LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / May 21, 2024 / In conjunction with Mental Health Awareness Month, Dr. Dawn Whitaker proudly announces the launch of WellEquined, a groundbreaking mental health and wellness initiative tailored specifically for former athletes.
This innovative program employs the unique therapeutic benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy to confront the profound emotional challenges athletes face adjusting to life after sport.
Photography by Stephanie Girard
Recent research underscores the substantial impact of sports retirement on athletes, revealing significant shifts in identity and increased physical and mental health risks. A pivotal study published in PLOS ONE indicates that athletes often experience a severe recalibration of identity post-retirement, leading to increased depression, anxiety, and a diminished sense of self-worth. Dr. Whitaker recognized a significant need for emotional wellness support for athletes and, in response, curated a specialized solution. WellEquined is designed to address these challenges by providing therapeutic interventions in a uniquely supportive environment.
Central to the WellEquined program is equine-assisted therapy, where athletes develop emotional awareness through interactions with horses under the supervision of licensed therapists. While the concept of equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) is not new, its application to this specific demographic of former athletes represents an innovative approach.
"I found that there were equine-assisted therapy programs for groups such as veterans and first responders, effectively treating mental health conditions including depression and PTSD, yet there were none tailored specifically for former athletes," shared Dr. Whitaker.
Known for their sensitivity to human emotions, horses offer nonjudgmental companionship that fosters a safe space for self-exploration and the development of emotional intelligence. This experiential therapy is particularly beneficial for athletes who tend to harbor emotions due to hypermasculinity, ego, and pride. "Horses reflect the emotions of humans without bias, helping participants uncover and work through feelings they may have been conditioned to suppress," explained Dr. Whitaker.
Curating a specialized experience for former athletes, the program integrates daily sessions of the Harmonyum Healing System to enhance the benefits of equine therapy, providing participants with a unique, unprecedented approach to emotional healing. Researched and developed by Dr. Joseph Michael Levry, the Harmonyum Healing System recalibrates the entire neurological system, activating the body's self-healing capacity.
Jessica Headey Gandolfi, a Harmonyum Healing System Practitioner, attests to its life-changing impact: "This system allows us to take our healing to the next level. Having worked in wellness for over 30 years and as the founder of Harmonyum LA, I truly believe this is the best-kept secret of the alternative healing world. Through my own experience and that of my clients, I can say without hesitation this is one of the most powerful and needed healing systems of our time."
This exclusive combination of equine-assisted therapy, the Harmonyum Healing System, and wellness practices is thoughtfully curated to enhance and elevate the healing benefits of the WellEquined experience.
Marquis, a former NFL player and early participant in the program, shares his transformative journey: "Engaging with the horses brought a sense of calm and connection that I struggled to find elsewhere and gave me tools to manage my emotions better. The experience helped me see things within myself that were holding me back from achieving the success I want in life and sparked a desire to focus on my future."
As the program gears up for its inaugural retreat in June 2024, WellEquined is set to establish a new standard in mental health support for athletes. The retreats will occur in tranquil, natural settings, promoting healing and introspection.
The comprehensive program includes a schedule of daily equine-assisted therapy, Harmonyum Healing sessions, and additional wellness practices and activities over three days. Each element complements the others to create a unique and transformative experience for all participants that extends far beyond the program's conclusion.
For more information on WellEquined or to schedule an interview with Dr. Dawn Whitaker, please email info@wellequined.com or visit the WellEquined website at www.wellequined.com.
About Dr. Dawn Whitaker, EdD, MCM:
Dr. Whitaker is the visionary founder of Athlete Elevation Network LLC, an advisory group dedicated to promoting the holistic well-being of athletes as they navigate life beyond their sports careers. As a change management specialist with over a decade of research expertise in transition from sport, she is a respected authority in her field, consistently exploring innovative strategies to empower athletes in their post-sport journeys.
Developed by Dr. Dawn Whitaker, WellEquined uniquely combines equine-assisted psychotherapy with wellness and healing practices to support former athletes facing mental and emotional challenges. The program offers transformative experiences that promote self-reflection, emotional intelligence, and personal empowerment, equipping participants with tools and strategies to enhance their well-being and overall mental health.
Media Details:
Company Name: WellEquined
Company Email Contact: info@wellequined.com
Company Website: www.wellequined.com
SOURCE: WellEquined
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