Caitlin Lowry, MS, LMFT, PPS ( License #103657)
Hello, my name is Caitlin Lowry and I am the owner and founder of Tailwinds Therapy. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Clovis, California specializing in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning Activities (EAL). I am certified through the Equine Assisted Growth And Learning Association (EAGALA) as both the mental health professional and equine specialist.
My history with horses started way back in Kindergarten when one of my friends started taking riding lessons. I was intrigued, and a little jealous, so I wanted to ride too. At the time, I was in ballet and my mom had her heart set on me becoming a prima ballerina. I had other ideas.
Long story short, I traded ballet slippers for boots and bows for buckles and ended up becoming a passionate horsewoman. I trained competitively and found a love for English riding, jumping, and the Appaloosa breed.
In high school I competed at the state level on the Cal-Western Appaloosa circuit and had my sights set on continuing to ride at the college level. But with time, my focus shifted to school and work and while riding was always a passion of mine, it became increasingly therapeutic for me. I began riding just for pleasure and found that every time I was around my horses (or any horses for that matter) I felt whole.
I was pursuing a degree in Psychology at Fresno State when I learned that people were using horses in therapy. Once I realized I could combine my love of helping people with my passion for horses there was no turning back.
I continued my education at Fresno State where I completed my Master’s in Counseling as well as my Pupil Personnel Services Credential. I worked through college as a waitress, giving riding lessons, substitute teaching, and doing any creative side work I could do to help keep me going and continuing owning and riding horses while in school.
I graduated in 2012 and had gained opportunities to work and volunteer in providing EAP with school aged youth in several at-risk populations. I found a passion in working with adolescents and young adults. I remember what it was like at that age and how difficult that time of life can be to navigate.
I began working at California Psychological Institute (CPI) in 2014 after spending some time providing counseling services in a high school setting. At CPI I became a trauma-informed therapist providing community-based mental health, collateral, and case management services, to children and families involved in the Child Welfare System. Working within this population further stressed the importance of providing quality services to the youth and their families struggling within our community. But I wanted to do more.
That’s where Tailwinds Therapy comes in.
EAP offers a unique opportunity for self-discovery and growth through interactions with horses. While the field of EAP is still growing, the benefits are profound. As prey animals, horses live fully in the present and are keenly aware of their surroundings. Additionally, as herd animals, they have complex understandings of relationships and quickly and easily read the emotions of others, including humans. The second you interact with a horse they know what you are feeling and will reflect it right back to you in the most honest of ways.
I can’t count the number of times I’ve gone to the barn in a bad mood only to be met with a grumpy horse and a difficult ride. I brought that energy into the space and the horse simply responded. Interacting with horses allows us to get a clear picture of our internal state and a chance to make adjustments to move through that feeling and continue forward into a more positive mental state.
At Tailwinds Therapy our motto is “Helping you move forward.” We want to help you work through the difficult times in your life and to move forward through the discomfort into a place where you are feeling your best. Our staff and horses care deeply about people and work together to help you feel better.
We truly feel honored to have this opportunity to offer this service in our community and we look forward to meeting you. Please contact us at 559-387-4367 for more information.