Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy

EFP is a way of teaching people about themselves through interpreting the reactions of horses.
Miranda has found that EFP works best when the horses are free in mind and body, so interaction, either individually or in groups, takes place in the large field where the herd lives contentedly all year round. The horses choose when, and with whom, they want to meet – which makes their feedback all the more honest. Miranda translates what they might be saying - prompting and gently questioning, so clients can reach their own conclusions.

The horses' response is always honest, always in the moment and delivered in a non-judgemental manner. There is no hidden agenda - only realism, with great compassion and empathy.

Miranda's happy herd comprises of one very vibrant male horse, a gelding; an old, wise mare; her young daughter, and another young, very feminine mare. The dynamics of the group can resonate with EFP clients in a number of key areas: masculine and feminine roles, sexuality and sexual behaviour, the bonds of friendship and family, the setting of boundaries and the 'dance' of intimacy.

Whether you have relationship or family issues, have suffered trauma, experienced loss or grief, addiction or illness, maybe you have trouble saying 'no', or you feel at a crossroads and need help to find the path to take, you might find that Miranda and the horses at Lydney Park can help set you free.

Why Horses?

There is an old saying: "Show me the horse and I will show you the character of its master". Horses are mirrors of our behaviour, so they can teach us how we are perceived by others.

Horses know their place in nature, they have a deep understanding of their environment and of the creatures in it - including humans. In fact, they know far more about us than we might imagine. Without the power of language, they must rely on other indicators to understand others and to communicate. They know posture, they feel energy, they sense vibes, breath, heart rate. Emotions are all obvious to them. We cannot hide, and they are incapable of lying, so it's worth listening.