18/12/2024
~Educational Post~
I practice Equine Assisted Therapy from a Polyvagal Viewpoint. For those of you that are curious about what that entails. Continue reading to get a quick overview of the therapeutic modality.
First, What is Polyvagal Theory?? The theory examines how the autonomic nervous system is impacted by the central nervous system, as well as from cues from the environment and the body. This impact is due to the Vagus Nerve. Polyvagal Theory focuses on the fundamental drive for us to feel safe and secure.
Safety and Security come from Connection. Connection is imperative for emotional health and well-being. Polyvagal Theory demonstrates the science behind the reasoning another living being can make us feel safe. (There is a ton of neurological science here that I teach in clinics if you are interested in an in-depth synopsis).
Following a traumatic event, some individuals may have a difficult time connecting with humans. This makes it difficult for their nervous system to feel any sense of safety or security because they are unable to connect. That is where Revived Spirits comes into play. We use horses to promote connection and begin teaching the nervous system how to find safety again. Once the nervous system can connect to another living being (co-regulation), we can begin working on regulation, or the ability to experience a feeling of calmness and a balanced nervous system within oneself.
Including the horse provides a living being the client can connect with, feel no judgement from, find acceptance from, feel seen, heard, and find safety. This will promote feelings of safety internally for the client. Horses are very effective at detecting attitudes, physiological states, and behaviors of people they interact with. Talented therapeutic horses can calm people that are struggling with strong emotions and memories.
While working with horses, a client can learn how to be alert, yet relaxed. Strong, yet compassionate. The client will also learn how to have socially intelligent connections with others through the horses. This provides the client with confidence and a new found trust of their intuitions.
If you are interested in learning more about how Polyvagal Theory works through the utilization of horses, stay tuned for some spring clinics that will dive into the topic!