Equine Assisted Therapy
Horses are gentle and wise creatures that inspire us to nurture compassion for ourselves.
What is Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine Assisted Therapy provides a truly unique and enriching experience, distinct from traditional talk therapy. By engaging your senses, this approach helps you confront emotional challenges in a refreshing way. Horses possess a remarkable ability to see through our masks, inspiring genuine communication and a beautiful sense of vulnerability.
Equine Assisted Therapy promotes self-connection and reveals insights into relationship patterns in a supportive environment.
Why Horses?
People usually feel more connected to nature and life in their presence.
As prey animals, horses rely on their instincts to survive. Which includes knowing how to regulate their reactions after experiencing fear. As we have a similar nervous system, horses ability to regulate emotions offers us valuable lessons about our own nervous systems.
Horses do not think in terms of language; instead, they are sensitive to the energy surrounding them. They possess emotional intelligence and are highly aware of even the slightest gestures, body posture, tone of voice, or glances from humans and other species. Horses respond to our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings through their body language, which is clear and immediate.
The Importance of Somatic Counselling
Somatic Experiencing (SE), founded by Peter Levine, is used in conjunction with Equine Assisted Therapy. SE focuses on slowing down the body and observing the nervous system, which helps it complete cycles of activation and deactivation. This approach enhances our ability to self-regulate and allows the nervous system to discharge energy associated with fight, flight, or freeze responses. Somatic Therapy emphasizes working in the present moment and supporting whatever arises during the process.
Who can benefit from Equine Assisted Therapy?
- Individuals who feel calmer and more supported when surrounded by nature and animals
- Those experiencing overwhelm or confusion and seeking a greater sense of clarity
- People looking to become better equipped to handle events beyond their control
- Anyone focusing on self-care who aspires to cultivate more compassionate thoughts
- Individuals wanting to feel more connected and develop more fulfilling relationships
What to expect during Equine Assisted Therapy?
When you arrive, we will welcome you into our undercover area, where we will complete client information sheets. This process will help us clarify your intentions for the session.
Equine Assisted Therapy sessions can take place in our undercover area or in the horses' paddock. The amount of time you spend interacting with our horses will vary depending on the focus of your session.
Each session lasts one hour and fifteen minutes, and you are encouraged to attend at least three sessions to benefit most from this experience.