Detroit Equestrian Play Therapy combines the therapeutic power of horses with elements of play, offering a unique approach to mental health. This approach is effective in helping children and adults overcome emotional and behavioral challenges. It is particularly beneficial for children and adolescents who need an outlet to express themselves.
Driven by her passion for therapy, Sabrina Cesaire co-founded Detroit Equestrian Play Therapy. With over 20 years of experience as a psychiatric social worker, she has dedicated her career to helping people overcome depression, trauma, and emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. Recognizing the benefits of a change of scenery for both herself and her clients, Sabrina began conducting therapy sessions on the farm, which the children started to enjoy.
They were fully engaged. They were doing hands-on activities, and they were able to break through and overcome some barriers.
Sabrina deeply empathizes with her youthful clients’ struggles, having faced similar challenges during her own childhood. She sought refuge from bullying and ostracism based on her Haitian heritage in Central Park. The stables became a sanctuary where she could watch the horses and feel an immense sense of joy and peace. This experience sparked a newfound passion for horses that persisted throughout her adult years. Sabrina began volunteering at various farms, gaining hands-on education and exposure to horse tending. Through her interactions with horses, she was able to overcome her shyness and cultivate a strong sense of self-worth that couldn’t be shaken. Her newfound confidence instilled in her a fearlessness that earned her the job tag name “Queen Sabrina“. Her newfound confidence motivated her to break into an industry that is mostly dominated by men and has a low representation of women, especially black women, and much like her status in the industry. While Sabrina’s business is unique compared to most, ProsperUs Detroit was there to support her.
In addition to participating in the ProsperUs Detroit Entrepreneurship Training Program, Sabrina also had the chance to network with other entrepreneurs. Regardless of their industry, networking with other entrepreneurs played a significant role in the growth of Detroit Equestrian Play Therapy.
