It may surprise you to know that equine gestalt coaching (EGC) can help in dealing with issues such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression. In fact, even just spending time in an equine environment can have beneficial results.
You’ve probably heard about other animals offering therapy such as dogs, cats, and dolphins, yet working with a horse is a little different because you receive immediate feedback from a horse. A horse will mirror back to a rider or handler their own actions and emotions, allowing you to build a bond of trust faster and easing any anxiety you may have.
Horses only react to your behavior and emotions so they hold no judgment in regards to your physical appearance, past mistakes, or any judgement you may have about yourself. By doing so, they provide a strong sense of increased self-esteem and confidence for the handler. A horse freely accepts you for who you are and never expects you to be anything else.
For those dealing with depression, they sometimes don’t feel like anyone truly understands what they’re going through, leaving them feeling alone and isolated. By working with a horse and seeing their emotions immediately mirrored back, it allows them to feel like they are finally accepted and understood. If you are feeling down, the horse will most likely take on this same emotion and they will feel like doing something to lift their spirits, in turn doing the same for you.
The more time you spend with the horse, the stronger the bond becomes and the more you will enjoy their own “private” language of feeling and reacting to each other, building trust and confidence. In fact, many people report that just being in the presence of a horse can help ease feelings of depression and anxiety. Just simply talking to or petting a horse allows you to take your mind off your problems for a while.
Caring for a horse can give you a sense of fulfillment and purpose that you feel depression has taken away from you, building your confidence and self-esteem. Knowing that your actions and emotions can command such a large, powerful creature, gives you the feeling that you are able to deal with any problem that comes your way.
You won’t feel completely healed after just one session, yet you will have a better sense of yourself and start to see the dark cloud lifting, encouraging you to keep moving forward. If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, or PTSD, give equine gestalt work a try. You’ll be glad you did.
Call for a FREElife coach consultation the horses and I are here to help. We would love to bring some sunshine back into your life! Call us at 970-682-4405 or email at andrea@witherswhisper.com