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HORSES HELPING VETERANS
HEAL
Gateway Family Services of Illinois provides Trauma Focused-Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to veterans.
Veterans can participate in Fall in Fridays 830 to 1030, Individual or Group sessions to provide essential skills for address their PTSD symptoms and improve overall health and wellness.
2-Day Retreats are now avaiable. Click here to learn more! Interested in learning more, reach out to us at veterans@gatewayfamilyservices.org
Areas of growth:
*Improved ability to self-regulate
*Increased understanding of symptoms & strategies for addressing symptoms
*Improved ability to regulate mood
*Decrease in anxiety and depressive symptoms
Do you struggle to get to the morning Fall In Friday because of your schedule? We invite you to join us for Fall In Friday, Evening Edition, September 19th, 2025 1800-2000!
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VETERAN Retreats are now available
What to expect:
Veterans will enjoy a stay at a local retreat center nestled in the woods. During the two days, veterans will work with skilled professionals from Gateway Family Services of Illinois, including mental health experts and an equine (horse) specialists. They will spend 16 hours on therapy that focuses on trauma and building relationships with horses.
Veterans can build relationships with the horses through groundwork activities like brushing, leading, and spending time with them. They can also engage in riding, when suitable. This hands-on experience helps strengthen their bond with the horses and supports their healing process.
Veterans will also enjoy time in the outdoors, including time hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding.
In addition, our retreats include aspects to help the bodies regulate, including yoga, drum circles, sound baths, and nighttime reflections at the bonfire.
Retreat Schedules:
Thursday
Arrival at 4pm at the retreat center get settled into lodge.
Dinner with staff and veterans
Group Activity
Nighttime bonfire
Lights out
Friday:
Early morning light exercise activity (optional)
0830-1030 Breakfast and Fall in Friday
Group Activity off-site
Lunch
Afternoon Group Activity
Dinner
Bonfire reflections
Lights out
Saturday
Early morning light exercise activity (optional)
0830 Breakfast
Morning Group Activity
Lunch
Afternoon Group Activity
Wrap up of the retreat & depart at 4pm
