Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

For centuries, horses have accompanied humans in transportation, battle, homesteading, wellness and pleasure. Horses are prey animals and they hunt nothing, though they are hunted by many other creatures. They depend on their herd for safety and well-being. Horses assist humans by reflecting back to us exactly what we cannot see within ourselves. Horses do not respond to smiles, words or grand gestures. They respond to the content of our heart and soul.

My work with horses began when I was in treatment for cancer. I was frightened and when I was with family and friends, all I could see fear of death in their eyes. This was too much for me and I reached out to someone I knew who had their own herd and they agreed to allow me to spend time with their horses. I began by standing at the edge of the paddock watching from a distance. Within three months I was sitting inside the paddock with the herd laying on the ground around me. I learned to calm my anxiety. I had quieted the noise and chaos in my mind. I could reflect and make decisions without racing thoughts. I felt the profound presence of "other" in my life. These changes in my thinking, breathing and being led me to study how this experience can be shared with others. After studying with F.E.E.L, and then EGALA Part 1, and finally EAL Canada, I have a skill set that can help you to find that grounding and healing for yourself.

EAL and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy are not the same activity. EAL provides the Learner (you) with an opportunity for compassionate learning about whatever objective you bring to the activity. Maybe you are seeking a new direction in you life, or perhaps you are struggling with an important life decision. Whatever your reason for participating in an EAL session, know that you will learn, grow and gain new insights from time spent with a horse and a coach.

Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an exploration into the issues that create dysregulation in your life. Regardless of how the dysregulation presents, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, along with a Registered Psychotherapist, accompanies the client as they delve deep into their experience with the aim of finding inner resources to guide you towards better self reliance and the awareness of how to live better with more energy and hope.

All EAL and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy sessions take place at TROtt in Ottawa. TROtt or The Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton is located at 6362 Bank Street, Greely, Ontario.