What we offer
Psychotherapy with horses
Most of us come for therapy because something in life is not working and we are looking for change. It might not seem obvious that spending time with a horse or horses and then talking about this will make any difference. We have found that links between the time with the horse and the other parts of life are surprisingly clear and powerful. We also think the opportunity to talk about our experience is vital. Each therapy session divides roughly into two parts. The first is time spent with one (or more) of the horses, supported by Martha.
What might this look like? The short video below shows how Martha introduces a new client to her horses. Although unfamiliar with horses it shows how, after the initial encounter, he begins this first session.
Most of us come for therapy because something in life is not working and we are looking for change. It might not seem obvious that spending time with a horse or horses and then talking about this will make any difference. We have found that links between the time with the horse and the other parts of life are surprisingly clear and powerful. We also think the opportunity to talk about our experience is vital. Each therapy session divides roughly into two parts. The first is time spent with one (or more) of the horses, supported by Martha.
What might this look like? The short video below shows how Martha introduces a new client to her horses. Although unfamiliar with horses it shows how, after the initial encounter, he begins this first session.
Psychotherapy With Horses from Helena Beeson on Vimeo.
The second part of the session - with Lavinia - is a chance to reflect on this experience, put into words what it felt like and how it links up with other parts of your life. The sessions last 90 minutes and we offer them on a weekly or fortnightly basis, as seems appropriate . To under 18s we usually offer 60 minutes weekly.
People are social animals who communicate primarily, but not exclusively, by talking to each other. Sometimes we find experiences and feelings difficult or impossible to put into words. We also express a great deal through our bodies. Horses are social animals whose safety depends on successful signal communication with each other. They are primed to 'read' our non-verbal signals and to respond. As a result, interacting with a horse can help us identify aspects of ourselves we have been unaware of. And staff groups find the embodied experience of being with horses immensely stimulating.
People are social animals who communicate primarily, but not exclusively, by talking to each other. Sometimes we find experiences and feelings difficult or impossible to put into words. We also express a great deal through our bodies. Horses are social animals whose safety depends on successful signal communication with each other. They are primed to 'read' our non-verbal signals and to respond. As a result, interacting with a horse can help us identify aspects of ourselves we have been unaware of. And staff groups find the embodied experience of being with horses immensely stimulating.
