Finding Strength and Healing from Trauma: Rosa's Journey with Belle in Equine Assisted Counseling

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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