Equine Therapy & Gestalt Coaching
What is Equine-Assisted Learning & Gestalt Coaching?
At CAWS, we believe in the profound healing power of horses. Our programs harness this unique connection through two distinct, yet complementary, modalities: Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) and Gestalt Equine Coaching. Both will offer powerful, experiential paths to self-discovery and healing, tailored to different goals and needs.
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL)
Healing Through Connection & Discovery
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is a powerful, experiential approach where individuals engage with horses in unmounted activities (no riding involved). It’s not about horsemanship skills, but about the profound interactions that naturally unfold between humans and horses.
How it Works: Horses are highly sensitive, non-judgmental beings who provide immediate, honest feedback through their body language and reactions. In EAL sessions, guided by our trained facilitators, you might participate in activities like leading a horse, navigating an obstacle course together, or simply observing and interacting in the arena.
What You’ll Gain:
Self-Awareness
Horses mirror our emotions and behaviors, helping us see ourselves more clearly.
Communication Skills
Learn to communicate more effectively, both verbally and non-verbally.
Boundary Setting
Practice setting clear boundaries and respecting those of others
Trust & Confidence
Build trust, develop leadership skills, and boost self-confidence.
Emotional Regulation
Learn to manage emotions in challenging situations.
Problem-Solving
evelop creative solutions to real-time challenges.
EAL will be an excellent option for individuals, groups, and families looking for personal growth, skill development, or a gentle introduction to therapeutic work in a supportive, natural environment. It’s particularly beneficial for youth, veterans, and first responders seeking new coping strategies and a sense of empowerment.
Gestalt Equine Coaching
Deep Dive into Self: Awareness, Choice & Change
Gestalt Equine Coaching takes the powerful bond with horses and integrates it with the principles of Gestalt therapy. “Gestalt” means “whole,” and this approach focuses on understanding your entire experience—thoughts, feelings, and body sensations—in the present moment. This often leads to profound insights and lasting change.
How it Works: In Gestalt Equine Coaching, the horse acts as a co-facilitator, reflecting your internal world in a way that allows you to observe patterns, emotional blocks, and unfinished business. Sessions are deeply client-centered and often involve exploring specific issues or challenges you are facing. The coach helps you to heighten your awareness of how you are doing what you are doing, leading to greater choice and new ways of being.
What You’ll Gain:
Present Moment Awareness
Cultivate a deeper connection to your “here and now” experience.
Emotional Integration
Process and integrate difficult emotions, moving beyond past traumas.
Personal Responsibility
Gain clarity on your choices and their impact, fostering a sense of agency.
Authenticity
Discover and embrace your true self, free from old patterns.
Completing Unfinished Business
Address unresolved conflicts or emotional loops that hold you back.
Holistic Growth
Achieve a more integrated sense of self, leading to profound personal and professional shifts.
Gestalt Equine Coaching will be ideal for those seeking a more intensive, introspective journey. It’s often chosen by individuals ready to explore core issues, break free from limiting beliefs, and create significant, sustainable change in their lives.
Choosing Your Path: EAL vs. Gestalt Equine Coaching
While both modalities will leverage the unique wisdom of horses for personal growth, they differ in their depth and focus:
EAL
EAL will generally be focused on skill-building, self-awareness, and personal development in a broader sense. It’s often more structured around specific activities and observable outcomes.
Gestalt Equine Coaching
Gestalt Equine Coaching will delve deeper into psychological patterns, emotional processing, and integrating past experiences to create holistic change. It’s more introspective, focusing on the “how” and “why” of your present experience.
At CAWS, our expert team will be ready to help you determine which program aligns best with your goals. We invite you to explore these transformative paths and discover the incredible healing journey that awaits you with our rescued equines.
Our Vision: Bringing These Programs to Life
The transformative programs described above are at the heart of the CAWS mission. Our dedicated team is fully prepared, and our rescued equines are waiting. The final piece of our puzzle is securing the perfect property – a dedicated sanctuary in Morrison that will allow us to immediately launch these vital services.
These programs will begin almost immediately upon the purchase of our planned Morrison property. We are actively working towards this goal, and your support can help us open our gates sooner.
Join Our Journey: Be Part of the Solution
While our programs are not yet operational, you can still be a crucial part of bringing them to fruition and staying informed.
- Stay Connected: Join our newsletter to receive updates on our property acquisition, program launch dates, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our progress.
- Help Us Grow: Every contribution, large or small, helps us move closer to acquiring our permanent home and launching these life-changing programs. Your support builds the foundation for healing.