Our Offerings
Equine Assisted Therapy Session
An EAGALA (Equine-Assisted Growth and Learning Association) session is a therapeutic approach that uses horses to promote personal growth and healing for individuals and families struggling with a range of issues. We specialise in treating clients with eating disorders and our equine assisted sessions can produce life changing results in this area. The gentle process opens the way for personal transformation, as well as beautiful opportunities to build healthy communication and trust within families around these issues. The session typically involves a team of three members: horses, an equine specialist (Deanna), and the participant's mental health professional or our own trained Eagala professionals. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mental health professional to the session to ensure personalised care. Please refer to our FAQ below, for more information, or enquire to book a session.
Empower
We offer a transformative journey through Equine Assisted Therapy, specialising in helping those struggling with Eating Disorders. We aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals to work through their own process, at their own pace, to create meaningful change.
Beth Maida The Unicorn Project/Nomad Media
Deanna and her herd of horses offer a safe space to let go and learn, both about the horses and ourselves. Deanna’s horses are incredible and can offer us a mirror into our emotional state, as well as provide a strong shoulder to lean on and just be.
Angie Richardson
My therapeutic journeying, with Maisie the horse, was a most precious and fabulous process. Held and guided by Deanna, I felt well supported by her calm, compassionate and knowledgeable approach. My confidence grew from session to session until I reached my goal of being able to sit and ride on Maisie. An experience I will always remember and treasure. Thanks Deanna and Maisie!
Questions & Answers
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What does an Eagala session entail?The entire process is centred around slowing things down. and calling on our higher consciousness to bring light to the challenges, questions, obstacles and desires you may have. All of the work takes place outside, in the field, among the horses, this may include some gentle interaction with the horse, but the nature of the experience is designed to allow for things to flow without pre-conception, so that your inner truth can emerge into your awareness naturally. A session takes approximately one hour. The session is about working on specific mental health goals, with a person's therapist, or other certified mental health specialist present.
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How does Equine therapy help with Eating Disorders?Our sessions help reveal the answers you are seeking, held in a space of love, understanding and empathy, supported by horse and human, for males and females dealing with eating disorders. Deanna and has had personal experiences with eating disorders, including supporting a family member through this journey. We understand. We see you and appreciate the challenge you are facing. We provide support for the person affected as well as those in the wider network. An eating disorder affects family and friends as well; their journey is different, but very important for the recovery and understanding of the person going through the challenge. We offer sessions that help to find the answers you are seeking. With our support, and the gentle, non-judgemental energy of the horses, you will be held in a space of love, understanding and empathy. Due to the nature of the sessions, where safety is paramount, we are not able to assist with clients who are currently undergoing refeeding. We cater to those showing signs of possible eating disorder ie obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, depression and those in recovery. These sessions are very valuable in helping to prevent relapses and post traumatic stress syndrome and eating disorders.
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Is funding available for EAGALA sessions?EAGALA sessions offer benefits such as improved mental well-being and personal growth through interactions with horses and the expertise of mental health professional, and we encourage you to bring your own mental health professional to the session to ensure personalised care. To cover the costs, you can seek funding from various organizations in New Zealand, such as ACC, WINZ, PHO's, Oranga Tamariki, and DHB's. To apply, simply contact these organisations directly and inquire about funding programs related to mental health and therapy services. Gathering necessary documentation, such as therapy recommendations, can strengthen your funding applications.
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Do I need to have experience with horses?You don't need any experience, as we will not be riding the horses, but instead, just spending time with them. Even though you may feel a little nervous initially, all our horses are completely familiar with this peaceful process and you will be supported at all times.
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Are you aligned with any particular charities?I have seen first hand the pain and suffering endured by horses in Egypt, Turkey and Greece. $10 from every Equine Assisted Therapy session goes to Egypt Equine Aid, to provide the care, and rehabilitation of mistreated horses, and the education of their owners.
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How much does an EAGALA session cost?An EAGALA session costs $120 for my services in conjunction with a persons therapist, or other certified mental health specialist who will have their own charges. There are various avenues available to obtain funding: please see the FAQ below.
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What do I need to wear and bring?Comfortable clothes, such as trousers, and extra layers for warmth and weather, are recommended, as well as suitable shoes for the outdoors. Other than that, just bring your wonderful self and an open mind. I will provide coffee, tea, cold drinks and light refreshments.
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Do you offer horsemanship sessions?Yes. I charge $80 for a horsemanship/equine assisted learning or development session.
