Christina Strain, LICSW (MA)/LCSW (CT) has been a certified special education teacher since 1993 and a psychiatric social worker since 1999, working with children, adolescents, adults and families. She has extensive skills and experience working with individuals and families with the following life experiences:
•Anxiety Disorders
•Mood Disorders
•Behavior Disorders
•Adjustment Disorders
•Sexual/Physical Abuse
•Family Intervention/Divorce Issues
•Traumatic Brain Injuries
•Learning Disorders Through Christina’s work both as a special education teacher and a psychiatric social worker, she has discovered the positive effects and innovative techniques of involving horses as partners within the therapeutic setting. Equine facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) provides the individual an opportunity to experience and develop many positive skills. These healing interactions through EFP, incorporate the power of the horse, the clinical skills of the therapist, and the challenges, hopes and dreams of the client. This partnership provides an opportunity to promote psychosocial healing and growth through: increased self-esteem, increased self-confidence, improved impulse control, improved verbal/nonverbal communication skills, trust, empathy, mutual respect, responsibility and enhancing psychological development, education and growth.
In 1998, Christina and her husband established The Strain Family Equestrian Center in Southwick, MA., teaching traditional horseback riding lessons, boarding and training of horses. Over the years, Christina began to involve horses in her clinical work. The natural setting of the barn provides a relaxing and comfortable therapeutic experience for many people. With her many horses, her cat, Harley, and dog, Kaley, clients engage on a dynamic, individualized treatment intervention, whether working with one or all of her animals at some point in their therapeutic journey.
Christina M. Strain, LICSW 18 Vining Hill Road Southwick, MA 01077 (860) 539-5369
