Experiencing the Magic of the Horses for Yourself
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So you’re interested in experiencing the magic of connection with the horses and wondering where to start? How do you find a good practitioner? How do you know what to look for? Here are some ideas on where to start – the first steps on a powerful journey with the horse.
EFL or EFP? Which is right for you?
The first question to ask yourself is whether you’re looking for Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) or Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP).
EFL supports experiential learning for self-development and growth with horses as co-facilitators. These facilitated interactions can help you connect more deeply with yourself and bring to light the patterns and behaviors that might be holding you back from living fully. In the moment, with a horse, you can feel new ways of being unfold – new possibilities for living more authentically.
EFP supports experiential psychotherapy and can help address a variety of mental health needs. These facilitated interactions with horses can help with addictions, behavior modification and be a means of treatment for psychological disorders. EFP supports most therapeutic approaches and often provides quicker results than traditional ‘talk’ therapy.
Finding the right practitioner
Location is the first place to start. For individual or private sessions with a practitioner, you’ll want something closer to home. Many practitioners offer workshops that range from two to five days or more and, for these you may be willing to travel further.
A good place to start is the Internet. A search for either EFL or EFP with your geographic location should result in a short list to explore. A visit to the websites or facebook pages will give you more information about the practitioners, what their training and experience is and what they offer. Many of the key training organizations will have a directory of practitioners on their websites as well.
Once you narrow the list down, talk to the practitioners to find out more about their philosophy and if it’s a good fit for you. Some practitioners will also specialize in working with youth, addictions, eating disorders or first responders, to name a few.
You’ll want a practitioner who is certified and has a code of standards and ethics that they are required to adhere to. Ask for referrals or to see some of their testimonials. If possible, visit the farm/facility to meet the practitioner and see how you feel in the space. As you journey to growth and healing it’s most important that you feel safe and supported.
More About EFL and EFP
Equine facilitated experiences make for a dynamic modality that is gaining greater awareness globally. Because no riding experience is required (most activities are done on the ground), this work can be done with almost any age and physical ability. Ideal for personal development, empowerment and healing, there is much information to be found in books, YouTube videos and articles on the Internet. I invite you to explore the powerful and magical world of the horse-human connection for yourself. It’s a life-changing journey to wholeness.
EFL or EFP? Which is right for you?
The first question to ask yourself is whether you’re looking for Equine Facilitated Learning (EFL) or Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP).
EFL supports experiential learning for self-development and growth with horses as co-facilitators. These facilitated interactions can help you connect more deeply with yourself and bring to light the patterns and behaviors that might be holding you back from living fully. In the moment, with a horse, you can feel new ways of being unfold – new possibilities for living more authentically.
EFP supports experiential psychotherapy and can help address a variety of mental health needs. These facilitated interactions with horses can help with addictions, behavior modification and be a means of treatment for psychological disorders. EFP supports most therapeutic approaches and often provides quicker results than traditional ‘talk’ therapy.
Finding the right practitioner
Location is the first place to start. For individual or private sessions with a practitioner, you’ll want something closer to home. Many practitioners offer workshops that range from two to five days or more and, for these you may be willing to travel further.
A good place to start is the Internet. A search for either EFL or EFP with your geographic location should result in a short list to explore. A visit to the websites or facebook pages will give you more information about the practitioners, what their training and experience is and what they offer. Many of the key training organizations will have a directory of practitioners on their websites as well.
Once you narrow the list down, talk to the practitioners to find out more about their philosophy and if it’s a good fit for you. Some practitioners will also specialize in working with youth, addictions, eating disorders or first responders, to name a few.
You’ll want a practitioner who is certified and has a code of standards and ethics that they are required to adhere to. Ask for referrals or to see some of their testimonials. If possible, visit the farm/facility to meet the practitioner and see how you feel in the space. As you journey to growth and healing it’s most important that you feel safe and supported.
More About EFL and EFP
Equine facilitated experiences make for a dynamic modality that is gaining greater awareness globally. Because no riding experience is required (most activities are done on the ground), this work can be done with almost any age and physical ability. Ideal for personal development, empowerment and healing, there is much information to be found in books, YouTube videos and articles on the Internet. I invite you to explore the powerful and magical world of the horse-human connection for yourself. It’s a life-changing journey to wholeness.
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Janis Miyrnech Bio
Janis Mirynech is a certified Advanced FEEL Practitioner and a director of Horse Spirit Connections, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping horses and humans heal. She is one of the FEEL Training facilitators and loves seeing the tremendous growth and transformations that occur during the program. She also co-facilitates workshops both at Horse Spirit Connections and at other farms. As a member of the FEEL Alumni, Janis belongs to a group that is dedicated to promoting how this work heals not only humans but horses as well. Janis has a tremendous love and appreciation for all that nature has to offer. As a student of shamanism for many years, she sees the interconnectedness of all living things and has experienced the powerful healing medicine of the horse in ceremonies and vision quests. In her professional career, Janis was a marketing manager with some of Canada’s largest wineries. Today she brings those skills to the consulting she does both with Horse Spirit Connections and other FEEL practitioners developing their businesses. She devotes her time to the FEEL work, shamanic studies, consulting, yoga and jewelry design. It is through her work and experiences with the horses that Janis believes she has come to be comfortable in her own skin, open to the ever-changing opportunities that cross her path. Life has truly become an adventure worth sharing! For more information, or just to chat, Janis can be reached by email at: sunstone@bell.net |