Healing Hooves - equine assisted psychotherapy

In the light of the current situation world wide, mental health professionals are constantly searching for more effective interventions in the prevention and management of the emotional and behavioural problems that youth at risk are presenting. Current significant research has shown that Animal Assisted Therapy as a therapeutic modality is gaining widespread acceptance in this field. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is an example of Animal Assisted Therapy.

EAP is a non-traditional approach to mental health care, where the therapeutic intervention goes beyond the clinical treatment of disorders, and harnesses the strength of the individual to facilitate the prevention and resolution of emotional and behavioural difficulties.

This experiential approach utilising horses allows clients to become aware of their thoughts, words and actions, thereby providing the tools through which individuals can better manage their lives and foster better relationships, whilst simultaneously teaching positive problem solving, conflict resolution, communication and social skills; as well as self confidence.

Horses react to the participants' body language, giving immediate feedback to both the verbal and the non-verbal communication. They demand emotional and behavioural consistency, as well as require individuals to be actively engaged in activities in an open and honest manner. Participants learn that if they want to change the horse's behaviour they have to change their own behaviours, thoughts, and feelings. It has been speculated that no animal is more sensitive to human moods and non-verbal communication than a horse. The equine - human bond mirrors the inner private world of the individual.

FROM PAIN TO PURPOSE
DISCOVER YOUR HORSE POWER

Horse Power offers a unique opportunity for you to learn from horses, rather than focussing on what you can teach horses.

The From Pain to Purpose program presents a unique approach to understanding and assisting those of us in our recovery from various forms of addiction. This is a tried and true set of tools that uniquely combines the Equine assisted psychotherapy model with the 12-steps of the anonymous fellowships. It allows us to experience each of the steps, which are broken down into concrete observable and tangible examples that give us greater understanding of the steps’ meaning and importance. Through the interaction with the horses we come to learn the true meaning of “Trust God”; “Clean House”; and “Help Others”.

The goal of this programme is to focus on the process of change and recovery whilst working through the 12-steps. This enables the client to

In summary, Equine Assisted Growth, and Learning is a powerful short term approach that affects the real and lasting change necessary for a successful journey in recovery. We experience the reality of making choices and projecting attitudes thereby enabling us to own the problem and take responsibility for our own recovery. Through teaching us awareness, integrity, respect and trust, the horses’ show us a different way of relating with others, our environment and ourselves.

The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning approach requires that a mental health expert and a horse professional work together with horses as co-facilitators. Both Dot Robinson and Sharon Boyce are qualified experts in the psychotherapeutic and equestrian fields. In addition they are certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Practitioners with the international Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA).

Essential Information

1. No horse experience is needed. No riding is involved.
2. Our horse partners interact with you as a participant and co-facilitator in the activities, which are all done on the ground using the horses to strengthen the personal growth experience.
3. Programmes take place outdoors in a stable yard environment. It is recommended that participants dress appropriately. Closed shoes, comfortable casual clothing, sunhat and sunscreen are recommended
4. All the equipment and horses are provided. The horses have been specially selected for their calm dispositions, their natural friendliness and respectfulness.
5. Sessions can take place in easy access from Johannesburg and Pretoria, at a venue in either Linbro Park or Diepsloot Agricultural Holdings.
6. The afternoon programmes include tea and coffee.
7. Both an experienced equine specialist and psychologist will be facilitating your equine assisted personal growth experience.
8. Individual sessions can be arranged.

From Pain to Purpose Programme:

The full programme consists of 15 half day sessions.

However it is possible to enrol on a per session basis.

An Early Bird discount is available for registration and fee payment for the full programme provided registration is done two weeks prior to the start date of the programme.

Notes: Session fees are reclaimable from Medical Aid, ask your facilitator about this.

Contact Details

For more information on Horse Power and Prices please contact us >>

Sharon Boyce on 084 500 0672

Dot Robinson on 083 626 3279

or alternatively email sharon@shumbashaba.co.za

Information coming soon...