Equine Assisted Learning
at The Thatch Therapy Center, County Meath, Ireland.
Important note: unfortunately I’m not taking new clients for EAL at this moment. For any questions get in touch.
Our Therapeutic Approach
Irvin Yalom once said that therapy is defined as two people working together, one in more need of help than the other. Equine assisted learning (EAL) is a bit like therapy in that you work through difficult emotions and periods in your life, but instead of just two people, there’s the addition of an equine. It is a non-ridden therapy and is sometimes confused with therapeutic riding.
What can EAL help with?
EAL is a wonderful way to process and work through difficult areas of your life. It can help with life transitions, grief, loss, relationship breakups, commitment, widowhood, single nest, menopause, adolescence, neurodivergence, school transitions, bullying, domestic violence, divorce and separation, trauma, abuse, stuckness, long-term illness, family estrangement, dating, blended families, anxiety and depression.
Why work with equines?
Equines are such helpful partners in EAL as they have a lower heart rate than humans, are sentient beings, and have many sensory resources such as the texture of their mane and coat, their size, smell, and huge eyes.
Equines are prey animals so despite their size, they experience vulnerability and are extremely vigilant for anything that might cause them distress. These elements help them work with humans to process trauma.
EAL takes place in the natural environment of a farm, and research has shown that humans feel better in nature. EAL is different to talk therapy as equines can sense emotions from humans and so not as much talking is required. Equines have partnered with humans to help in areas of change, abuse and trauma for many years and I hope that EAL can be of benefit to you, to your group, or to your organisation.
Approach
The theoretical approach I use during an EAL session is person-centred.
There is no recommended minimum number of sessions for EAL, but as the first is really a getting-to-know-you session, it might be best to book at least two.
EAL sessions are currently in person only and cost
€80 for an individual 50 minute session and
€100 for a couples session.
Please send me an email for group session pricing and availability. Longer or shorter EAL sessions can be agreed after the first one.
I look forward to helping you on your journey to wellness.
Important note: unfortunately I’m not taking new clients for EAL at this moment. For any questions get in touch.
