MEET Bella,
THE GYPSY
Vanner HORSE
Bella is a Gypsy Vanner and equine therapist. Her father was the legendary Rio Grande Gypsy Vanner. She works along side humans to help them heal from trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD and more. Using ground therapy techniques such as narration in the pasture and grooming in the stables, Bella allows humans to connect inward and begin the healing process.
Bella has experienced many of the same struggles you have faced. Including grief, significant trauma, change and uncertainty, anxiety, bullying, and rejection and PTSD.
Her resiliency and warmth shine through!
For thousands of years, horses have provided humans with therapeutic aid and companionship. The ancient Greeks deeply understood their equine partners and used horses to help people with incurable diseases. The first written mention of this was by Greek physician Hippocrates, known to many as the father of medicine.
Although Bella is an equine, her struggles are similar to our own struggles.
He wrote about therapeutic riding as early as 400 BC, and as a result, one branch of equine therapy, Hippotherapy, is named for him. In the 17th century, horses were used to cure gout, neurological aliments, and low morale (depression). Today, horses are integrated into not only therapeutic riding, but also ground therapy.
Equine Therapy
Equine therapy involves groundwork; no riding is involved. Clients, at their own pace, will groom the horse, walk the horse on a lead, and sit or stand quietly in the pasture with the horse(s).
Because horses are herd animals, they feel what those around them feel. They are in tune with your emotions and feelings and often will mirror what you feel. Because horses are vigilant and sensitive creatures, they are always on the lookout for danger. Horses experience anxiety and trauma much like humans.
Healing begins with trust. Healing involves slowly allowing others into our space. Like humans, horses must also allow humans to enter this precious space while slowly working toward building trust. Working as a mirror, horses allow humans to see themselves like never before. Comfort and healing are not easy always easy to achieve, especially in cases of anxiety and trauma. However, small steps taken with an equine companion who shares the same vibe as you can bring peace and hope toward healing.
Why horses?
As prey animals, horses are vulnerable and hypervigilant. Because of their vulnerability toward others and their environment, people who experienced trauma can connect and relate to horses. This connection is vital in understanding the uniqueness of equine therapy.
Horses live in the moment; they don't care what will or hasn't happened. This "present-ness" allows horses and humans to deeply connect with each other. Although horses are powerful in stature, they are incredibly sensitive often mirroring other's soul. Many times, horses mirror humans so well they tap into knowing you better than you know yourself!
The uniqueness of horses is that they mirror feelings back to their handlers the moment they interact. By mirroring these feelings and providing feedback, they immediately remove barriers between themselves and humans.
Deana
BELLA’S CARETAKER / MOM
As a person-centered psychotherapist, life coach, and educator, my goal is to facilitate change in you so you can lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
I specialize in assisting clients with identifying areas that require reflection, change, and healing. Through online art therapy or online and pasture led equine therapy, clients have an array of tools and techniques to explore.
I work with clients ranging from complex trauma, anxiety, depression to couples struggling to maintain their relationship.
I hold a PhD in Education with a specialization in human behavior, two master degrees: a Master in Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master in Education. I also hold a BA in Organizational Management.
I also am certified in ARCH (Arenas for Change) focusing on equine psychotherapy practices and in Eaglala equine psychotherapy. I am EMDR trained and hold certifications through ICISF in crisis, stress, human resiliency, suicide awareness, and delivering bad news.
I taught at numerous universities over the years where I earned the following teaching recognitions: nominated four times as faculty of the year, twice awarded excellent in teaching, awarded faculty of the month, and obtained the STAR award for outstanding faculty.
My sessions are online or led in the pasture with Bella. By utilizing the pasture, clients uncover and discover their stories. Using nature whether online or in person, clients are able to transform their lives in meaningful and impactful ways.
By applying complementary approaches and techniques, clients unearth long-standing behavioral patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life.