AVIV - An Animal Assisted Mental Health Practice

Let's get right to the point!! 

Mental health is often overlooked and we need address it now more than ever.  With the COVID-19 crisis that the world is going through, our traditional "mental health checks" may not be enough. AVIV allows for a safe space outside of the traditional office setting. We use many animal assisted methods, but our main model is the EAGALA model.

The EAGALA Model is a team approach that includes a licensed, credentialed Mental Health Professional, a qualified Equine Specialist, and horses working together with the client in an arena at all times.

When inside the arena, all the work is done on the ground with the horses front and center, deliberately unhindered and never ridden, and allowed to interact with the client as they wish. This creates the space for the client, with the support of the professional facilitators, to reflect, project, and make deep connections.

Aviv is a small majority Jewish woman owned practice (Woohoo!) with a variety of beautiful backgrounds. Being south of Boston opens us up to cultures and nationalities of all kinds. We embrace all those who come to us seeking help! We are LGBTQ+ supporters and even specialize in work with their community. We work with several languages including Spanish and German. 

We are seeking funding to provide a large covered arena for our team and animals. The elements of the northeast are sometimes difficult to be outside in and we want to be able to help out clients who need the in-person sessions year round. Having an arena built will allow us to host indoor/covered sessions with the horses and other animals as needed. Funds will also go to helping us with the enormous expense of running a farm and caring for our animals. 

Words of gratitude aren't enough to express the amount of "THANKS!" we want to give. Every since donation helps. We take pride in our work and aren't afraid of being hands on in the process. Thank you for believing in our dream of helping as many people as possible! Thank you for choosing to help our animals/family! Thank you for taking the time to read and even considering a donation! 

Now, LET'S WORK!!