Experiential Therapy

Our experiential therapy programs address the individual needs of participants and inspire compassion for all people and animals. Our therapeutic programs provide healing and hope for hundreds of individuals and families each year.

What is experiential therapy?

Experiential therapy isn’t “typical” therapy. Instead, it’s the ability to approach the needs of the participant in a way that allows them to express themselves through exploration, authenticity, compassion, creativity and the development of experiences where a real sense of belonging can occur.

At a time when kids, teens and young adults are feeling more cooped up and isolated than ever, Heartland’s unique experiential therapy program gives them a foundation for healing and connection.

Heartland's Therapeutic Programs

Through interventions such as creative expression, caregiving, journaling, innovative problem-solving and games, and in partnership with our rescued farm animal residents, we’re able to address the social and emotional needs of our individual participants. Some examples of what our therapists address: increasing coping skills, regulating and expressing emotions, practicing self-advocacy, building social skills and setting boundaries—all with the intention for our therapy participants to go on to become involved with our humane education camps and classes, and/or volunteer at our sanctuary to become active members of Heartland’s community.

Individual Therapy (Ages 5-21)

Offered in a one-to-one setting with a member of our therapy team and the support of our animal care staff and volunteers. Participants will work towards individualized goals determined by the individual, caregivers, and the therapist. We are a Dane County Children’s Long Term Support (CLTS) provider. For more information, please contact therapy@heartlandfarmsanctuary.org.

Cancellation policy: Therapy participants must cancel before 5 pm the night before a scheduled session. If a session is cancelled with less than 24 hours notice, or the participant fails to show up, a refund will not be issued for that session. In the event of an emergency, please call Heartland at 608-440-1118 and one of our staff will follow up with you.

For the first time in her life, Charlotte belonged somewhere and was shown deep compassion and empathy despite some of the ways she needed special accommodations. And, because she had the opportunity to work with peers in an environment she felt included and safe in, she developed incredible skills in communication and leadership. Charlotte is not only more aware of her own needs, but is also better able to advocate for herself and others thanks to her experience at Heartland.

— Mom of HFS therapy participant and summer camper

Heartland's Covid Policy:

Heartland’s COVID-19 policies have been updated in alignment with Public Health Madison & Dane County. You can find our most updated Covid policies here.

Heartland's address is 424 US 51, Stoughton, WI 53589

Our Rescued Residents

Heartland has been recognized as one of the nation’s premier farm animal sanctuaries. We provide high-quality, specialized care, hope and healing for animals who have suffered abuse, neglect, and have nowhere else to go. Many of our rescued residents experience safety and compassion for the very first time after walking through our sanctuary doors.

The vast majority of rescued animals who find hope at Heartland will remain at the sanctuary for their entire lives. When possible, we place animals in safe and loving homes. And we serve as a resource for shelters and county agencies around the state who request our assistance with farm animal abandonment and cruelty cases.