Farm Programs

What is Involved?

In this program, children interact safely with a variety of animals such as guinea pigs, llama, sheep, mini horses, goats & rabbits in a peaceful, structured environment, using the connections they are making to learn and practice social-emotional life skills such as:

  • Noticing body language
  • Reading social cues
  • Self regulation techniques
  • What makes a good friend?
  • Body-brain connections

We observe and engage with the animals, practicing mindful breathing and grounding skills, and working on creative barn-based activities together.  This is a therapeutic program that does not involve any horse riding.  Children are closely supervised by both our staff and an experienced animal handler from the farm to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved!

Parent feedback has been highly positive, with many children repeating this popular program.

Who Is It For?

  • Kids aged 3+, pending an intake to ensure this program is a good fit (kids are grouped according to age and developmental stage)
  • Sibling groups welcome!  This can be a fantastic way for siblings to work on cooperation and communication
  • For safety reasons, participants must be able to follow simple instructions, toilet independently, be physically safe within a group and be independently mobile – please Talk to us if your child may require extra support to participate

    Why would we join?

  • You may have an animal-loving child who would benefit from the opportunity to connect with some new friends (the human variety, as well as our furry farmyard friends!)
  • You may have noticed your child could use extra support managing their feelings and working on age-appropriate social & communication skills
  • You may have been given a diagnosis such as ADHD, ASD or Anxiety and you are looking for ways to understand and manage the challenges they bring
  • You may value these life skills as a family but have been finding it difficult to practice them while social interactions were limited due to the pandemic
  • Your child may be feeling anxious about the re-entry into post-pandemic routines and expectations, or be struggling with some situational social anxiety over the return to school, and could use a safe, smaller group to help with the transition

Where & when is it happening?

  • Sandy Lane Stables, a beautiful privately owned facility on the outskirts of Brantford approximately 20 minutes from the clinic
  • Saturdays from May 21 – June 25 (6 weeks) 
  • NEW – 5 week option also available beginning May 28!  Pro-rated pricing – please enquire
  • 3 groups:  10.00am, 11.30 am and 1.00pm

How much does it cost?

  • The 6 week course is $600, due on registration
  • The financial commitment is for the full course duration of six group sessions
  • Course is covered under most benefit plans (MSW)
  • A credit card number is required to be kept on file and is charged once on registration, with paid receipts emailed weekly for submission as the sessions occur

  • Course can be also covered by OAP or SSAH funds if you have access to these; please get in touch with us at accounts@nowwhatsupports.ca with any questions about billing and insurance coverage