Generally, a session lasts 45-50 minutes unless the client requests more time (ahead of time). Clients can schedule a double session if they prefer more time much like “in office” therapy, or in the case of work place issues, spiritual retreats or self-care groups, clients may want to schedule a half day or day long experience.
After the client checks in with our team to review current thoughts, feelings, last week’s session, etc. (so we can make sure the session is designed to meet the client’s goals and needs), we go to the arena where the clients may spend time with the horses observing the herd dynamics (which often “mirror” the clients’ current situation) or clients may spend time in a more structured activity with the horses. The structured activity might include “building a course” that currently represents an aspect of their life that they are working on and moving the horses through the course, or it may simply involve grooming a horse. Whatever activity we choose, the client will end up experiencing some interactive feedback from the horses that is pertinent to the client’s current life challenge or situation. Our psychologist and equine specialist team are always in the arena with the client and may provide feedback during the session or at a later point. Much goes on in these sessions that is impossible to capture in writing…one has to participate in order to appreciate the full impact of this experience.
For corporate, staff development experiences, the group of people, after “checking in,” engages in an activity with the horses, all the while experiencing their own unique staff dynamics. The therapist and equine specialist are in the arena making observations which they will process with the group, usually after the activity is completed. A tremendous amount is learned through both the DOING and the PROCESSING.
Please download and print the following forms and bring them to your first session:
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