Ginger Houghton’s inspiring creativity and holistic perspective were the driving forces behind her establishment of Bright Spot Counseling, where she actively puts her vision into practice by aiming to unite all aspects of mental health treatment and provide clients with a comprehensive approach.

As an equine-assisted and certified addictions therapist, Houghton wanted to create a space for like-minded therapists and practitioners to do inspired, holistic, evidence-based work collaboratively. Bright Spot Counseling, located on 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, has been providing therapy for anxiety, trauma, depression and perfectionism for six years and has developed a highly effective, research-based, signature process that takes all of the team’s combined years of experience into account.

One of Houghton’s inspiring creative approaches includes her partnership and longstanding relationship with Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing exceptional aftercare for off-the-track thoroughbreds and retiring thoroughbred broodmares.

For the last four years, Serenity Oaks and Bright Spot have partnered to provide healing opportunities for both humans and horses.

“It's been a huge win for both Serenity Oaks and Bright Spot, and is a unique example of a partnership between a local business and a nonprofit,” Houghton said. “The partnership has really supported scaling at Serenity Oaks and allowed us to provide free field trips for groups such as at-risk youth, 4-H and seniors with dementia.”

Since its founding in 2019, Serenity Oaks has been involved in thoroughbred rescue and rehabilitation/adoption. Located on North Territorial Road in Plymouth, its mission is to ensure that every thoroughbred, whether transitioning into a show home or a companion home, receives the best possible retirement and a loving environment. It is committed to finding suitable homes for each horse, while also implementing additional safety measures and educational programs to protect thoroughbreds.

Bright Spot offers animal-assisted therapy onsite using the horses to help therapy clients with central nervous system regulation and attachment and trauma healing. Bright Spot also has helped support the sanctuary by providing financial support and technical support, including policy development and grant writing.

“It's my favorite place,” Houghton said. “The horses are going through rehab, decompression or getting ready for adoption. I grew up around horses and during COVID I met Nicole Paige, who runs the sanctuary. I brought a group of local therapists to goat yoga at her property and we really connected. I started volunteering every week, did additional training for animal-assisted therapy and we've really been working to support the sanctuary, the horses and clients ever since. It's one of those very rare partnerships that really makes everyone stronger and more scalable.”

Houghton, who has committed her career to working with local nonprofits and has acquired specialized training in addressing depression, anxiety, substance use, and insomnia, says the emphasis in these sessions is on actively regulating not only your breathing but also your thoughts and body, all while participating in tasks alongside a horse.

“These sessions equip you with practical skills that you can actively apply to your daily life,” she said. “While riding is not part of the experience, you’ll have an amazing opportunity to actively forge a deep connection with your newfound furry friend.”

For more information on Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary, visit serenityoaksequinesanctuary.com. For more information on Bright Spot Counseling, visit brightspottherapy.com.