What would happen in a session?
For the first session, the client would meet with the Mental Health Professional to discuss the history/background and the client’s concerns or intentions for counselling, and together you will decide on suitability & therapeutic goals/learnings etc. Also, any pre-treatment testing can be discussed and implemented if required. This can occur in an office space, or in the arena with the horses present.
During the first EAP/EAL session, the client would then be introduced to the EAP “team” – which is most often our Equine Specialist (ES), Mental Health Professional (MHP) and the horses. This takes place in a safe, enclosed space where the horses are free.
The client would then be asked to take part in a groundwork activity with the horses. Activities with the horses are designed to reflect real life issues.
The MHP & ES support the client to think about what is happening in the session, & challenge the client to think about how this may relate to their life and current situation.
After each session the client will debrief with the team, who assists the client to process the session with the horses — picking up on themes, and focusing on the responses and behaviour of the horses to the client.
What do I do?
You just need to dress comfortably, arrive on time and participate in the activities set for you! You do not need to have any experience with horses, and there will be no riding. All activities involve you being on the ground and working with the horses
What do I wear?
Remember these sessions are outside, so wear clothes appropriate for the weather, with shoes which are covered to protect your feet. If it is hot – wear a hat and sunscreen. If it is cold – don’t forget your jacket and maybe even boots.
But I can’t ride and I’m a bit scared of horses!
That’s okay. There will be no riding – just activities which take place “on the ground”. You can always start slowly, and take some time to get used to the horses. At Shine we take safety very seriously, and would never ask you to do anything which was dangerous.
Can I bring a support person?
For EAP sessions where you would like to focus on therapeutic goals, you can bring a support person for the first session or so – like you might do for an office based session. However, please remember that these sessions can be very powerful, and the issues raised may be very private, and to respect your confidentiality we would encourage you to attend the bulk of your sessions independently – like you would for traditional counselling.
For EAL sessions where the focus is on learning and developing skills, sometimes you will need a support person present! This will depend on the learning goals you wish to achieve, age and level of independence etc. Talk to your Shine team about this.
How do I make an appointment?
Just phone! The number is 0422 337 947. Or, if you are already engaged with a service or counsellor, you can ask them to make the phone call for you. If you would like to try EAP/EAL with your current counsellor – that’s okay too! Just get them to make the call, and a member of the Shine team can talk to them about the process, the effectiveness of this therapy, and how they can be involved.
