sparrow teaching independence

It may not look like a whole lot is going on here, but I promise Sparrow is doing some hard work.  I'm always amazed at what happens in the therapy 'arena'. Pieces show up.  Clients make interpretations. Sparrow is himself.  It's always such a tremendous addition to the therapeutic process- taking them outside the office and into the sunshine, air, and the smell of horses!

Today's lesson was part motivation, part consequences, part frustration, part mixed messages, and a whole lot of reflection!   One of the things that plays out in the therapy arena is getting a chance to see what things a client does in action, so to speak.  With activities with the horse, I can catch a real time glimpse of how a client responds to concepts or ideas.  I can catch real time self-talk and process it in ways that don't always show up in the therapeutic office.  I can watch a client learn a concept and go back and do the exact same thing we just talked about not doing!  BUT, I can be there to point it out and explore it, and praise and encourage when they are overwhelmed with a shame attack!

Of course, if I'm really being honest, a little horse smell and vitamin D is good for my therapy brain too!