proudly Eagala Certified and adheres to the Eagala Model, an exceptional experiential framework crafted to empower clients to explore, learn, and evolve within the horse-human relationship.
Mission: To provide a space to immerse yourself in a therapeutic journey where the gentle presence of our equine partners fosters a safe and supportive environment. Our programs are designed to promote emotional well-being, personal growth, and resilience. The intuitive nature of horses allows them to mirror and respond to human emotions, offering a non-judgmental and authentic space for self-discovery.
Location: 13014 Coppermine Road Union Bridge, Maryland 21791
Weblink: https://www.horseshealinghumans.org/