Julie Forbes has always had a love of helping people and working with horses. When the two passions are combined it can be magical! Over the years she has been active in many disciplines within the horse world. When she was introduced to Equine Assisted Learning/Psychotherapy (EAL/EAP), she realized the power this modality had in the lives of anyone who chose to use it in the healing space of addiction, depression, self-transformation, etc. She realized that her dream was to combine her two passions: Helping People and Horses.
Julie has become experienced in the art of helping individuals make a spiritual and emotional connection with horses to assist in their personal healing and recovery.
Have you ever just stood next to a horse and smelled him? Truly stood in the moment and just smelled the horse. It is powerful! If you have ever worked with, ridden or been around horses for any length of time you have probably recognized the power of horses to influence people in incredibly life-changing ways. Developing relationships, training, horsemanship instruction, and caring for horses naturally affect the people involved in a manner that has the ability to be healing in so many parts of our lives.
Some of the benefits that can be achieved are:
- Learning to connect
- Healthy Relationships
- Communication
- Responsibility
- Work Ethic
- Emotional Health
- Physical Awareness
Horses naturally provide these benefits. Horses provide for our emotional needs in a way that we don’t even recognize. It just is. As Horses have become part of the therapeutic community in the field of Equine Assisted Therapy and Equine Assisted Learning It is arguably becoming one of the most popular methods of therapy used for trauma, addiction, depression, self-awareness, and personal transformation.
You might ask: “Why horses? Why not other animals?” Horses can be intimidating to many, they are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear and develop confidence. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other sometimes intimidating and challenging situations in life.
Humans and horses are social animals. We both have defined roles within our “herds.” We both would rather be with our peers. We all have distinct personalities, attitudes, and moods; an approach that works with one horse (person) won’t necessarily work with another. At times, we seem stubborn and defiant. We both like to have fun. In other words, horses provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning, an effective technique when working with even the most challenging individuals or groups.
Most importantly, horses “mirror” or “reflect” our energy back to us. Many complain, “This horse is stubborn. That horse doesn’t like me,” etc. The lesson is that if we change ourselves, the horses respond to us differently. Horses are as honest as the day is long! This makes them especially powerful teachers.
Julie has discovered that when her clients make a spiritual connection with a horse and then release negative beliefs associated that there are no words to describe the experience and the healing that takes place. Julie is certified in Equine Assisted Learning/Psychotherapy.
Horses are great teachers and Julie has learned much from her work with them. This coupled with her varied life experiences and working with people on an emotional, energetic level has brought her to a place that qualifies her to be compassionate, non-judgmental, and in a perfect position to help young people that want to release their emotions that are keeping them stuck.
