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“Horses are emotive animals and people are animated by the sight, sound, touch and smell of horses. They are often regarded as positively mood altering ….. without any unpleasant side effects!”
Ruth McMahon
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What are Equine Assisted Activities and Therapies? Many different professionals now work in conjunction with horses including mental health professionals, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists (Equine Assisted Therapy), whilst others are involved in education, sport and recreational activities (Equine Assisted Activities). Equine Assisted Activities offer learning opportunities through stroking, grooming, haltering, leading, lunging or just ‘being’ with and getting to know individual ponies or horses. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) may involve the same tasks but the model is a medical one and requires the presence of a mental health practitioner and a horse specialist. Sessions focus on the client’s mental and physical processes (feelings, behaviour patterns, body language) rather than the task itself, and opportunities for powerful metaphoric learning often arise. As a qualified mental health professional and outdoor activity specialist I am able to work with clients using either an activity or a therapy based approach, depending on needs and preferences.  Why choose Equine Assisted Activities or Psychotherapy? Equine Assisted Psychotherapy provides an alternative to conventional counselling or psychotherapy, which can be experienced as too intense and threatening. It offers an opportunity to explore behavioural issues in a non-confrontational way, as well as encouraging verbal and non verbal communication skills. Personal growth can result from expanding self-awareness, leading to a greater understanding and consequent change in perception of self and others. What can I offer you? For more information including details of
sessions and rates or to contact me please
click on the Information and
Contact links. |
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URL: http://www.sarahurwin.co.uk
Equine Assisted Activities offer experiential learning through the development of a relationship with a horse which relies largely on mutual trust and respect. To work successfully concentration, observation and curiosity are also necessary, so activities naturally encourage all these skills. Learning new skills, including how to manage and care for a large animal, can be empowering, thus improving self-esteem and self confidence. There are also obvious health benefits associated with outdoor activities.