Horse and practice of Psychosynthesis
What is Psychosynthesis?
Psychosynthesis, founded by the Italian psychiatrist Roberto Assagioli, has its origins in Psychoanalysis of which he was the representative in Italy at the request of Sigmund Freud. For Assagioli, psychoanalysis proves insufficient for the growth of the person. After a while, the analytical process requires a synthesis which can occur at different levels of consciousness.
How it works ?
In the process of Psychosynthesis, through practical exercises of visualization and bodily awareness, we go from a series of disordered and conflicting tendencies (sensation, emotions, feelings, aspirations, etc.) to discovery, through the experience, of the deep being, of its center: the “self”, which becomes the creative element, unifying the different aspects of ourselves.
Horse and Psychosynthesis: a true organic symbiosis!
As the horse, by its natural faculties, gives us a mirror image of our emotions, of the facets of our personality, of our inner psychic state, and of our authentic Self, it is an extraordinary assistant in the practice of psychosynthesis.
A "win - win" collaboration
eQuintessence has established a collaboration with the Institute of Psychosynthesis by Dr Gillier-Imbs, in particular by the publication of the article " Psychosynthesis: the horse, a unifying center: "Equitherapy reveals the real self" "
Read the full article published in the Journal of the French Institute of Psychosynthesis
Horses and emotions: the holistic dimension of equitherapy
Brief therapy "outside the couch", based on a sensitive and archaic mode of non-verbal communication and on a connection to the limbic brain of emotions. A therapy very close, in many aspects, to the principles of Psychosynthesis stated by Roberto Assagioli ...
The horse species is characterized by a predominance of the limbic brain : importance of emotions and social ties, a good definition of the roles of leader, dominant, etc. In freedom and in conditions approaching its natural environment, the horse develops a sophisticated group life, manifests great qualities of emotional intelligence according to the definition given by Goleman, and consciously establishes differentiated social bonds. These natural faculties are put to good use when we put a subject in relation to one or more horses. The relationship develops in a non-verbal way, where expression, posture, body language, tone of voice, and emotional experience are of prime importance.
The methodology of therapy sessions consists, from a deeper knowledge of the horse, according to the principles of ethological equitation, to help the patient to find the contact with his limbic system when he is rendered dysfunctional by emotional content that is too difficult to deal with.
The first phase is the establishment of a limbic resonance , through contact the friendliest possible with the horse using simple and relaxing exercises.
The second phase is learning a limbic regulation , by allowing the subject to regulate his state of emotional agitation by using the horse as a biofeedback (controlled regulation of panic emotions for the benefit of a play-based relationship).
The third phase is the deepening of a state of limbic review , where the subject is able to consciously distance himself from his uncontrolled emotional states, talk about them, and re-establish healthy social bonds.
The medical indications of horse-assisted psychology
The equi-psychology method is indicated mainly in cases of limbic activation :
- post-traumatic syndromes taken in the broad sense (ex-combatants, of course, but also rape, touching, psychological after-effects of a serious illness, and even situations of professional harassment or suffering at work).
Equitherapy or equi - psychology assisted by the horse is one of the few proven methods in social rehabilitation American soldiers with post-traumatic stress disorder.
- good results are observed in Asperger-type syndromes, where verbal communication is difficult for the patient to implement, and in borderline personalists characterized by emotional disorders linked to attachment and the feeling of abandonment
- there are indications in cases of depression, phobias or anxiety disorders if they are not too invasive.
Contraindications : Psychoses with agitation, all dissociative states
(schizophrenia), Alzheimer's with agitation, Untreated organic diseases, any physical condition that does not allow working with a horse in good safety conditions.
With Equi'Med and Dr Sylvain Gillier - Imbs we offer medical sessions and presentations of the methodology for health professionals (Doctors, neuro-psychiatrists, psychologists).
Do you want a more complete presentation? contact us .
To register for a test session, and obtain additional information, Click here
