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NATURAL LIFEMANSHIP: THE SCIENCE AND ART OF CONNECTED RELATIONSHIPS

Natural Lifemanship teaches the science and art of connection. Quite simply, we believe that attuned, connected relationship with self and with others is the key to healthy development, mental health and well-being. It is also the vehicle of change when it comes to healing the psychological and relational wounds of trauma. Science teaches us that this is so, and why this is so. What science is unable to teach is how connection feels in the body; how a connected and attuned relationship feels different than a disconnected, non-attuned relationship. Having a science-based understanding of the importance of connection is not the same thing as being able to cultivate relationships that are deeply connected. This is in many ways an art. It is something learned through experience.

Our model conveys both the science and the art of connection. We do this with the help of horses. We teach mental health and equine professionals how to do deeply therapeutic work helping clients heal through the connection they cultivate with their equine partner in trauma-focused equine assisted psychotherapy (TF-EAP™). Further, we teach people in other professions and from all walks of life how to understand and cultivate deep connection with self and others in all of life’s relationships. Our educational approach is transformative, providing knowledge, principles, and experiential learning.

TRAUMA-FOCUSED EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY (TF-EAP™)

Natural Lifemanship founded Trauma-Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (TF-EAP™), which is based on the neuroscience of human and horse brain development, the impact of trauma, and the role of relationships in recovery and healing. We regularly offer Fundamentals (basic) and Intensive (advanced) trainings as well as certifications in TF-EAP. Our intentional and relational way of working with horses in the therapy process has become the new standard in EAP. Learn more.

SCIENCE-BASED PRINCIPLES FOR BUILDING CONNECTED RELATIONSHIPS THAT HELP INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS THRIVE AND FLOURISH

Many seek training in Natural Lifemanship for professional and personal applications unrelated to EAP. All are welcome to attend a Fundamentals training and learn the developmental neuroscience at the foundation of trauma-informed care, and the relationship principles we’ve found effective in helping humans and horses connect in ways that heal and transform both. The Natural Lifemanship model is based on principles for building connected partnerships with horses in ways that are readily transferrable to human relationships. We often include horses in our trainings so that people can experience the principles at work in the context of a real relationship with the immediate and honest feedback that horses uniquely give. Read more.

“Applying evidence-based principles about brain development aligns well with my theoretical foundations for working with clients. The relational piece is key.” – Participant, Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship for Substance Use Recovery and Addictions, July 21, 2016

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