Resilience Workshops for Youth and Adolescents
Registration is now open for Steps!
Starts Monday, April 6, 2026
Workshop meets weekly for 10 Weeks from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Adolescence is a time of rapid growth and change that can bring anxiety, isolation, and self-doubt. At NCEFT, we help young people navigate these formative years by building resilience, strengthening interpersonal skills, and fostering a healthy sense of self through meaningful connections with peers and our extraordinary horses.
NCEFT’s licensed mental health professionals and equine specialists utilize exercises to reduce anxiety, build confidence, enhance communication, and improve social skills while observing and interacting with horses. Spending guided time with horses is proven to promote healing, lower stress, and offer insight about oneself and the world around us.
Age-appropriate activities such as journaling, group discussion, and art will also be incorporated. Our horses, along with our dedicated staff and a small group of peers will help participants take these challenging adolescent years in stride. NCEFT’s programs are not intended to serve as stand-alone treatment for mental health disorders, but rather to complement traditional talk therapy. A member of our Mental Health and Resilience team will conduct an initial evaluation with each applicant to determine program fit and eligibility. No horse experience is required to participate.
Steps Resilience Workshop for Middle Schoolers
10-week workshop series beginning Monday, April 6, 2026: 3:30 – 5:00 pm.
The focus of this workshop is on leadership: building confidence, communication, and teamwork with horses and our peers. Horse activities such as grooming, haltering, leading, obstacle courses, and other ranch-based skills and games will be introduced to develop our leadership skills in a fun, relaxed environment. Activities such as journaling, group discussion, and art will also be incorporated. One of our final meetings will be a mounted mindfulness session where all participants will have the opportunity to ride. Click here to apply for Steps.
Additional Details:
- Groups are capped at 8 participants to ensure each child receives meaningful individual attention and ample time with the horses.
- This is a mixed-gender group for ages 10–13 (rising 6th – rising 8th graders).
- The workshop is facilitated by Sarah Peters, LMFT, and one of NCEFT’s expert horse handlers.
Cost and Payment:
- Cost is $1,760 for ten 90-minute sessions.
- A deposit of 20% of ($352) is due one week before the start date.
- The remaining balance ($1,480) is due by the first day of the workshop.
- Please call our front office to arrange payment at (650) 851-2271 ext.121.
Strides Resilience Workshop for High Schoolers
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Please apply here and we will be in touch with you within 10 business days with more information.
Buckaroos Resilience Workshop for Elementary Schoolers (ages 8-10).
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis. Please apply here and we will be in touch with you within 10 business days with more information.
