ARK at Egwood Equine and Nature Facilitated Psychotherapy

Accredited therapist Michaela Slade has qualified with LEAP Equine Facilitated Therapy as a Senior practitioner and has also done extensive nature therapy training with Sweet Track Counselling Centre.

The Heard therapy offers an alternative way of working, a way that embraces the wider picture and the whole experience. The space of outdoor therapy allows a much more fluid form of therapy, it has movement and energy but is less intensive and has a high impact.

Room based therapy isn't for everyone and can feel quite intimidating, particularly for clients with OCD or anxiety, being outside can feel more comfortable for clients and can also provide a source of tools and ideas to work with and bring into the session

I can provide professional and confidential one to one Equine assisted counselling and psychotherapy based in Long Sutton near Langport. The Heard Therapy is a client-centred and horse-centred therapeutic space set within the context of beautiful countryside with access to natural woodland.

With my team of horses, Reg, Star and Tigger, I can provide a safe and private space from which personal growth and development naturally transpire.

I can combine various techniques and strategies, which can include Mindfulness, Nature Therapy, CBT therapy, integrative therapy, and equine therapy.

I work with the horses and the clients to build relationships of trust and reciprocity, developing resilience and confidence in both the horse and the client, empowering equines, empowering people. All work is choice based and positive reinforcement based, which teaches patience, emotional regulation, and trust, from shared positive experiences.

I work with clients aged 8 plus, including adults.

The Heard Therapy specialises in a personally developed approach to meet individual needs, with particular experience in working with:

·         Trauma and PTSD

·         Complex Trauma

·         Autism and Neurodiversity

·         Autistic and neurodiverse people affected by trauma

·         LGBTQ

From extensive practice and understanding, I can also work with a range of issues that can include:

·         Anxiety

·         OCD

·         Relationships

·         Depression

·         borderline personality disorder

·         addictions

·         behavioural issues

·         additional learning needs.

I have 20 years of experience working in the social care sector, 10 of these as a qualified and professionally accredited psychotherapeutic counsellor.

***The equine therapy does not involve any riding and no horse experience is necessary to benefit from a trusting and meaningful relationship with the horse.

The work involves gentle groundwork exercises and techniques to facilitate connection and a reflective space within which you can process difficulties, thoughts and feelings

The equine and nature therapy can be offered individually or combined, there is also opportunity to work with the horses and nature to develop spiritually.

I am able to work with individuals, adults, children and groups. I offer personal development and team building sessions, couples therapy and family therapy.

Room based counselling is also available.

We also hold peer support groups for therapists

Please contact Michaela Slade MNCS adv.dipcp , Director of The Heard Therapy, using the contact details above.