Sybill upholds the Client-Centred and Solution-Orientated part of the Eagala Model which creates an individualised approach to the client’s needs and their personal development. Sybill creates a non-judgemental experiential environment for exploration and self-awareness.
Sessions are ground-based interactions and activities where the horses co-facilitate the therapeutic process. No horse riding takes place and no previous experience with horses necessary. Eagala Equine-Assisted Therapy and Equine-Assisted Learning are most effective as the process is both in the ‘doing’ and the ‘talking’.
Being with the horses allows for experiential, hands on learning and being in the moment.
"Humans have long recognised the unique power of horses’ intuition and have been studying it for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until the last century that they began developing theories about equine-assisted therapies. Many people respond well to traditional talk therapy, but some (veterans, trauma survivors, vulnerable children and teens, and more) — gain insight by doing along with talking. Add to that the unique intuitive power of horses providing non-judgmental feedback, and clients report healing can happen much quicker with equine-assisted therapy than with traditional therapeutic modalities"
(Eagala.org, 2018).
WHY HORSES?
Naturally intimidating to many, horses are large and powerful. In a safe environment this can create an space to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates an opportunity for insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Horses being perceptive sensitive creatures, they reflect/mirror things going on in our lives. The process is not always about interacting with the team, although this will happen at times, but its rather allowing you to be with the horses, to experience, explore, problem-solve, discover, be creative, gain insight and experience practical applications of what you are learning in the moment.
With this, they start responding to us in familiar ways reminding us of other people and things in our life. It is through this they become metaphors (symbols) providing us the opportunity to work on ourselves in relation to those aspects of our lives.
"We will never have to tell our horse that we are sad, happy, confident, angry or relaxed.
They already know - long before we do." Marjike de Jong
Horses, as well as humans, are social creatures and with that comes a hierarchy, different dynamics and roles within the herd. This may provide opportunity for potential parallel processes to occur for example the ‘bossy one’ in the herd might remind us of our mother, boss or neighbour?
It might remind us of conflict, of times where we felt not good enough, or alone. The horse’s behaviour and herd dynamics allows the client’s metaphors to be played out and to then be in a space for the opportunity to change that script, the story, to find new insights and life skills.
"My experience at Vanora is one that will stay close to my heart. The horses were extremely patient and their presence made me feel at ease. Overall the experience enabled me to recognize my individual conscious and un-conscious behavioural patterns, which I can now address in daily activities. The responses and interactions from the horses was truly mesmerising. I thoroughly recommend Vanora!"