Farm-Based Therapy with Megan Moran, Cultivate Farms

·20 min·2 clips

Megan Moran traces farm-based therapy's origins to Europe, where it helped people with major mental health issues or criminal activities give back.

The episode begins with host Doug Stephan introducing Megan Moran, executive director of Cultivate Care Farms in Bolton, Massachusetts. Moran explains that farm-based therapy is an active form of therapy where clients partner with clinicians to care for animals and the land, cultivating a sense of community and self-care. She traces the origins of farm-based therapy to Europe, where it was used for people with major mental health issues or criminal activities to give back. Moran describes the training of clinicians, who learn farm work alongside clients, creating a partnership rather than a traditional expert-patient dynamic. During the pandemic, the farm served as a vital outdoor space for kids who couldn't attend school, and memorial ceremonies for animals helped them process grief when they couldn't say goodbye to relatives. Moran discusses animal selection, noting that pigs were too smart and tried to trap clients, while pygmy goats are effective in elevating mood based on an IRB study. The farm sees about 180 clients weekly, with sessions lasting an hour, and takes insurance or offers scholarships. Clients range from age five to adults, including those with autism, ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and adoption backgrounds. Moran emphasizes a symbiotic relationship with animals, honoring their needs and not breaking up families if relocation is necessary. She mentions the farm's farmhouse, where clients bake, knit with animal wool, and create art, adding to the therapeutic environment. The episode includes sponsor ads for Shopify and Calatrin, with Stephan sharing his own experience with dairy cows. Moran explains that starting a farm-based therapy program requires licensed clinicians, a solid team, and passion, and she invites listeners to learn more at cultivatefarms.org. The conversation concludes with Moran highlighting the farm's community-building efforts and grants for schools.

As heard by us

Farm-based therapy at Cultivate Farms balances access, old-house constraints, and steady demand.

Cultivate Farms near Bolton, Massachusetts offers a farm-based therapy model that aims to feel less stigmatizing for clients who have never been in therapy or who do better with something more active than a stationary format.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

If therapy feels abstract, this farm puts it in motion.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from American Family Farmer