9 LIVE HEALTHY & BE WELL the farm environment (fencing/structures/ shelter/other animals) serve as a somewhat projective assessment and intervention, thus limiting interference from defenses. Also, because it is outside the client’s personal experience, greater perspective on one’s life and ways to address obstacles becomes clear. As a result, EAGALA therapy also accomplishes in a shorter period what can take much longer to achieve in talk therapy. Client Centered In therapist training programs, client centered approaches consisting of basic helping skills and more humanistic approaches are taught first. We learn early on clients are the experts on their experiences and rarely benefit from advice – which they probably already receive from friends and family. The EAGALA model highlights the importance of the foundational principle of client focused psychotherapy. Therapists focus on use of “clean language” – which is only use of the client’s words and personal experiences to facilitate understanding and change.
Mindfulness Practice Mindfulness is an approach that has gained popularity over the years. In talk therapy, I utilize Acceptance and Commitment therapy where mindfulness is the tool which allows individuals to relate to their thoughts/feelings in more effective ways. Mindfulness, however, is much more an experiential practice than a theoretical idea that can be cognitively learned. Horses’ ability to be at once fully present in their bodies, in their environment as well as in the moment, facilitates mindful meditation by giving us a perfect example to follow and to focus on.
“...horses are keenly aware of emotional energies...”
Emotional Attunement of Horses Horses, as prey animals, have more highly attuned senses than humans. Humans may mislead other humans (even therapists) regarding their emotions and intentions, but horses are less apt to be misled. Horses are keenly aware of emotional energies and sense what we’re feeling, sometimes better than we do. Talk therapy can easily devolve into an intellectual discussion, whereas equine therapy keeps clients present in their bodies and with their feelings – which is extremely important for processing and learning to cope with difficult life experiences.
Dr. Amanda Howard Pileski is originally from Rabun County and recently moved back to raise her 3 children (ages 6, 3, and 2) and provide affordable psychotherapy to the underserved communities of Northeast Georgia. She received a bachelors degree from the University of Georgia in Psychology, a master’s degree in School Counseling from Georgia State University, and a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She has worked in various college counseling centers, hospitals, and in private practice. In addition to her private practice in Rabun, she also provides geriatric psychological services to several Pruitt Health locations in North Georgia. Dr. Pileski is a strong generalist, but also specializes in treating eating disorders and bariatric surgery patients. She strives to help others know the joy and empowerment of living mindfully and appreciatively with food and their bodies. For an appointment, contact Dr. Pileski @ 404-291-4018
92 www.gmlaurel.com - July 2021
