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HEALING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HORSES
HEALING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HORSES
Equine Facilitated Mental Health (EFMH) is an approach to counselling with a focus on creating a therapeutic horse-human bond. Through the safety of a non-judgmental bond, there is increased potential for healing of emotional wounds, building respectful relationships and restoring confidence. At Open Heart Therapy, we have several four legged co-therapists including horses, dogs and kittens who all serve to offer an atmosphere of safety, comfort and genuine connection for the people we serve.
WHY HORSES?
WHY HORSES?
Horses have a unique capacity to create a safe emotional space where healing can occur for those who may have lost trust in themselves or in their relationships with others. Horses embody an incredible power that stems from living in the present moment and in constant connection with the earth and spirit. Surprisingly, they are quite passive and playful creatures at heart in spite of their incredible physical size, strength and stamina. Spending time in their presence and in partnership offers promise for creating awareness, expression, compassion and connection, culminating in psychological growth.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Clients select a horse they wish to work with and are guided through a series of exercises to help foster a connection. Most of the work is done on the ground and mounted work can also be included in therapeutic sessions, assessed on an individual basis. The relationship between horse and human offers an opportunity to express mutually healthy boundaries, and to foster mutual respect, trust, compassion and empathy. It's an unconditionally accepting relationship, grounded in non-judgment and genuine affection, creating a safe space for expressing and healing painful matters of the heart.
EFMH EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
EFMH EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS
Trinity Nina Nathoo is a Registered Provisional Psychologist (AB) with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. Trinity’s experience with horses includes groundwork, centered riding, attendance at a variety of horsemanship clinics and a daily care regimen for her herd. For the past three years, Trinity has been working towards obtaining triple certification with Pro-EFW Canada in the Mental Health (MHP), Learning Professional (LP) and Equine Professional (EP) streams, for which she plans to have all requirements completed by July of 2021. She also engages in regular consultation with her mentor who is a well respected member of the equestrian community, a mental health professional, and a triple certified professional trainer with Pro-EFW Canada.