The Team & Facilities

Miranda Carey - Miranda has been practising as a psychotherapeutic counsellor and supervisor for the past 16 years, working in the areas of youth, addiction, relationships, bereavement, disability, sexuality and fertility. Growing up with horses, Miranda has always ridden and has a deep love of all animals. Wanting to bring horses into her work, Miranda trained in the Eagala Approach in England, however, it was a book by Epona founder Linda Kohanov, The Tao of Equus, which really spoke to her and inspired her to learn and experience the power of horse wisdom on a much deeper level. She graduated as an Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist at Epona, Arizona, USA, in 2005.

Miranda says: "Bringing horses and their instinctual wisdom into my work gives me a feeling of coming home, as I now offer clients a therapeutic approach, which works with the mind, body and spirit."

Her private practice is based at Lydney Park Estate, Gloucestershire, where she providies psychotherapeutic counselling and supervision for individuals, couples and groups. Besides EFP, Miranda also runs individual and group workshops in Family Systemic Therapy.

Miranda's qualifications:
Equine Facilitated Psychotherapist, Epona.
Epona-approved Instructor
Dip.(Humanistic & Integrative) Counsellor, bcpc (accredited training)
Couples Counselling training with Jill Gabriel.
Family Systemic Practitioner, CWT.
Dip.HE Youth and Community Work, UWE
Dip. Montessori Education.

The herd - There are two herds on the estate, Miranda works primarily with four horses, and there are five other horses and ponies who are also involved in EFP, but it's best if you meet them, and find out about their stories, for yourselves as part of your experience.

Mark Lumley - Miranda's husband and a huge supporter of her work. He's an artist and furniture-maker, blacksmith and sculptor and also a fabulous cook, to which those who come on day-long workshops can testify!

Sally Tottle - Alexander Technique teacher specialising in riders, author of Body Sense, sculptor, horse owner and the possessor of two very healing hands. Sally runs her own private Alexander Technique practice and clinics, and supports Miranda with workshops. Sally is particular good at encouraging body awareness.

Lissy Seidel - Holistic vet, animal acupuncturist, McTimoney practitioner and top cross-country rider, Lissy treats all Miranda's animals and is the owner of one of the mares in Miranda's herd. For more about Lissy's work, visit www.whatmakesyourhorsetick.co.uk

Kate Edser - Horsewoman, qualified riding instructor and journalist, Kate helps organise and publicise workshops, and supports Miranda's EFP groups.

Rissa Ratcliffe - Artist, cake maker (for workshops!), mother, and a workshop supporter. Miranda says Rissa "can hold mountains". She is a friendly and solid person to have around and has considerable personal experience of autism and Asperger's syndrome.

Herbie - Bouncey and extra friendly lurcher who tags along when Miranda's riding, and makes himself a useful tension diffuser during workshops by visiting everyone in turn for a stroke and a scratch. He doesn't like it if you sit in 'his' beanbag.

Ariette - Wise old cat. Knows who she likes and who to avoid. Vocal when she wants milk or food. Also makes it clear when she wants to be made a fuss of.

Facilities

Therapy room - A peaceful space next to Miranda's home that's decorated in warm colours and furnished with comfortable chairs.

The Coach House - The base for some group workshops, The Coach House has a huge open-plan kitchen and garden room and a private garden where everyone can enjoy refreshments and sit in comfort for introductions, feedback and discussion.

Yurt - Set up under a magnificent Cypress tree just outside the horses' field, the yurt is a large, enclosed circular space with a carpeted floor and lots of bean bags, cushions and blankets. It's a peaceful, safe space for reflection before and after meeting the horses. Miranda works with individuals and groups in this space.

Round pen - Within sight of the yurt, this roof-less, wire mesh pen has been erected in a corner of the horses' field under a bank of trees. It provides a safe 'holding' place for more intimate group work, one-to-one sessions and where you can learn how to 'dance' with a horse simply with your energy and body language. It is also a space for bare back ridden work. There is also a full size manege.