Mission, Story, Education

About

Our Mission

Our Mission is our Passion; Partnering with horses to facilitate self discovery and self compassion in humans leading to their gain of self confidence and the freedom to live as their true authentic selves.

What is Equine Gestalt Coaching?

Equine Gestalt Coaching is a non-riding co-active form of coaching and a holistic experiential way of healing. The certified coach and horse(s) partner in order to help their clients take a deep look at their life and what is troubling them. Through doing this the coach and equine partners will guide the client through finishing any unfinished business and learn ways to work through any current or future pain in order to heal and move forward in their life.

The Equine Gestalt Coaching Method®

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.

Zoe's Story

As a high schooler, Zoe developed anxiety, depression, and felt constant stress; as many teenagers and people do. She knew she couldn't continue living with those feelings and wanted to find a way to heal and find happiness and a love for life again. Wanting to feel better she went to a traditional therapist for an evaluation session to see if the therapist was a good fit, however she knew upon arriving that talk therapy was not a good fit, so she searched for something better and discovered Equine Gestalt Coaching. After one session as a client, life started to look a bit brighter and feel a bit less heavy. As she continued sessions she continued to heal, learn, grow and find a new love for life, things she knew would not have happened without being a client of Equine Gestalt Coaching. Upon graduating high school Zoe was a student at the University of Colorado Denver as a psychology major. Again like therapy, she knew it wasn't where she was meant to be. Zoe has always had a passion for horses and helping people, she originally thought a psychology degree was the right path to be able to do that until she had a lightbulb moment while sitting in college, "I want to work with horses and I want to help people... I should become an Equine Gestalt Coach!" Since that moment Zoe had been avidly learning and growing in the Touched By a Horse Equine Gestalt Coaching Method program and as of July 2021 has graduated and become a Certified Equine Gestaltist™. She is thrilled to continue on this path in her journey to help people live their dream life as she lives hers. As of November 2024 Zoe is a dual-certified Master Gestaltist™ and will become a Licensed Equine Facilitator® as of December 2024.

Education and Community Involvement

July 2019 - July 2021

Studied at Touched By a Horse in the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method® Program

Graduate and Certified Equine Gestaltist as of July 2021

October 2021 - Current

Gestalt Coach and Facilitator with local non-profit Hope Held By a Horse, supporting the healing and empowerment of people affected by cancer

September 2022 - Current

Board Member on the Touched By a Horse Ethics and Agreements Board

January 2023 - December 2024

Studied at Touched By a Horse in the Master Gestaltist Program

Dual Graduate and Certified Master Gestaltist

March 2023 - Current

Program Coach at Touched By a Horse for the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method Program® Students

May 2023 - Current

Coach Liaison on the Board of Directors at Hope Held By a Horse

April 2024 - December 2024

Studies at Touched By a Horse in the Equine Facilitator® Program

Our Mission, Story, and Education