Frequently Asked Questions...
Psychotherapy helps people understand that they can do something to improve their situation. This leads to changes that enhance healthy choices. Helping people improve relationships, the way they express themselves and their emotions, thinking more positively and helping them to do better at work, school and life in general.
To put it another way, psychotherapy is therapy for your mental health and well being, helping you to process your thoughts, emotions and actions differently to lead a happier and healthier life. Just like physical therapy is for your body, psychotherapy is for the way you view yourself, your situation and those around you.
Yes, equine means connected with or relating to horses.
Equine-assisted growth & learning is what takes place during therapy sessions & team building workshops.
Just like your body physically grows & learns new skills, your mind's awareness can broaden & learn new ways of processing. This goes for your emotional awareness too. As you see yourself, situations & others from different perspectives you begin to grow in emotional intelligence, which helps you change & control the way you react or feel.
In short we are explaining personal growth & learning which takes place on a psychological & emotional level.
Horses are incredibly powerful and their size and presence can influence people in amazing ways.
Horses are social herd animals, they are each unique with their own personalities, meaning what works for one horse may not work for another. Experiencing this helps people to embrace their own individuality.
Horses have defined roles within the herd, which they adhere to for safety and survival. They utilise a team dynamic for the greater good of all herd members. When being with horses we become part of the herd, this gives people a sense of belonging and acceptance no matter what thoughts we may have of ourselves.
Horses are highly attuned to non-verbal communication, they pick up on our body language and non-verbal messages and will only change their behaviour if genuine transformation takes place in us.
A therapy horse costs around £120 a week to keep, just with the bear essentials.
We do have options of having group therapy to aid affordability.
No there is no horse riding involved whatsoever. Magic Equine Assisted Therapy is 100% ground based.
No it does not matter if you have never been around horses before and you have no horse experience. No horse experience is necessary.
No you do not need to be referred to have equine-assisted therapy, although we do also take referrals.
Equine-assisted therapy is available through booking either a private session for one person only or by booking a group of people to attend together, this could be from a school or through an organisation. Families are also welcome to book to attend together if this fits your requirements or individually if preferred.
Yes you can. We recommend a course of six sessions. But if you decide you want to continue for longer then sessions are bookable per hour or simply book another course of six sessions if this fits your requirements better.
Equine-assisted therapy is run outside with the horses. So you will need to dress according to the weather conditions. We advise you bring a waterproof coat, just incase you need it.
Wear appropriate footwear, no open toes, no high heels, no trainers. Wellies or boots are best. Bear in mind you will be outside at a stable yard.
If it's hot, remember to wear sun screen & protect your skin as necessary.
If it's cold, wrap up warm.
If you're not sure, wear layers & you can adjust as necessary.