If you're one of the many people who have tried talk therapy and felt like something was missing and struggled to find meaningful results - you're not alone.
In fact, that's the main reason Dr. Cheryl Meola founded Mane Source Counseling.
After years of working in community-based in-office therapy, Cheryl found herself burned out. The routine was starting to feel disconnected from her true passions, and she missed the sense of purpose and joy she had once felt when working alongside horses. The natural, therapeutic energy of the farm, where every day was a chance to connect with the majestic equines, had become a distant memory. Cheryl knew it was time for a change.
Determined to find a way to combine her love for horses with her professional skills, she decided to shift her focus to research on Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). She went back to school, earning her Ph.D. and diving deep into the research that showed how EAS was transforming the lives of clients, especially when traditional talk therapy wasn’t enough. Cheryl realized that this was the perfect way to merge her two lifelong passions: horsemanship and helping others.
But there was a problem: there were no local opportunities to blend these two fields. So, after completing her Ph.D. at ECU, Cheryl forged her own path, partnering with Malaika Albrecht and Freckles Farm. Together, they met Mane Source Counseling’s very first client and began working with Bonita and Apple—two horses who proved to be the perfect fit for their approach. The first session was magical: great weather, perfect horses, and the perfect client. Cheryl knew immediately that this was the beginning of something special.
In 2019, Cheryl’s personal journey with horses took another meaningful turn. A dear friend, knowing Cheryl’s deep connection with these majestic creatures, sent her Octavia—a horse who, much like Cheryl, was burned out from her previous job. This marked the beginning of Cheryl’s own personal herd, which grew slowly over time as more animals arrived, each bringing their own unique healing energy.
As word spread about the incredible results at Mane Source Counseling, Cheryl’s practice grew rapidly, and soon she was receiving an overwhelming number of referrals. To meet the demand, she expanded the team with talented therapists who brought their own specialties to the table.
The growth didn’t stop there. Mane Source Counseling is now proud to have its very own sanctuary—a place where horses, humans, and other animals alike can heal and grow together. Along with our incredible two-legged team, we’ve welcomed an array of animal co-therapists, including four horses, two mini-horses, a mini-donkey, chickens, rabbits, and more!
Click below to meet the herd and learn more about how we’re creating healing spaces, not just for people, but for every living being that walks through our doors.
Common Life Challenges our Participants face
Systemic issues and pressures (i.e. over-stimulation, financial strain, scarcity mindset, oppression and marginalization).
Atypical brains that are struggling to function in an overstimulating environment (commonly labeled as ADHD or Autism)
Divorce, Marriage, Parenthood, Retirement, and Other Life Transitions
Family Conflict
Grief or Loss
Personal Skills Development
Professional Skills Enhancement
Self-esteem and Self-awareness Development
What Can Equine-Assisted Services Do For You?
At Mane Source Counseling, we believe that true healing and growth happen when we connect with ourselves, others, and the world around us. That’s where our herd comes in. Through equine-assisted services (EAS), we offer a transformative experience that goes beyond traditional therapy. Horses are incredibly intuitive animals, capable of helping us process emotions, improve communication, and build lasting self-awareness. They can sometimes offer us the “gateway to connection and relationships“.
Working with our herd has shown profound benefits, including increased confidence, better impulse control, enhanced self-esteem, and improved social skills. EAS is a gateway to deeper connection, both within ourselves and with the world around us, making it a powerful tool for personal growth and overall well-being.
Experience the difference that working with horses can make.
Who can benefit from EAS?
Short answer: everyone! You don’t need a diagnosed disorder to benefit from Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). In fact, if you’re seeking personal growth or looking to improve any aspect of your life, EAS can help.
Whether you’re looking to…
- Gain a deeper understanding of yourself
- Clarify your goals and values
- Strengthen your relationships
- Learn practical tools to address the challenges that brought you here
- Manage areas like anger, stress, depression, or focus
- Create positive, lasting behavior patterns
- Shift your perspective on problem-solving
- Boost your self-esteem and confidence
- Live a more value-driven, fulfilling life
Meet Our Team
