Graze Academy, a nonprofit organization in Plant City, offers therapy services that combine counseling, nature, and a connection between animals and humans. Founded in 2022 and certified by Eagala, Graze Academy’s mission is to provide mental health services through equine-assisted therapy. The therapists at Graze Academy have over 20 years of experience in counseling and have seen the benefits of bringing therapy into nature.
Equine-assisted therapy at Graze Academy involves working through health challenges with professional therapists and horses in a nontraditional, experiential format. Clients actively engage in activities with horses, such as grooming and ground-based exercises, to find support and connection that helps them heal. The therapists at Graze Academy, including founder Christina Dawson and licensed mental health counselor Rachel Lane, have seen clients feel more open to sharing on a deeper level during equine therapy sessions.
In addition to equine-assisted psychotherapy, Graze Academy offers individual therapy, couples and family therapy, life and recovery coaching, group therapy sessions, and life skills for neurodivergent teens. The organization has five horses and one donkey in its herd, and donations can be made to support them. Monthly events and more information about Graze Academy can be found on their website, and they are located at 3102 Thonotosassa Rd. in Plant City.
