Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
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Horses are honest and empathic beings. They teach us about mindfulness, boundaries, relationships, and communication. Much of the work with horses is intuitive and spiritual They are experts at holding space for emotions and supporting the movement of emotions through the body.
There is no riding that takes place for equine therapy; all work is done on the ground alongside the animals. For some, meeting a horse can be intimidating; we can go as slow as needed to build confidence and trust. All the equine facilitators are safe and gentle and we have horses of all sizes and personalities to meet various needs. Equine-therapy takes place at a brand-new facility in Puslinch, ON. |
FAQ's
What does a typical EAP session look like?
We will meet with one or multiple horses in the field, indoor arena, or in their stall. We have conversations just like we would in my office, except horses are present and interacting with you. Sessions flow wherever the horse/client take it from there, which often involves the horses responding to your underlying emotions. Occasionally I have a specific activity you can do with the horses. All work with the horses is groundwork (no riding).
What are the benefits of working with horses?
EAP is an experiential method of healing where you can practice skills and new stories of your life in real time. Since horses are prey animals, their intuition is extremely sensitive; this means they can connect with a person's emotional state on a deep level. Horses have their own wisdom to share beyond my own training and experience. They are a safe witness to stories of pain, and are never judgmental. They provide opportunities for unique connections and relationships with people where you can feel safe, understood, and cared for.
How safe is it to work with horses?
The horses I work with in my program are kind, gentle animals who do not want to hurt humans. They have been around people their entire lives and I have known most of them for many years, getting to know their unique personalities. I have over 25 years of experience with horses and I am knowledgeable about horse body language and communication. That said, horses are individuals with their own personal lives and emotions. They are also prey animals who can spook and move quickly. I am always assessing for safety of both horse and human throughout every session.
How are the horses cared for?
Horses can choose to engage with or not engage with clients and their choice is always respected. The horses are immensely well cared for (no, spoiled) by staff. I am always assessing for horse safety and wellness during sessions incuding monitoring their mood and communication of boundaries, as well as being mindful of their meal times, extreme temperatures, or other stressors that may impact the animals.
What should I do to prepare for an EAP session?
Make sure to dress for the weather as we may spend the whole session outside. Please do not wear open-toed shoes like sandals; boots or running shoes are good. Prepare to step in mud, horse poop, and whatever else nature has to offer. Aside from that, you just need to bring yourself. The horses and I will take care of everything else.
We will meet with one or multiple horses in the field, indoor arena, or in their stall. We have conversations just like we would in my office, except horses are present and interacting with you. Sessions flow wherever the horse/client take it from there, which often involves the horses responding to your underlying emotions. Occasionally I have a specific activity you can do with the horses. All work with the horses is groundwork (no riding).
What are the benefits of working with horses?
EAP is an experiential method of healing where you can practice skills and new stories of your life in real time. Since horses are prey animals, their intuition is extremely sensitive; this means they can connect with a person's emotional state on a deep level. Horses have their own wisdom to share beyond my own training and experience. They are a safe witness to stories of pain, and are never judgmental. They provide opportunities for unique connections and relationships with people where you can feel safe, understood, and cared for.
How safe is it to work with horses?
The horses I work with in my program are kind, gentle animals who do not want to hurt humans. They have been around people their entire lives and I have known most of them for many years, getting to know their unique personalities. I have over 25 years of experience with horses and I am knowledgeable about horse body language and communication. That said, horses are individuals with their own personal lives and emotions. They are also prey animals who can spook and move quickly. I am always assessing for safety of both horse and human throughout every session.
How are the horses cared for?
Horses can choose to engage with or not engage with clients and their choice is always respected. The horses are immensely well cared for (no, spoiled) by staff. I am always assessing for horse safety and wellness during sessions incuding monitoring their mood and communication of boundaries, as well as being mindful of their meal times, extreme temperatures, or other stressors that may impact the animals.
What should I do to prepare for an EAP session?
Make sure to dress for the weather as we may spend the whole session outside. Please do not wear open-toed shoes like sandals; boots or running shoes are good. Prepare to step in mud, horse poop, and whatever else nature has to offer. Aside from that, you just need to bring yourself. The horses and I will take care of everything else.