Gestalt is a German word with no literal English translation, however the idea behind Gestalt is wholeness, or more broadly, the perception of wholeness as being more than the sum of its parts. Gestalt coaching is based on a client-centered approach. The theory being that the client has all the answers and it is the coaches job to guide those answers to the surface.
The difference between traditional therapy/coaching and Gestalt coaching is the Gestalt coach will utilize experiences and experiments in a co-active format. This means that the client will be an ACTIVE participant in their learning or healing thus allowing for clarity and/or closure of the issue at hand. Gestalt coaching does not diagnose psychological issues or attempt to label clients. The Gestalt coach cannot prescribe or recommend medications. However, if necessary, the Gestalt coach will offer referrals of qualified therapists to a client in need.
Equine Gestalt Coaching (EGC) offers an added level to the coaching experience with the addition of horses. With EGC the coach and horse become partners in the coaching experience. Horses offer a unique perspective into a client’s personal world. Horses live in the moment and are not burdened by ego. As a prey animal they are highly sensitive to energetic influences and will react accordingly. They are born lie detectors; if a client is not standing in their own truth the horses will react accordingly. Often, the horse will offer its own ideas of what the client is struggling with leading to profound clarity for the client.
Although physical interaction with the horses may be fun for some, for others being in close proximity to a 1000 pound animal can elicit feelings of extreme fear. Equine Gestalt coaching does not require the client to physically interact with the horse. All interactions are gauged to the clients comfort and ability level.
Consider the Gestalt coach as the guide in your personal journey of self-awareness. The coach and their equine partner strive to offer a safe, confidential, space in which the client can explore their personal world in such a way as to create lasting transformations for a harmonious future.
