Dade City, Florida -- A new ranch in Dade City has set out to help veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD.
The Circle V Ranch offers alternative therapy for patients who are struggling to find answers. Equine therapy is proving to be successful with some veterans.
For Scott Johnson there have been many hurdles since he was wounded in an IED attack in 2009.
"Getting hit by an IED, getting over the thought and the anxiety of that is the first hurdle. It seems like the treatment I was getting it wasn't going anywhere," he said.
So, the Air Force veteran is trying a new approach to help with his sleep and anxiety disorders.
At the Circle V Ranch and Rehabilitation Center in Dade City they offer equine therapy designed to allow the veteran and horse to work together to overcome figurative hurdles that represent the veterans real life battles.
"They start to reconnect with themselves as they connect with the horse. As they connect with themselves, they can start to connect with the group. As they do that, they can start to reconnect with their family, said Darlen Williams, a licensed psychologist.
At the ranch they offer rapid resolution therapy, yoga and family sessions because PTSD can affect their loved ones.
"We want to keep soldiers alive and families together because with the suicide rate being 22 a day, there has to be something -- there has to be some alternative," said Tice Ridley, with The Circle of Veterans.
"It's a different approach. It's not, here's a pill go take. It's let's work through this, let's get over these barriers," said Johnson.
A new approach, with a new hope.
