The Power of Horses
The horses we use for our equine-assisted counseling, coaching, and workshops understand the nuances of change as well as the obstacles that block the solutions we want to reach. Anxiety, conflict, trauma, and other struggles are mere opportunities for our horses to give their unique perspective on the situation and get to the very heart of the issue. Mirroring the client’s story with an experienced therapist team or coaching team provides a powerful backdrop and springboard for finding meaningful solutions.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy – EAP
Whether child, teen or adult, clients are given a safe environment to see themselves, their patterns of behavior and the impact these may have on themselves and others. We believe there are ways to identify the obstacles and discover a path around them, giving you and your family a sense of peace and a new focus. One of the most effective ways we have found to achieve this is through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (or EAP) is a form of therapy that incorporates a mental health professional, a horse professional, and horses. It is a proven therapeutic approach that supports clients in reconnecting to their strengths and needs while identifying lasting solutions. EAP frees them to walk forward in strength and allows our clients to embrace growth and enhance their “arena” of life. This leads to healthier communication, practical skills, and strategies for moving forward in strength.
Equine Assisted Learning – EAL
Horses are extremely alert to their environment, and due to their inherent nature, provide immediate feedback that gives us real, in-the-moment insights regarding our patterns of communication, our tendencies to react, and our willingness to follow the flow of any situation. This experience helps people cut through issues that undermine group dynamics as they acquire the necessary tools to embrace growth, innovation, and change. As such, this makes horses perfectly suited not just for therapy purposes but also coaching and professional development workshops.
Our Equine Assisted Learning (or EAL) programs unfold in a non-riding, interactive format and is specifically designed and customized for team building, enhanced communication, and leadership development. Our flagship EAL coaching program EquiPointe™ breaks the barriers of traditional coaching by incorporating horses into the process of personal and professional development.
EAGALA Certified Professionals
At Four Winds Counseling & Coaching, we adhere to and are certified by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, more commonly known as EAGALA. Following the EAGALA model, sessions with our horses take place in an arena or outdoors within a non-riding format. No prior knowledge or experience with horses is required.
EAGALA is the global standard for Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Personal Development and is comprised of mental health and equine specialists in 40 nations. As EAGALA Certified Professionals, we have received rigorous training and are committed to evidence-based client solutions, adhering to the highest standards of professionalism, practice, and ethics.
