First Light
Why Equine Therapy?
Welcome!
We are fully approved by the Horse Society.
Mental health issues are pervasive, affecting millions worldwide. The impact of untreated mental health conditions can be devastating, leading to diminished quality of life, strained relationships, and lost productivity. Horses play powerful characters in this narrative by revealing relationship dynamics or other symbolic aspects of life. Because horses are free to move, they can create shifts in the client’s stories and bring about awareness and change.
Non-Judgemental Reflection
Horses mirror human emotions and behaviors without judgment, allowing clients to gain insight into their feelings and actions.
Emotional Regulation
Interacting with horses can help clients learn to manage and regulate emotions in a safe and supportive environment.
Trust Building And Relationships
Working with horses helps clients develop trust, improve communication skills, and build healthy relationships.
About
First Light has developed over several couple years in volunteering at the VA in north Chicago and the veterans expressing an interest.
Brenda Compher has been certified in EAGALA for equine therapy and continues to recertify every 2 years because of all the new developments arising.
“Growing up just north of Chicago we did not have access to horseback riding but we had places to go on the weekends to take lessons.”
Brenda has been a horse owner since the early 1990 and the lessons learned from the horse are still happening without fail. Brenda grew up learning kick to go and pull to whoa, but through the years at the Diettrich Farm and attending clinics with Lee Smith, she now knows less is more and watching the horses respond was the ticket. Sometimes you have understand what the horse is saying with their gestures and movements that is where the therapy comes in and a level of understanding and clarity surfaces. Brenda’s feedback from the horses has given me a big clue on how we project ourselves!