How incorporating creative activities like art and journaling can enhance the therapeutic experience
"Creative Expression with Horses: Art, Journaling, and Connection":
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Equine-assisted coaching offers a unique pathway to healing and self-discovery. But what if we could deepen that connection and extend the therapeutic experience beyond weekly sessions? By incorporating creative activities like art and journaling, we can unlock new levels of emotional processing and strengthen the bond between client and horse.
The Power of the Pen: Journaling as a Bridge
Once a foundation of trust and connection is established between a client and their horse, the therapeutic journey can continue even between sessions. Imagine writing letters to your horse, sharing your thoughts and feelings in a space of complete acceptance. If you've had a challenging day, pour your heart out onto the page, knowing your words are meant for your equine confidant.
At the next session, reading these letters aloud to the horse provides an opportunity to gain clarity, release negative emotions, and process experiences in a safe and supportive environment. This practice of expressive writing, as research has shown (Pennebaker, 2013), allows us to work through emotions, gain insights, and ultimately feel better.
Horses, with their non-judgmental nature and calming presence, are ideal recipients of our innermost thoughts. They are remarkably intuitive, sensing incongruence between our outward demeanor and inner state. We can mask our true feelings with a smile, but horses perceive our underlying emotions, responding with anxiety when they sense a lack of authenticity.
With horses, there's no need for pretense. When we are honest about our feelings, they respond with care and affection. Their "coherent" heart rate, characterized by its ability to efficiently recover from stress, also has a profound calming effect on us. Simply being in their presence lowers our blood pressure and heart rate, increases beta-endorphins (our natural pain suppressors), and reduces stress.
Artistic Connection: Painting a Deeper Bond
Just as journaling allows for emotional expression, incorporating art into equine activities opens another avenue for creative connection. Clients who enjoy artistic expression can create art projects specifically for their horse, using their preferred medium. This allows them to maintain a sense of connection with their trusted equine friend between sessions.
Enhancing the Equine Experience:
By integrating art and journaling into equine-assisted coaching, we create a more holistic and enriching therapeutic experience. These creative outlets provide valuable tools for emotional processing, self-reflection, and deepening the bond between client and horse.
Certified Coach, Founder & Owner of HeartSong EAC