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Animal Assisted Psychotherapy
We offer children, youth and their families safe (physical and emotional) experiences with animals for the purpose of learning to regulate and resource themselves, develop self awareness, strengthen relationships and family connections, and develop the inner life skills necessary for building resilience and social-emotional health and wellbeing.
Animals
At ConnectByNature children interact with miniature horses and ponies, goats, chickens, cats and wildlife. Experiences with animals may include: observation, lead-line activities with horses that include touching and grooming, 'animal-play,' where animals are invited into imaginatory play and projective exercises involving the creative use of natural materials to represent, depict or become a metaphor for a person's inner world; nature art with the herd; liberty leading (leading without a lead rope); mounted experiences and journeys into the 10 Acre Wood on horseback.
The EPI model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning
Our approach to EAP and social-emotional learning is based on the EPI model which is a unique and comprehensive psychotherapy model developed in Australia that is relational, mindful, trauma-sensitive, ethical, effective and deeply respectful of clients, horses, practitioners and nature. It is an experiential approach to psychotherapy and mental health that is facilitated by a registered psychotherapist or occupational therapist who has undertaken specialized training and certification in EAP and has demonstrated skills in understanding horses/ horsemanship and animal behaviour .
The Way of the Horse
Horses live in the present moment in awareness and direct contact with the world around them. As such, they are highly perceptive to subtle changes in their environments and within their herd, and respond immediately through their body language, energy and behaviour. These resiliency traits have served them well and ensured their survival over millions of years.
© ConnectByNature Therapy Services 2024
A division of BIOPHILIC HEALTH Inc.
When it comes to relationships with humans a horse will respond to each person uniquely, just as it does with members of its herd, providing immediate feedback and often mirroring the person's emotions and energy through their own behaviour. This provides a rich opportunity for learning and growth, leading to greater self- awareness, body awareness, emotional regulation and capacity to communicate effectively.
General Inquiries:
Nancy Rushford
n.rushford@connectbynature.ca
Ph 905-630-1909
Location: 1010 Effingham St. Fenwick, ON.
We view horses as teachers, partners and supports in the therapeutic and learning process, modelling living in the here and now (awareness and presence), living in the body (somatic awareness and embodiment), and living in relationship (contact and authentic relationship).
Please note: Animal- assisted Psychotherapy and Occupational Therapy services are not covered by OHIP,
however the cost may be partially or fully covered by private health insurance plans or other government funding programs under mental health/psychotherapy, occupational therapy benefits, or core clinical funding (e.g. OAP funding).
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