DreamCatchers is Your Partner in Healing
DreamCatchers is an emotional support program that pairs support methods and equine wisdom in a therapeutic way to help those experiencing challenges find a sense of peace. While we do not offer traditional therapy, we are able to partner with therapists to ensure that needs are appropriately met. Beginning in the summer of 2024, DreamCatchers will offer Equine Gestalt Coaching® as our preferred method of support.
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The Equine Gestalt Coaching Method® was developed by Melisa Pearce, a core founder since 1989, of the horse-human healing movement. The experiential nature of the method involves the horse as an active partner with the coach in the client’s exploratory process. The integrative approach of the equine’s interaction combined with positive coaching, somatic awareness guidance and Gestalt methodology, assists the client in examining their life and choices made with a focus on designing a positive future. ©Melisa Pearce
Jodi Freeman is a Certified Peer Support Specialist and soon to be Certified Equine Gestaltist®, with a focus on supporting teens and adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma related emotional concerns, and grief. Combining her loves of horses and supporting others, Jodi offers coaching services in partnership with the incredible emotional strength of horses.
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How do Horses Help?
Horses are more deeply connected with humans than any other animal. They operate on a level of energy that is as near to serenity as possible, while humans only function at about half that level... and horses want us to move closer to them. An Equine Gestalt Coach works in partnership with horses to allow clients a safe space to to work through unfinished business and find focus and balance in the here and now.
A 2017 Scientific Study conducted by EGCM Graduate, Jacqueline Manzione, and Thomas Manzione, shows the Efficacy of the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method®. 271 people from various regions, backgrounds, and populations were included in this study result. And 98% of study respondents found their EGCM session beneficial enough to participate in another EGCM Session.
Findings demonstrated that there was an increase in the feelings of hopefulness and an improved sense of self-esteem and self-worth among the clients who participated in an EGCM session. (adapted from TouchedByAHorse.com, April 2024)
At DreamCatchers, we believe firmly in the power of horses helping humans heal emotional trauma, and to that end, enrolled in the Certified by Melisa Pearce Equine Gestalt Coaching program in 2021. You can learn more about the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method by clicking this link.
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Who Can Participate?
Anyone age 13 and older who is seeking a different way to learn to manage their emotional healing and grow through the power of one-to-one support.
Does DreamCatchers Offer Riding Lessons?
DreamCatchers is not a traditional riding lessons program, however, we do offer a four-session introduction to riding. Participants learn the basics of safety around horses, how to mount and dismount safely, and how to ride a horse in walk and trot gaits. Additional riding sessions are offered for a separate cost, and as our schedule allows. Details can be found here.
Our Programs
