Coming in October to Bright Spot Counseling!
Chair therapy not for you? Know that you struggle with the idea of walking into an office or booting up your computer for online session? Bright Spot is thrilled to partner with Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary to offer Equine-Facilitated Therapy!
You might be asking, what is Equine-Facilitated Therapy?
Equine-Facilitated Therapy stands as a remarkable approach that has been garnering attention for its unique and profound impact on clients facing anxiety, depression, and trauma. Collaborating with a skilled therapist and a horse, clients have the opportunity to engage in a therapeutic journey that is as dynamic as it is transformative.
At the heart of Equine-Facilitated Therapy lies the therapeutic partnership between therapist and client, complemented by the intuitive and empathetic presence of our four-legged co-therapists: horses.
These gentle and perceptive beings possess an uncanny ability to attune to human biology, responding to emotional states and cues that might elude human awareness. This innate sensitivity opens doors for clients to explore the nuances of their emotional landscape and, in the process, cultivate invaluable self-regulation skills.
The therapeutic arena shifts from the traditional confines of a clinical setting to the wide-open expanse of an outdoor environment. Amidst the serene beauty of nature, therapist and client forge a connection that transcends words alone. Together, they engage in activities, guided by the therapist’s expertise, that foster introspection, communication, healthy boundaries, and emotional growth. The presence of the horse serves as a catalyst for authentic interaction, gently nudging clients to confront their challenges and cultivate resilience.
Anxiety, depression, and trauma can leave individuals feeling disconnected from their bodies and emotions. Equine-assisted therapy addresses this disconnect through experiential learning, where clients engage in activities that mirror their inner struggles and triumphs. As clients navigate tasks such as grooming, leading, or simply being present with the horse, parallels emerge between the challenges presented by the horse and those encountered in daily life. Through these symbolic interactions, clients gain insights into their emotional responses, identify patterns, and begin to untangle the threads of their experiences.
Self-regulation emerges as a cornerstone of equine-assisted therapy. Horses, with their ability to mirror and respond to a client’s emotional state, provide real-time feedback. This immediate and honest reflection fosters self-awareness, enabling clients to recognize when anxiety spikes, depressive tendencies surface, or trauma triggers are activated. Through gentle guidance from the therapist, clients learn to modulate their responses, creating a bridge between their emotional experiences and their capacity to manage them.
Equine-assisted therapy stands as a testament to the profound potential of therapeutic collaboration. The therapist and client, supported by the wisdom and intuition of the horse, embark on a journey of healing that encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Through attuned interactions, authentic connections, and the cultivation of self-regulation skills, clients find themselves on a path towards resilience, empowerment, and renewed well-being.
Sessions will be held at Serenity Oaks Equine Sanctuary in Plymouth, MI. Participants must dress for the outdoors and wear closed-toed shoes. Sessions are on the ground, riding is not included in Equine-Facilitated Therapy.
To hear more about how to become involved in this exciting approach to mental health, contact us online or call 248.296.3104.
