Equine - Assisted Learning and Connection * SPECIALIZING in CHILDREN with Complex Learning Needs LD, Anxiety, Autism, ADD/ADHD, SPD * Developing Emotional Awareness / Self-Regulation
The ESSENCE of the HORSE's GIFT to us **How to be together SIMPLY and PEACEFULLY with "WHAT IS "
REFLECTION: There is no finer MIRROR of our true nature than the HORSE.
" If you look into my eyes, you will see yourself ...Look into my eyes and you will know if your universe is bright or dark, infinite or finite , mortal or immortal" Quote by Thich Nhat Hanh
MAKING A SOCIAL & EMOTIONAL DIFFERENCE For Children and Youth
* Dr. Brenda E. Abbey is a Cognitive Educational Consultant in private practice in Calgary , Alberta. She is a lifetime Alberta certified Special Education teacher, has training in Equine - Facilitated Wellness and holds a Doctorate in Educational Cognitive Psychology. Dr. Brenda E. Abbey believes in the importance of Relationships for children so parents are observers in the process. Her ongoing research supports Equine- Assisted Learning sessions for children.** It provides ONE part of a TEAM APPROACH in complex cases { Medical professionals }- especially children diagnosed with ANXIETY, as well as ADD/ADHD and Communication challenges. Dr. Brenda E. Abbey believes in working collaboratively with other professionals as well as parents/ caregivers to coordinate the most appropriate therapeutic , educational and enrichment intervention activities for children diagnosed with complex needs.
LEARNING with HORSES for CHILDREN * designed for enhancing COMMUNICATION skills for children . ** A HORSE does not JUDGE Dr. Brenda E. Abbey 's Individualized Equine- Assisted READING /Learning sessions specialize in COACHING children with Learning Disabilities . This " Coaching" approach focuses on enhancing children's STRENGTHS .
Influenced by her past teamwork experience at a CHILDREN"S Mental Health TREATMENT setting and TRAUMA - Informed practice , she encourages the understanding of the INTERTWINING nature of attachment and BRAIN- BASED research for parents of the children with complex needs . Dr. Brenda E. Abbey operates with a Strength- Based intervention model , emphasizing the importance of- Relational Experiences, as well as building Communication Skills , Attachment , Self- Regulation and Social Competency. Dr. Brenda E. Abbey adheres to the Research and Theoretical Principles of ; Dr. Bruce Perry's Developmental Neuroscience & Dr. Gordon Neufeld's Developmental Attachment Theory.
HEALING with HORSES for CHILDREN : Dr. Brenda E. Abbey's Areas of Equine -Assisted Learning Specialization; -Emphasizing Relationships and Engagement - Understanding and Enhancing EMPATHY - Developing positive Self -Esteem -Improving Communication Skills for Language Delays , Non- verbal messages -Encouraging Self -Awareness and Self - Regulation for Children with ADD/ ADHD - Researching the Re-patterning of the Brain's Brainstem and Limbic Systems - Asperger's Syndrome - Anxiety - Sensory Processing Disorder - Autistic Spectrum **Social Capacity Building -The Power of Horse Stories - Bridging & Life Lessons * Narrative Therapy - Creating a Keepsake Photographic Memory Book of the CLIENT'S Interactions with The HORSES - Understanding Emotional, Social and Moral Intelligence
WHY does Dr. Abbey believe in this type of INDIVIDUALIZED Equine- Assisted Learning for Children ?
* Each child is unique and Dr. Abbey knows an understanding of the developmental history is important !! While working with the therapy horse , relationships are developed that encourage EMPATHY and awareness. * INDIVIDUALIZED Equine- Assisted Learning offers significant INTRAPERSONAL understandings and increased SELF- ESTEEM in a shorter period of time due to the experiential nature of forming a relationship with the horse. * Family and caregiver reflections reveal that these interactive experiential sessions were valuable for the child's self- regulation because the horses gave the client HONEST and immediate feedback. *Based on Dr. Bruce Perry's Neuroscience research, the BRAIN changes in response to novel experiences.
No Riding * only ground work interaction and relationship building with Horses. The RURAL setting is also a calming experience, away from the city . *ALL sessions with the HORSE , cater to the Unique and COMPLEX NEEDS of the individual client { proximity to the horse is determined by Dr. Abbey and parents' / caregiver's observations of the child's comfort level} Dr. Brenda E. Abbey gives her complete INDIVIDUALIZED attention.
** the PARENT is present and observes the process and is part of the reflection process afterward.
* ALL EQUINE - ASSISTED LEARNING sessions are provided in a picturesque, rural Thoroughbred Horse- Breeding farm setting which adds to the appreciation of being close to the horses/ foals and nature. For MORE information, use this website's contact form .