Finding Strength and Healing from Trauma: Rosa's Journey with Belle in Equine Assisted Counseling5/29/2024  Rosa* walked slowly toward her new therapist, her heart heavy with the memories that had haunted her for years. The path to this place had been long and arduous, marked by a series of painful experiences from childhood that had cast long shadows into her adulthood. Today, she was meeting the STEPS Herd. Upon entering the pasture, Rosa was immediately drawn to Belle. As Rosa approached, Belle lifted her head from the hay, her large brown eyes locking onto Rosa's. There was something profoundly soothing in Belle's gaze, a calmness that seemed to radiate from the very core of the horse. Rosa felt a slight easing of the tightness in her chest, a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding slowly escaping. The equine assisted counseling sessions were a new approach for Rosa, recommended by her former therapist after traditional methods had only scratched the surface of her deep-seated trauma. Belle, a beautiful black and white paint mare, was known for her remarkable ability to connect with people in profound ways, offering a sense of peace and validation through her presence. Belle approached Rosa without hesitation, her movements slow and deliberate. Rosa felt a mix of awe and anxiety as the horse came closer, eventually nuzzling her hand. The simple touch was grounding, pulling Rosa from the swirling vortex of her thoughts into the present moment. Her therapist observed quietly, letting the interaction unfold naturally. In the weeks that followed, Rosa's sessions with Belle became a sanctuary. As she stroked Belle's coat, Rosa would talk, sometimes in halting sentences, other times in a torrent of words, about her past. Belle's calming presence made it easier to face the painful memories, her warmth acting as a balm for Rosa's pain. One particularly difficult session, Rosa found herself overwhelmed by a flood of memories from her childhood. She stopped stroking Belle and sank to the ground, tears streaming down her face. Belle, sensing Rosa's distress, lowered her head and nuzzled Rosa gently. The horse's soft breath against her skin was a reminder of the present, a contrast to the harshness of the past she was reliving. "Feel Belle's presence," the therapist’s voice came softly. "She's here with you, right now." Rosa reached up, running her fingers through Belle's mane. The simple act of connecting with the horse brought her back to the here and now, away from the dark corners of her mind. Belle's steady, rhythmic breathing was like an anchor, grounding Rosa in a moment of safety. As Rosa continued her sessions, she noticed changes within herself. Belle's feedback, though silent, was profound. When Rosa was anxious or angry, Belle would become still, a contrast to Rosa’s inner turmoil. These interactions helped Rosa recognize her own emotions more clearly. She began to understand the impact of her feelings, not just on herself, but on those around her. Belle's reactions were honest and immediate, devoid of judgment, and this unfiltered feedback was invaluable. It allowed Rosa to see her emotions not as something to be feared or suppressed, but as natural responses to her experiences.  One day, during a session, Rosa felt a surge of anger as she recounted an incident from her past. Rosa then quickly tried to push the anger back down. Belle took a few steps back, her ears flicking with unease. Rosa paused, realizing the impact of her avoidance of her emotions. She took a deep breath, consciously acknowledging the emotion. Belle's ears relaxed, and she stepped forward again, closing the gap between them. "You're learning to manage your emotions," the therapist observed. "Belle is showing you how it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling." Rosa nodded, a small smile forming on her lips. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of control over her own emotions, a sense of empowerment. The validation Rosa found through Belle's treatment was transformative. Belle accepted her without hesitation, offering companionship without demands. This unconditional acceptance helped Rosa see her own worth and strengths. She began to believe in her ability to heal, to find peace amidst the chaos of her past. Months later, Rosa stood beside Belle, her hand resting on the horse's neck. The journey was far from over, but Rosa felt a resilience she hadn't known before. Belle had not just been a companion; she had been a guide, leading Rosa through the labyrinth of her traumas to a place of acceptance and strength. As Rosa pressed her forehead gently against Belle's, she whispered, "Thank you." The mare nickered softly, as if acknowledging the words. In that moment, surrounded by the quiet of the stable and the steady presence of Belle, Rosa felt a profound sense of gratitude and hope for the future. *Name and details changed to protect client privacy and identity. Photo does not depict real client. Belle is proudly sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union. To join Belle's Carrot Club and support her powerful work, visit Belle's page. Want to work with Belle as a client? Fill out the Counseling Interest Form!
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 Bob: Hey there, everyone! It's Bob, your favorite mini therapy horse, and today I've got a special guest joining me for an interview. Please welcome my dear herd mate, Belle! Belle: Hi, Bob! Thanks for having me. Bob: Of course, Belle! Now, let's dive into your background. I heard you've had quite the journey. Can you tell us a bit about where you came from and how you ended up here? Belle: Sure thing, Bob. My journey began when I was pulled from an Oklahoma kill lot back in December of 2014. It was a rough start, but things started looking up when I came to the Thomas Foundation Second Chance Horse Rescue with my friend Catalina. I moved around a bit before coming back to the Thomas Foundation. In late 2021, I was honored to join the STEPS herd and start my next life chapter.  Bob: Wow, quite the adventure! Now, let's talk more about equine assisted counseling. You've developed a reputation for really being an expert at helping humans heal. Can you share your perspective on how it helps? Belle: Equine assisted counseling provides a safe space for clients to feel grounded and discuss stressful or upsetting experiences. Being in the presence of horses like us helps clients feel more at ease and open to exploring their emotions. Bob: That makes sense, Belle. How do you see the feedback from equines helping people to recognize their emotions and gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? Belle: We are incredibly sensitive animals, Bob. We can pick up on subtle cues from humans and reflect their emotions back to them. For example, if a client approaches me feeling anxious, I respond authentically to that anxiety, helping the client recognize and process their own feelings. This feedback loop fosters self-awareness and emotional insight. Bob: Interesting, Belle. Equine assisted counseling also offers opportunities for clients to practice life skills. Can you give us some examples of these skills? Belle: Absolutely, Bob. Clients have the chance to practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing and visualization, while interacting with us. They also learn important communication skills by working with us nonverbally and setting boundaries in our interactions. These skills are invaluable for managing stress and building healthy relationships.  Bob: Lastly, Belle, how do you think equine assisted counseling helps clients explore patterns and parallels between their experiences with equines and their day-to-day lives? Belle: Equine assisted counseling allows clients to draw parallels between their interactions with us and their everyday experiences. For instance, if a client struggles with trust issues, they may notice similarities between their relationship with me and their relationships with others. By exploring these patterns, clients can gain insight into their behaviors and make positive changes in their lives. Bob: Thank you for sharing your insights with us, Belle. If you're inspired by our work and want to support us in helping more people, consider donating through the Seen Through Horses campaign. Your contributions go directly towards supporting Belle, myself, and our herd mates in providing healing and support to those in need. Together, we can make a difference! https://seenthroughhorses.raisely.com/t/steps-with-horses Want to work with Belle as a client? Fill out our Counseling Interest Form! Want to hear from Belle directly and become one of her biggest fans? Join Belle's Carrot Club! |
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