In Horse Guided Empowerment we ask the horses to guide not only the practitioner and his interventions but also the client. The horses have an opinion and therefore take on more responsibility. They are allowed to use their intuitive abilities to react to our behavior and to connect to our true self, to our heart.
Our horses are part of the process and act as true partners of the rider or trainer. Their feelings are respected at every moment, and they are not forced into anything, but they have limits and rules they need to respect, just as everybody else in our world. There is a big difference between asking someone for assistance and imposing an activity. Our attitude as a practitioner will make the difference here.
The horse becomes a guide with an almost spiritual meaning. He guides us to a more present self, towards acceptance of emotions, and an empathic, authentic way of life. He helps us to connect to our intuitive competence and shows us a positive attitude towards life.
We believe the term “therapy” is loaded with negative connotations and even resistance instead of health and change. The term “empowerment” is more positive, and more attractive for most people. The following text about resistance in therapy inspired me to this decision:
“When families encounter problems with their children and/or their relationships with each other, they often feel as though they have little or no control over their home lives. Furthermore, American culture emphasizes the value of independence and the ability to handle one’s own problems. Some families may perceive attendance at therapy as a very visible reminder that they are unable to handle their own problems as they ´should,´ and that there is something ´wrong´ with them.
This creates an atmosphere where resistance is possible, and the negativity of this climate can be compounded by mis-representations of therapy in the media and even by some therapists.”
Redefining Resistance in Therapy, Risë VanFleet, Ph.D, © 2010, Play Therapy Press.
Most of our sessions do involve experimental psychotherapy, we conduct non-directive play therapy sessions with horses and we do systemic constellations with horses. Some sessions are about relationship problems or parenting, some about personal boundaries or self-esteem. Some sessions are focused on teaching horsemanship or riding skills, yet they are conducted differently than any other riding lesson or coaching session with horses, and we will inevitably touch upon personal development. The client will, in any case, be empowered.