Transitions Equine LLC

For residents in the greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin area seeking a unique and powerful approach to mental health and personal growth, Transitions Equine LLC in Elm Grove offers specialized Veterinary care—but not in the traditional medical sense. The core mission of this unique practice centers on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), where horses act as co-therapists to help individuals, couples, and groups navigate difficult life events, relationships, and emotional challenges. This innovative approach harnesses the intuitive, non-judgmental, and perceptive nature of horses to facilitate profound healing and self-discovery, far beyond the scope of a standard clinic.

Founded and run by Karen Mahan, LCSW, who has over 20 years of experience in traditional psychotherapy, Transitions Equine LLC seamlessly integrates clinical expertise with the natural power of the equine-human connection. The practice specializes in a variety of therapeutic areas, including anxiety, trauma (such as PTSD), depression, relationship issues, and managing major life transitions. The inclusion of horses in therapy provides a unique, experiential dimension to healing, often achieving breakthroughs where traditional methods alone may struggle.

The unique therapeutic model employed here focuses on ground-based interaction—there is no riding involved. Instead, participants engage in activities with the horses and then process the resulting feelings, behaviors, and patterns with a licensed mental health professional and an Equine Specialist. This approach, built on genuine, unfiltered connection with the horses, rapidly breaks down defense barriers and promotes positive change by providing immediate cause-and-effect situations. For the Wisconsin community, this resource provides an extraordinary path to emotional resilience, strengthened communication skills, and deeper self-awareness.

Location and Accessibility

Transitions Equine LLC is situated in the quiet, scenic village of Elm Grove, making it a convenient destination for clients from Milwaukee, Waukesha County, and other parts of Southeastern Wisconsin.

The physical address for the facility is: 925 Elm Grove Rd, Elm Grove, WI 53122, USA.

The facility aims to be welcoming and accessible to all clients, providing key accommodations:

• A Wheelchair Accessible Entrance is provided for ease of access to the main facilities.
• Dedicated spaces are available within the Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot.
• The premises include a Wheelchair Accessible Restroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for all clients.
• A general Restroom is available.

However, a note from customer feedback is important to keep in mind regarding the property’s layout. Reviews mention that the "Parking lot driveway is very Steep and small parking lot," which is important for visitors to consider when arriving, especially during inclement Wisconsin weather or if they require greater ease of mobility from their vehicle to the entrance. Clients are encouraged to plan their arrival accordingly.

Given the specialized nature of the services, Appointments recommended for all therapeutic sessions and consultations to ensure that the appropriate therapeutic team (Mental Health Specialist, Equine Specialist, and the horses) is ready and available for a focused, private experience.

Services Offered

Transitions Equine LLC offers a dual focus on traditional mental health counseling and specialized equine-assisted services for adolescents and adults. The veterinary care aspect is primarily utilized for the horses involved in the therapy program to ensure their welfare, but the service provided to human clients is therapeutic, educational, and developmental.

• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP): This experiential therapy uses interactions with horses to promote emotional growth and healing. Sessions focus on working through emotions, behaviors, and patterns to foster deeper self-awareness and resolve issues related to trauma, anxiety, and relationship difficulties.
• Traditional Psychotherapy Services: Provided by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), these services are offered for individuals, couples, and families dealing with life circumstances that feel overwhelming. Specialized approaches include Client-Centered, Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Specialized Trauma and Anxiety Therapies: The practice utilizes advanced modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Holographic Memory Resolution (HMR) to assist clients in effectively resolving problems stemming from past difficult life experiences, injuries, or trauma.
• Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): An adventure-based activity for personal growth and corporate groups, EAL uses non-riding activities with horses to develop non-verbal communication, assertiveness, problem-solving, teamwork, leadership skills, and confidence.
• EAGALA Model Implementation: The practice is structured on the EAGALA model, which involves a team of a licensed mental health professional, an EAGALA-trained Equine Specialist, and the horses, who are considered co-facilitators in the healing process.
• Group and Corporate Services: Customized team-building retreats and professional development sessions are offered, utilizing the EAL model to enhance communication skills and problem-solving for staff and organizational groups.

Features / Highlights

The distinct features of Transitions Equine LLC make it a premier destination for those in Wisconsin looking for an alternative, powerful, and effective therapeutic experience:

• Integration of Traditional and Equine Therapy: The leadership of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 20 years of experience ensures that the equine therapy is grounded in professional clinical practice, offering a seamless blend of traditional and experiential treatment.
• Experiential and Non-Riding Focus: The program adheres to a safe, "feet on the ground" approach (EAGALA model). This focus on interaction rather than horsemanship or riding emphasizes personal growth and emotional processing through direct, raw, and non-judgmental feedback from the horses.
• Focus on Emotional Growth and Healing: The horses are utilized as powerful guides, offering immediate and honest responses that help clients gain insight into their behaviors, belief systems, and emotional functioning, leading to rapid breakdown of defense mechanisms.
• Extensive Professional Experience: Karen Mahan's long history of practice and commitment to continuous learning in modalities like EMDR and HMR, alongside the specialized training in Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, offers clients comprehensive and diverse pathways to healing.
• Local Wisconsin Roots: The founder is a local professional, having graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, and is deeply familiar with the community she serves, providing a trustworthy, local option for advanced mental wellness.

Contact Information

To schedule a free consultation or to learn more about how Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy can support your wellness journey, please use the contact information below:

Address: 925 Elm Grove Rd, Elm Grove, WI 53122, USA
Phone: (262) 490-5465

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing Transitions Equine LLC is an excellent option for Wisconsin residents who have found traditional therapy methods limiting or who are specifically drawn to the powerful, transformative nature of working with horses. The greatest value here lies in the unique partnership between a highly experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker and intuitive horses in a non-clinical, natural setting. This combination offers a deeply effective alternative therapy for complex emotional issues, trauma, and challenges in communication. The horses act as honest mirrors, allowing clients to see themselves and their patterns from a fresh, non-threatening perspective. This allows for change that is often more rapid and impactful than what can be achieved through dialogue alone. By utilizing the proven EAGALA model, this Elm Grove practice provides a highly specialized form of Veterinary care—the 'care' being emotional and psychological well-being facilitated by the animals—that is a standout resource for holistic personal and professional development in the greater Milwaukee area.

Transitions Equine LLC

925 Elm Grove Rd, Elm Grove, WI 53122, USA