Julie Stass
I have been a licensed clinician (LCSW) for over 20 years and have a doctorate in Psychology. Although I have recieved excellent clinical training and excelled as a therapist, I have never fit in with the traditional psychotherapy model. I, now, call myself a former clinical social worker turned Equine Assisted Coach. I've had horses all my life. I have had powerful healing moments with my horses. I can truly say horses have healed my soul. It wasn't until about five years ago, that I considered using horses in my practice, the direct result of an amazing experience with a horse whisperer in 2009. My life hasn't been the same. I use Equine Assisted Coaching for clients in grief, recovering from addictions, and those trying to make sense out of their lives--looking for a new direction. I firmly believe that coaching in an arena with a horse accelerates the healing process, shortening therapy/coaching time in half. What can be accomplished in one hour with the horses, (whatever the presenting problem) would take at least twice if not five times longer using a traditional talking session format. I am also a Certified EAGALA Mental Health Specialist and a Certified Life Coach with Martha Beck,Inc. I use my formal training as a therapist, a play therapist and clinical social worker and combine it with my EAGALA and Martha Beck training to create a unique, life changing coaching experience for my clients and workshops.
|
Taani Story-My Dream Ranch, Placerville, CA
 I was first introduced to horses an an infant by my babysitter: she would lay me on her horses back, the only thing that calmed me when I was fussy. Then at age 8, with a friend's horses, I became aware that I had a connection with them. Coming from a completely non-horsey family it was yet another example that I was different, but one that felt like a gift. My dream was born. I was never given the opportunity of lessons, but always managed to find a way to be around horses. I earned my experience through observation and trial and error, riding other people's horses throughout my life. By college I was volunteering on a ranch helping to break Throughbreds in San Diego. When my daughter was three, I was able to buy my first horse and began pursuing the dream of having my own ranch. I wanted to work with horses, and find a way to share them with people in need to better their lives. Now, almost 12 years later, that dream is a reality.
|
Nautic
 Nautic is a Dutch Warmblood, born in Holland in 1995. He was imported to the USA around 2005. He was trained, shown and competed as an FEI stadium jumper and later retired. I met Nautic taking a riding lesson. He had the repuation of not moving out, not wanting to be ridden. Yet, when I rode him for the first time, he moved beautifully. My instuctor and several by-standers were in tears, they'd never seen him perform so well. Some people would say Nautic chose me. I think they are right. He came into my life at a perfect time. His name means: charting a particular course or direction. Nautic has certainly taken my life in a new direction, as he does for my clients in the arena. He is a great equine assistant. (Maybe, I'm assisting him?)
|
|
|
