Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Sometimes we cannot find the words. Sometimes we seemed to have tried everything and nothing is working. Sometimes the dynamics in the team or a family is just not gelling. This is where psychotherapy alongside horses can work powerfully. Lisa uses Equine Assisted Psychotherapy to assist men, women, children, families and teams to work through their issues.
Lisa and Odin work together as Co- Facilitators. (Actually Odin does the work). He is a gentle giant and a patient lad who loves people. However, like all horses he cannot be bullied. In this horses and animals teach us about ourselves and the way we interact in relationships.
In EAP (Equine Assisted Psychotherapy), horses and humans work together for emotional growth and learning. It is experiential in nature and utilizes horses as dynamic and powerful living beings. Work is done on the ground level and does not involve riding. This means that participants learn about themselves and others by participating in activities with the horses, and then processing (or discussing) feelings, behaviours, and patterns.
From the outset, EAP with Odin will inspire Respect, Reverence, Authenticity, Motivation without words - demand, challenge or confrontation, the perfect conditions are set for the process of change to happen.
EAP produces Results.
The work focuses on the here and now; horses offer immediate feedback on the teams/individuals beliefs, communication and behavioural patterns. The horse’s response is real and rapid, there is no opportunity for trickery, smooth talking or jargon, they don't understand words, but they do understand clear and united direction. Horses have a profound way of challenging, providing a unique opportunity for teams/individuals to observe in a non critical environment, what works and what doesn't.
Equine Assisted Solutions for Business
Equine Assisted Solutions programmes are for the Business sector. In these times of change and risk, many teams, managers and companies are facing tough decisions, competition and timelines, teams are downsized as are budgets. Programmes are bespoke and we will work with you to attain maximum impact for your company.
So why Odin as co-facilitator?
Horses are large and powerful. Odin creates a natural opportunity to overcome fear and develop confidence. His size and power is naturally intimidating to many people. Accomplishing a task involving the horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides for wonderful metaphors when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Horses are very much like humans in that they are social animals. They have defined roles within their herds. They would rather be with their peers. They have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods. An approach that seems to work with one horse, does not necessarily work with another. At times, they seem stubborn and defiant. They like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning. Using metaphors, in discussion or activity, is an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.
Most importantly, horses have the ability to mirror exactly what human body language is telling them. Many people will complain, "The horse is stubborn. The horse doesn't like me," etc. But the lesson to be learned is that if they change themselves, the horses respond differently. Horses are honest, which makes them especially powerful messengers about learning about yourself through your interactions.
Contact Lisa for an informal discussion on how EAP could help you, your family and your work team.
