Meet Angela Schmitt of Animals with Heart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Schmitt.

Hi Angela, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida. In my teenage years, I started working with the dolphins at the local Aquarium and quickly embraced the connectivity of humans and animals. I had several jobs after university and then decided to move to Boulder, Colorado, where I did my master’s at Naropa in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology and additional degrees in human development and early childhood development. With my understanding of the power of working with animals, I completed my certification in Gestalt Equine Psychotherapy. After graduation, I moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where I founded Animals with Heart. I secured my first contract with a significant behavioral health hospital in the greater Phoenix area, and that was the beginning. Today, Animals with Heart has grown significantly. We provide experience in diverse coaching in therapeutic settings, including equine-assisted coaching and dog-assisted therapy with teens, families, couples, as well as corporate groups, and are willing to create whatever is needed. I have a background in wilderness experience, traditional counseling, and therapy in youth sober living and at-risk youth camps. We now service 6 facilities and conduct private and group coaching with our animals, which now includes a mini donkey and in-training mini-horse that tours the support of the hospital staff and promotes positive team morale.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?

The path hasn’t always been easy, yet it is what creates growth, and positive self-regard and gives you the energy and motivation to move forward. Not everyone was on board with bringing large horses to mental health hospitals, so we faced them and we continue to flourish.

Life would not be life if there were no ups and downs. Securing a property has always been a challenge. I rent a small farmette in Scottsdale, and we commute our horses and dogs to our facilities, so coordinating and financing trucks, trailers, and horse handlers was a challenge initially. I still dream of owning my ranch and expanding the business even more, offering many modalities, therapists, seminars, and retreats, but finding financing is always a challenge.

As you know, we’re big fans of Animals with Heart. What can you tell our readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?

On an individual, adult, and family basis, we work with those who are challenged with all facets of self-esteem, communication, anxiety, emotional fear & trauma, disconnection in relationships, depression, grief and loss, mood disorders, addictions, and addictive behaviors. These are provided on an individual basis, as well as adult and family sessions. We offer a “demo day” for facilities interested in bringing this work to their organization. experimental days. On a corporate level, we provide lunch and learn sessions, corporate retreats, workshops, and consultations.

Equine-assisted learning goes beyond traditional therapeutic/coaching methods by incorporating our equine partners’ intuitive and non-judgmental nature. With their keen sensitivity and ability to mirror human emotions, horses become active participants in the therapeutic/coaching process. This dynamic interaction facilitates a profound exploration of emotions, communication, connection, and personal growth.

Pricing:

• $150.00 an individual
• $175-$200 for a couple or family
• TBD Retreats
• TBD Groups

Contact Info:

• Website: www.animalswithheart.com