Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy
Horse are congruent and empathic animals that can mirror our emotions and teach us about power and boundaries, whilst connecting us to what lies hidden or buried within ourselves..
This innate mirroring provides an opportunity for us to change behaviour and witness immediate responses.
As Equine Facilitated Psychotherapists (EFP) we will help you in exploring issues of power, authenticity, communication, assertiveness and self worth. EFP is particularly helpful in supporting clients on the Autistic Spectrum.
All with the help of the Horses.
The work is experiential in nature so you can learn through experiencing, by participating in activities with the horses, then processing the feelings afterwards.
Together we will set clear goals you wish to achieve.
An initial assessment will take place to ensure this form of therapy is suitable to your needs. If not, we will discuss with you the further options available.
Further sessions will also establish Health and Safety, horse handling, how EAP works and set structures for the work.
EFP @ Spirit Project is a non-riding experience and open to anyone with or without horse experience.
Policies
What is Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
As Equine Assisted Psychotherapist (EAP) I will help you explore issues of power, authenticity, communication, boundaries, assertiveness and self worth..
All with the help of the Horses.
The work is experiential in nature so you can learn through experiencing,
by participating in activities with the horses, then processing the feelings afterwards.
Together we will set clear goals you wish to achieve
An initial assessment will take place to ensure this form of therapy is suitable to your needs. If not, I will discuss with you the further options available to us
Further sessions will also establish Health and Safety, horse handling, how EAP works and set structures for the work.
Equine assisted therapy is a non-riding experience and open to anyone with or without horse experience.
Horse are congruent and empathic animals that can mirror our emotions and teach us about power and boundaries, whilst connecting us to what lies hidden or buried within ourselves.
This innate mirroring provides an opportunity for us to change behaviour
and witness immediate responses.
Horses help us to reconnect to a bodily experience of knowing and the freedom to act upon that knowing. They help us to overcome fear and develop confidence, whilst providing insights into how we respond to intimidating and challenging situations in our life.
Healing with Horses Workshop
Two day experiental personal development group workshop, via relationship with horses and dramatherapy.
W/e of experiencing and enhancing self confidence, boundaries, focus, awareness, clear, authentic communication and playfulness.
Horses are herd animals and have learnt to function very effectively in a group. Interacting as part of this group provides us with opportunuties to explore both individual issues and group dynamics, often allowing us to also learn from others’ experiences.
Working in a group can help explore: anxiety, depression, self esteem, addictions, healthy boundaries and relationships, team building and family dynamics.
No riding involved.
Dates: TBA booking now open. Contact us to register interest.
Venue: Near Tibshelf, Afreton
Cost: £200 per weekend
Meet the horses
Sultana the Leader
Sultana is old Andalusian filly.
Along with Cleo, Sultana was also looked after by our friend Leanna.
Sultana was abandoned as a baby and had to overcome fears of being left again. As she is still growing, she is very playful and can be challenging at times.
Since the arrival of Spirit, she has grown from being the “Baby” to being the “The Leader”
She is growing in her wisdom but she is wonderful in allowing you to be yourself with no judgements.
Working with Sultana will give you an opportunity to find your “true” assertion style and congruent confidence.
Spirit the Wise One
Spirit is a Irish Pony Cob.
In August 2017, when we lost our beloved Blaze we welcomed this beautiful and gentle baby.
A Big Joyful presence – ever loving and always looking for cuddles!!!
Together with Sultana, the family is now complete.
Working with Spirit will give you an opportunity to find a way to establish congruent and honest boundaries – with no aggression but with softness and gentleness. He reflects back with absolute honesty and accuracy.
Luna the Baby
Luna joined our family in 2021, and at twenty-two months, she’d already been moved three times. A miniature Cob, Luna is an expressive, loving and spirited individual.
She is a favourite with many clients, and she communicates clearly and gently.
Despite her early experiences, she is brave and curious. It is a pleasure to watch her slowly mature and to witness who she becomes.
Luna seems to connect easily with feelings so that she can help you explore what may be hidden from sight.
The Friends no longer with us
Blaze
Blaze is a Friesian Cross 13 year old mare.
She is soft, gentle and loving . Looking into her eyes is like looking into a deep wise ocean.
Blaze is a gentle leader who will never hurt you and will always look after you.
After a long court battle with her ex-owner, we had to return her.
We have been told she is doing well
and everyday we send our love to each other.
Always together – as space is not a barrier.
Cleo
Cleo sadly and tragically passed away in 2014.
Her loss has touched the heart of all the people who knew her and loved her deeply.
To us Cleo gave us the gift freedom and unlimited love
In her last day Cleo was surrounded by everyone who loved her.
Rest in Peace beautiful soul.
We all loved you and always will.
As Mary Elizabeth Frye wrote:
“Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die”
Testimonials
It is within the herd that I have finally found my voice.....long forgotten but not lost.
Thank you, Cleo and Sultana for allowing me to be part of the herd.
Thanks to my therapist I am now more assertive and clearer of my needs and therefore more able to live a life that I want rather than what people want.
Although at the beginning I was very scared of horses, today I realised that the biggest fear was that I could be as powerful as the horses.
