EP 4 Paul Cuellar

On today’s podcast, we have Paul Cuellar, the veteran coordinator
for Refuge Services. Paul is a Marine Veteran that served from
2005 – 2009, with two tours to Iraq. After Paul’s enlistment
ended, he found himself in a familiar place veterans find
themselves after they transition to civilian life. Paul would
have issues adjusting to civilian life but would find life beyond
what he thought. He would find his wife and have children. Happy
ever after did not exist as Paul found himself going from job to
job and dealing with PTSD. Paul’s faith in God helped him heal
and move to a full transition life. Paul’s current job is the
veteran coordinator for Refuge Services that uses equine-assisted
therapy to help veterans.


Podcast: Therapy and Horses


https://open.spotify.com/show/2G1kd4jkDoO3VrZEQGXFDh


Refuge Services FB Page:


https://www.facebook.com/refugeservices


Refuge Services Website and about me


http://www.refugeservices.org/


Refuge Services, Inc. is a non-profit organization that is
community sponsored to provide services for the whole person:
body, mind, and spirit. Refuge Services provides equine-assisted
therapies to individuals of all ages. Refuge Services, Inc.
offers hippotherapy, therapeutic riding, and equine-assisted
psychotherapy (EAP) to children, adolescents, and adults in
Lubbock and area communities in an accepting, supportive and
Christian environment.


Nationwide, equine-assisted therapies continue to gain popularity
as a legitimate form of treating many issues from disabilities to
mental health and behavioral diagnoses. Refuge Services provides
a therapeutic setting for physical, occupational,
speech-language, or licensed mental health professionals to
incorporate horses into their treatment plan. During the
hour-long sessions the therapist concentrates on improving the
clients physical, sensory, emotional, cognitive, and/or
psychological deficiencies as diagnosed by a medical doctor.
Communication, trust, and bonding between the client and the
horse provide a unique opportunity for increased productivity
that has not been previously experienced in a traditional therapy
session. The counselors and therapists are able to transfer the
relationship between the horse and individual to the
implementation of therapeutic goals and objectives, capitalizing
on the increased self-esteem, body awareness, stimulated senses
and overall positive receptiveness of the individual.


Refuge Services, Inc. was established in Lubbock in September
1999.  Since the birth of Refuge Services, over 10,000
clients have participated in our Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
(EAP), which is an intensive therapy service incorporating horses
into the therapy process.  Our support is world-wide, as the
founders are leaders in the world in EAP and train others to do
such services internationally.


In October 2006, Refuge Services purchased a 40-acre horse
facility and expanded equine services to include hippotherapy and
therapeutic riding.  Refuge Services currently is serving
approximately 160 clients per week.  This expansion
continues to open doors for much more growth and counseling
opportunities.