Eagala Method
Equine Assisted Learning
Healing Emotional Wounds in a Powerful Way
Now more than ever, we need more effective
mental wellness options
Equine Assisted Learning is the fastest, most accurate way to discover who you are and
what you present to the world.
It opens the door to curiosity and effective change.
What is
Eagala -
Equine
Assisted
Learning?
Claudia Oberg / Equine Specialist
Oberg Stables
The Eagala Model provides an innovative solution that provides a unique space for an emotionally safe, hands-on experience for clients. With real-time feedback, clients are able to reach issues where traditional talk-based therapies leave off and many times - much faster!
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This collaborative model requires a Licensed Mental Health Professional and a qualified Equine Specialist who knows the ways of a horse, and a therapy horse who acts, well....like a horse! The SECRET INGREDIENT is the hyper-vigilant, emotion-reading, empathy-feeling horse.
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Hyper-vigilance ~ This equine survival skill is often acquired by a person who has grown up in an alcoholic or abusive family. In equine therapy, a bond can grow between a hyper-vigilant horse and a fearful hyper-vigilant victim of emotional trauma. In the presence of a horse, an abuse victim can feel safety, acceptance, and compassion, perhaps for the first time.
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Herd-Based Social Skills ~ To promote harmony in the herd, horses are accepting, respectful, honest, fair, and forgiving. Horses do not judge, but they accurately read and mirror our behavior, attitudes, and feelings, including our subtle intentions. This mirroring is seen in how the horse responds.
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We structure sessions incorporating horses to effectively address the client’s learning goals and help with personal struggles such as:
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trauma
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grief & loss
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depression/anxiety
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stress management
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creating healthy boundaries
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communication/relationship issues
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addiction
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During a session, clients learn about themselves and others by developing relationships and participating in activities with horses, and processing any feelings/emotions, patterns or behaviors. There is NO riding during our sessions. All sessions take place 'on the ground' because in this work, horses are able to be themselves and not have to act a certain way, just like our clients can. This is a space to EXPLORE, BE OURSELVES, and BUILD RELATIONSHIPS on equal footing.
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Sessions are 75 minutes.
Cost: $130 / session
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HOW HORSES ARE HEALERS
How it works
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“I have had many ‘talk therapies’ in my life, but this was totally different and
very powerful – I could step away from my usual intellectualizing and just be,
and maybe it was this that enabled me to gain so much insight and
to really ‘cut through’ stuff. This therapy has really changed things for me.
I have noticed less fear and more inner stability.”
(client with a history of domestic violence and mental health diagnosis,
after six one-hour EAGALA sessions).
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Healing Emotional Wounds
Interacting with horses can produce profound healing for people with mental and emotional wounds. Two innate equine traits, hyper-vigilance and herd-based social skills, are the basis of the horse’s power to heal a past emotional trauma or damaged feelings of self-worth.
Why Horses?
In two words: STRONG OUTCOMES. Equine-assisted work often helps clients change and grow more effectively and quickly because people typically learn best by doing. Working with horses is engaging, in real-time, and hands-on. The experience is immediate and fully felt.
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Why not other animals?
Horses are large and powerful. This creates a natural opportunity for some to overcome fear. Working alongside a horse, in spite of those fears, creates confidence and provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life.
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Solution-oriented for all ages
Life stories begin unfolding symbolically in a safe and supportive setting. Clients of all ages and needs truly have their own best solutions. As the horses play out scenarios, clients gain insights and begin to see and feel shifts in themselves as well.
JW
Sierra
Prince
Flash
Paul Oberg
Hope
Big Red
Angel
TESTIMONIALS
“Equine Therapy is a must with Cheryl & Claudia! In the past, I never had a horse even want to let me touch his nose! These horses came and snuggled me, stood next to me, let me guide them through obstacle courses and even nudged me when I needed it!
With Cheryl and Claudia’s guidance, I made some really great progress and progress that I hadn’t made with past counselors. Cheryl and Claudia both truly care about you and even check in with you post-session which I’ve never had before! I recommend them to everyone!!!”
~ Jennifer Forrest / Summer 2022
HOW TO FIND US!
Let’s Work Together!
Sessions are held at
OBERG STABLES
4801 Kiva Drive
Laporte, CO 80535
Tel: 970-325-3950
