Psychology

Psychology

At Outlook Ecotherapy ‘therapy’ is ‘done differently’ … no labels, weird couches or foggy windows. Instead, clients learn by doing with the aid of animals, games, art, bush craft, and movement!

Our sessions blend evidence-based therapies (CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, ACT, and Bowen family therapy) with the EPI’s model of equine therapy, which stems from Gestalt therapy, Buddhism, and I-thou Horsemanship.

Many of our clients have diagnoses that include Anxiety, Depression, ASD, ADHD, trauma, and poor emotion regulation. Subsequently, our sessions tend to include; sensory experiences, social and communication skills, facing fears (exposure), problem solving, mindfulness, breathing and grounding techniques, and tools to identify and appropriately express strong emotions.

Sessions span for 50 minutes and may be conducted individually, with parents, and/or as a family group. To refer, click the Resources tab on our menu, and download the '“New Referral Package.”

Why Horses? 

In the EPI model, horses; 

• Model awareness, boundaries, expression of feelings as information, sensitivity as a strength, and clear communication.

• Evoke strong responses including unconscious feelings and needs, which are then available for therapeutic attention and processing

• Activate whole-system awareness (as opposed to auto-pilot), which is the foundation for change

• Provide emotional safety that is conducive to the development of new neural pathways and body memories for safety in relationships

• React differently to our conscious and unconscious non-verbal cues, energy, tension, relaxation, feelings, thoughts, and behaviours, thereby offering honest feedback

• Model different leadership styles within their herd, which can be experientially applied to parenting and work organisations