ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
CALGARY HERALD
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2002
A group of volunteers, shown how the winning Strides program works, were challenged to get these horses to jump over the pole. The volunteers weren't allowed to speak or yell at the animals.
Horsepower used to fast-track behaviour changes
Health workers bucking tradition to stimulate clientsA new alternative to traditional therapy is galloping its way into the Calgary area, promising to make great strides in helping those with ineffective behaviour patterns.
At a recent equine assisted growth and learning (EAGAL) demonstration, mental-health workers observed and participated in a therapy session that used a few horses to get the point across.
The concept is relatively new to Calgary.
According to Cathie Johnson, a certified psychotherapist/counsellor and half of the Winning Strides team that purveys the treatment method, EAGAL stimulates creativity and takes clients out of the traditional office or group therapy setting.
"It's an alternative form of non-threatening therapy that is about setting the scene and letting people achieve an inner feeling of satisfaction and accomplishment," said Johnson, whose business partner is Laurie Messner, an equine professional.
"If an angry teen approaches the horse in an aggressive, frustrated manner, the horse will shy away and refuse to be caught.
The teen will learn that to catch and halter the horse, a calm, friendly manner is generally more successful.
Through this method, the person learns that changing their behaviour brings positive changes – and that's the therapy," said Johnson.
About 30 health-care professionals turned out to partake in the 90-minute demonstration at stables in Springbank to learn how EAGAL works.
Psychologist Anne-Marie Bergen thinks some of her teen clients would benefit from this form of therapy.
"It's a technique that could be used and I think it would be an effective one," said Bergen. "It allows (clients) to see themselves and relate to the animal."
Winning Strides conducts the EAGAL sessions on Messner's farm outside Nanton, about 75 kilometers south of Calgary.
Contact information:
Phone: 403-646-2345;
Fax: 646-3781
Email: www.winningstrides.com
