Description
Book SynopsisMeet the Horse Counsellors. Survivors of trauma, loss, illness, abuse, stress, and depression can face seemingly insurmountable obstacles. However, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests that horses play a crucial role in therapy for those struggling with significant psychological and emotional challenges. Horses respond to angry, inhibited, heartbroken, defiant, and terrified clients in many different ways, often breaking through defensive barriers via their physical presence, or by pointing to areas of psychological distress not immediately apparent. The horse’s response guides the treatment team, as well as the client, through the healing process. Influenced by her own childhood trauma — where she spent seven days in a coma, awakened to a severely compromised body and brain, and rebuilt her life with the help of a horse — Michelle Holling-Brooks founded Unbridled Change, a non-profit equine-partnered therapy organisation which partners horses with individuals in need. It’s within the pages of this book that she shares the inspiring stories of the horses that play active roles in counselling sessions.
Trade ReviewThose of us who work with horses every day have long understood their ability to read our emotions, keep us honest in our relationships with them, and bond with us. In
The Horse Cure Michelle Holling-Brooks has eloquently and accurately shared this amazing process of how building a trusting relationship with a horse can help to heal the emotional wounds carried by so many. Sharing these intimate stories and photos raises awareness and opens the door for others to have the opportunity to partner with horses as they work to grow and change their lives. -- Janet Mayberry
Table of ContentsPreface: Why Horses? Introduction: The Horse Power of Stories: Equine-partnered Psychotherapy and Coaching One: Schedule A - The Horse That Started the Journey Two: Cocoa and Radar - Learning to Trust Three: Delilah to Diesel - Talking off the Mask and Asking for Help Four: Bear - I will not Leave you Five: The Big-Boy Herd - Learning to Run and Play Six: Cookie and Squire - Finding your Voice Seven: Diesel in the Box - Trusting Yourself Eight: It Takes a Herd Appendix A: Resources on Equine-Partnered Psychotherapy Appendix B: Horsemanship Resources Bibliography Index
