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Did you know that up to 50% of therapy clients are Highly Sensitive People (HSPs)? High sensitivity is a trait found in about 20% of human and many animal populations, and is distinguishable from disorders and mental illness, though it may be coexisting according to psychologist, researcher and author, Dr. Elaine Aron. The single most effective therapeutic intervention with HSPs is educating them about their trait, helping them learn adequate self-care and empowerment. If we are successful in the therapy, HSPs are much more likely than other clients to benefit. Alane Freund, LMFT, will present a combination of key findings about highly sensitive people, including issues of differential diagnosis, examples of the use of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with HSPs, and a top line summary of the facts and tools utilized in her two day in-depth capacity building workshop for therapists called HSPs and Horses: A Deeper Understanding of High Sensitivity.
Why horses with Highly Sensitive People? Horses, as prey animals, are highly sensitive by nature…and have as many different personalities, attitudes and sensitivities as HSPs. But, their acute awareness and sensitivity is fundamental to keeping them alive, indeed it is their greatest asset, just as it once was for humans. Horses demonstrate to both HSPs, and professionals who work with them, a model for healthy Sensory Processing Sensitivity. Elaine Aron’s acronym, D.O.E.S., illuminates four main HSP characteristics: Depth of processing, easily Over stimulated, Emotionally reactive/empathic, and sensitive to Subtle stimuli. In every single session of EAGALA-model equine assisted work, the horses demonstrate D.O.E.S. and healthy communication, providing beautiful opportunities for intervention and insight.
Alane Freund, LMFT, MHS, ES, EAGALA certified, has been in private practice for over 20 years and has an equine assisted psychotherapy practice in Woodacre, California. She received her Master’s in Clinical Psychology in 1994, and a Master’s in School Counseling in 2000. She found her true calling when she became certified by EAGALA, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, and became a dually certified Mental Health Specialist and Equine Specialist in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Alane Freund, a lifelong horsewoman, is blessed to combine her professional training with her passion in EAGALA-model psychotherapy. In 2011, she met Elaine Aron, PhD, author and researcher on Highly Sensitive People, and has since become a consultant and therapist specializing in Highly Sensitive People in her private Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practice, Heart and Mind Equine. Heart and Mind offers workshops and trainings on high sensitivity for both clients and therapists, including our weekend workshop for therapists with national field leader, Elaine Aron, on May 14-15, 2016, as well as individual and family therapy, groups, consultation sessions for helping professionals, and executive team building workshops. Contact the Heart and Mind team at info@heartandmindequine.com or by calling 510 421 4281.
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CAMFT