What is Equine Facilitated Therapy?
Equine Facilitated Therapy (EFT) is an experiential approach designed to provide a “here and now” experience of healing in an emotionally safe, non-judgemental environment. Sessions are co-facilitated by myself and a horse, who will naturally respond to the energy and emotion the client brings to each session.
Horses are intuitive animals who naturally sense and attune to the emotions of humans. They feel our inner experience and become “mirrors” for that experience by reflecting it back with their behavior.
When a client connects to themselves more deeply, expresses emotions, has a new awareness, or experiences a breakthrough, the horse will feel the shift in energy and respond with greater connection, closeness, relaxation, or a “release” of tension, giving clients immediate feedback to reinforce the positive change.
What can I expect?
You’ll arrive at the farm and we’ll meet in the office to reconnect, debrief the previous session, and discuss goals. Then, we’ll head out to the barn and you’ll see which horse you feel drawn to working with.
I will move the horse to the therapy space and the session will begin. All interactions happen from the ground and there is no riding. Horses are always “at liberty” and are never restrained by halters or ropes during a session. This allows for the safest environment for learning as well as the most authentic responses from the horses who can feel free to approach or distance themselves as they feel moved to.
Sessions can be approached with a goal in mind, but can sometimes be most impactful if allowed to proceed organically; following whatever the client or horse feels drawn to work on that day. Some of the most powerful sessions have occurred when I, the therapist, stepped out of the way and allowed the magic to unfold between a client and a horse.
I’ll ask you to connect with your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations and to observe the horse for the ways they are responding to your experience and the relationship between you. We’ll explore whatever is alive for you in the moment and learn the skills to communicate with the horse using body language and energy, while also attending to difficult emotions, wants and needs, memories, trauma, or anything else that surfaces in relationship with the horse.
What about safety?
Fear is a common emotion for both clients and horses when they meet for the first time and healing can only take place if you feel safe and calm. For this reason, safety is an extremely important part of every session and is woven into every interaction with the horses.
My approach to safety ensures that both you and the horses feel free to meet your needs for emotional and physical safety in every moment. Everyone has different safety needs and I’ll take the time to learn about your needs prior to beginning our work. You will never be asked to do something you don’t feel comfortable with and I encourage clear and transparent communication about comfort and safety throughout our work together.
What if I have more questions?
Please reach out to me. I’m happy to spend some time on the phone so we can get to know each other, make sure your questions are answered, and help us both discern whether or not we would work well together. Click here to contact me.