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Hearts and Hooves: The Emotional Journey of Equine Therapy

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Sam

Who Is Kristy?

Kristy is a degree qualified coach and counsellor holding membership with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and registration with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA). Kristy also holds accreditation with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute (EPI) as an Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practitioner. Drawing on EPI therapeutic modalities Kristy integrates PCT, coaching, and positive psychology, from a trauma-informed perspective. Kristy’ believes that awareness, connection, and healthy expression are important contributions to wellbeing, and that horses and connection to the land are profound teachers and facilitators of these skills. Kristy says, “I feel privileged to work with every client and herd member on this breath-taking land of Amaroo. My wish for the world is that connection and compassion become the foundation on which we all stand”.

Episode Summary

  • Kristy gives a picture the multi-faceted approach to equine therapy.
  • I asked Kristy what led her to be working in the space of equine therapy and she shares the personal nature of this.
  • We discuss who benefits from equine therapy; particularly small children and those who have experienced trauma.
  • Kristy discusses the gentle approach of having the horses in the sessions, and the unconditional love of the animal.
  • We discuss the experiential nature of working with the horses and that it needs to be experienced to truly understand.
  • Kristy shares some examples of the magic of equine therapy.
  • I ask Kristy why horses are so effective in the therapy space and why their size plays a role in this.
  • We discuss the intuitive nature of animals and how Kristy learns so much about her clients from the horse’s behaviour.
  • Kristy talks about what happens during an equine session and the role of somatic enquiry.
  • I am corrected in language around the horses in a session and Kristy refers to them as co-facilitators.
  • We discuss the hyper-awareness of Kristy’s role as an equine therapist and why it is important.
  • Finally, Kristy smashes a myth around equine therapy.