Have you ever noticed that when you are anxious or nervous you tend to do things differently than what you want to do or would like to do? Perhaps, you’ve noticed that when you are nervous and anxious people are less likely to want to be around you? They may be likely to say something like “calm down”, “sit still”, or “do not do that”… You only wish that you could comply. You want to be still. Calm. But, it just seems impossible to find a way to do things differently. You know, doing the same thing and expecting different results is the definition of insanity…
So What Can You Do Differently? Spend time with a horse!
How does equine therapy help with anxiety?
Well, let’s see. In this post, we will go through different symptoms of anxiety and see how horses can help through equine therapy and more. Of course, I offer equine therapy in the Powhatan, VA area (near Richmond, if you aren’t familiar!) if you are considering whether or not equine therapy for anxiety treatment might be helpful for you.
Talking really really fast.
Many of us talk quickly for many reasons, including being jacked up on coffee and excited about what we’re saying. But the message this often transmits is you aren’t comfortable in your words. So, horses do not communicate with words, and they will not respond to our words directly they will respond to our tone, our speed, inflections, and body language. So, if we want them to be calm with us we will need to change our behaviors.
Lack of attention.
Being attentive to someone in person and listening is not a submissive act. Scrolling your phone while in conversation doesn’t make you look cool. It makes you look distracted. It takes you away from the present moment. Horses do not have cell phones and have no interest in them. Not to mention it’s hard to dial and Siri and Alexa do not always understand what you say! When you are with a horse, you need to pay attention to them. You will need to present and focus on them. Or, they will leave and go do something that is more interesting. They may even create a way to gain your attention. And, when an animal that much bigger wants to get your attention it will. Demonstrate your interest and be genuinely interested. The horse will do the same, and this can be so incredibly powerful and empowering.
“Jitters”, aka: cannot stop moving and shaking.
Looking like Elvis Presley (all shook up), or maybe some other Tik Tok craze? Take a deep breath. Breathing is so incredibly important! Graceful is usually a word used to describe the movement of horses. And, being around them allows us to recreate that type of movement. If we slow down we can be more present with them and find ease in our movement and grace in ourselves. When we really look at horses, we see that they are comfortable in their own skin. They are not trying to do or be something they are not. How beautiful that they can give us a powerful lesson in just being without judgment or words. They help model many things for us by just being around and being themselves.
Remember, it’s important to be yourself during equine therapy!
Allowing yourself to take this in and truly experience this is important It signals comfort in your own skin and calms you down, but more than anything — it alters your own perceived self-identity. You will realize your natural confidence, and this will be felt by the horses and those around you.
Take up space: equine therapy can be life-changing.
Being around a horse makes us take up space and bring our best game not in an arrogant way but in a way that says “I am here, and I am ok”. Not in a nervous way. Taking up space requires us to be aware of our presence and how we walk stand and present ourselves to other people. How you hold yourself physically transmits confidence, and it also reinforces it. Horses help us with this also they will show us that we can take up space and be calm trusting in our own abilities. They will model this for us and without saying anything reward us for doing the same with them.
So, how do horses help us with anxiety in so many ways?
As we are each unique so are they. If you get the pleasure to spend some time with a horse, you will find that a bond will form, and something will happen. Your anxiety will lower, and you will start to feel differently about things. Maybe not all at once but you will start to shift. If you are able to spend enough time your start to recognize when you are not in your head and you are able to relax and gain a sense of calm a sense of trust. Allow yourself to be open to your own wisdom to see yourself as the horse sees you. You will know how to take care of yourself. You know what to do just as the horse knows what to do. Anxiety is focusing on something that has not happened. So, instead, focus on what is currently happening.
Ready to Start Equine Therapy in Powhatan, VA?
Anxiety is treatable. Especially the symptoms of anxiety that often get in the way of living your best life. Equine therapy really can be life-changing, and you could very well be the perfect fit! We understand and know this process very well, so let us help guide you through it at our Powhatan, VA therapy practice. Get started today with just three easy steps:
- Contact us to schedule a free therapy consultation
- Check out our FAQs and read more about us
- Begin your journey to a less anxious life with equine therapy today
Other Services at Gray Horse Counseling
Equine therapy is one of the many services we offer at our Powhatan, VA counseling practice. We are able to offer help in-person in Powhatan, and online in Virginia. Our other services at Gray Horse Counseling include individual therapy, group therapy, equine sports, and clinical supervision. In terms of specialties, this includes anxiety and depression, as well as healing from trauma. Check out our FAQs, read about us, and contact us today to get the help you deserve!