You probably don’t consider yourself as traumatized.  Most people I know feel like they are falling into victim mentality if they acknowledge their life has been stressful let alone traumatic.  But life is hard, and we all have faced our own challenges, stress and yes, trauma.

Our experience with trauma can be vicarious.  This is when we witness a traumatic event or are impacted by one through the experience of another person. Health professionals, emergency responders, witnesses to traumatic events, loved ones of those suffering from a traumatic event, social workers, therapists and other mental health professionals often experience vicarious trauma.  

Trauma is contagious. Living with someone who has experienced a significant traumatic event or has symptoms of PTSD can experience their loved one’s trauma. This can include veterans, victims of violent crime, car accidents and the like. 

In this light, we can be kinder to ourselves (and others) in bravely acknowledging the degree of trauma we all carry. When we accept that we are carrying trauma in our bodies we find a degree of relief. We can also explore ways to heal.  If we don’t, the cumulative effect of trauma will continue to build, and our physical health (as well as our emotional and mental health) will continue to deteriorate.

EIA is a modality that allows horses to help humans heal.  A 2019 case study identified “Equine assisted therapy (EAT) which includes therapeutic horseback riding (THR), grooming, horsemanship and ground level work with horses, has been studied as treatment for children with special needs and/or autistic spectrum disorder.  Preliminary evidence indicates that EAT is also effective for improving self-efficacy and self-esteem in adults with psychiatric disorders. Empowerment, bonding and building trust with the horses, may promote functioning of patients struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)”.  A recent documentary The Healing captures how veterans who were often homeless and experiencing PTSD found relief and healing through an equine assisted program.

If you would like to explore your own trauma and how you might begin the journey to wholeness, please reach out to Elizabeth who is a trained CEEL and AEFL practitioner.