We all have things that we like to have ‘just so’. Maybe it’s how the sheets are tucked in or how the towels are hung up. You only like your hot dog with a little bit of catsup or can’t stand mac & cheese unless it is crispy. Ok, so these may be kind of silly examples, but most of us know someone with a more serious issue. I have a client who is not interested in working with one of horses ‘because he has spots’. Having an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
can cause havoc not only for the person struggling with this mental health issue, but with family and friends who not understand the issue or may actually want to be helpful an supportive.
Though in this Time Magazine piece, Emily Dixon shares her 
experiences with almost loving humor, she also shares that “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is no laughing matter”. She shares that challenges of childhood and how her life has continued to shape her life.
There are many interventions that can be
helpful for people with OCD. Work with horses is one of them. By offering an enticing and gently challenging environment, many people are able to push past some of the behaviors that stop them from having a rich, full life. They have to get dressed (in appropriate clothes), get in the car and come to the ranch. They have to deal with dirt, heat and flies, but with time, most of our clients are able to find a way to get past the things that are troublesome for them. They learn that if they can just wait a little bit, they can wash their 
hands. That they can be bothered by the heat, but find relief in the shade and that drinking lots of water can help the client feel better. We acknowledge that flies can be troublesome while encouraging clients to work through it. “The flies bother your horse too. Once you brush her we can spray her with flyspray and once you are up riding, the flies will be much less of a problem”.
We are here to help. We can be an powerful part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, we are here for you. Call of email and we will schedule a visit. We will show you around, introduce out horses, learn more about what you are dealing with and share how we may be able to help.