KJH Counselling and Supervising

09/13/2025

🧠💥 POLYVAGAL THEORY - coined by S.Porges (aka “Why you snapped at your partner, cried in Tesco, and then needed a nap… all in the same hour.”)

Let’s make it simple. Like, ponies-in-a-field simple. 🐴

Because your nervous system? She’s dramatic. She has moods. And she doesn’t always let your brain know what she’s doing.

So let’s meet the three ponies of Polyvagal Theory:

🖤 Fight-or-Flight Pony – jumpy, twitchy, ready to bolt because someone looked at them funny. Will probably scream if you drop a spoon.
(Yes, this is why you couldn't reply to that text. Or got irrationally angry at the slow WiFi.)

🤍 Safe and Social Pony – this pony is vibing. Makes eye contact. Can handle a chat. Will help you carry your emotional bags AND make you a cuppa.
(This is the version of you that’s brushing your horse, laughing with a mate, and actually responding to emails.)

🤎 Shutdown Pony – she’s DONE. Over it. Can’t even. Has entered energy-saving mode like an old laptop.
(Not lazy. Not rude. Just nervous system: unplugged.)

💡Polyvagal Theory says:
You’re not broken.
You’re not overreacting.
Your body is just trying to protect you — sometimes in ways that feel ridiculous (but make total sense underneath).

08/28/2025

08/27/2025

07/22/2025

🧠🐴🐕 Understanding some of the Differences and Similarities: Animal-Assisted Therapy vs. Coaching vs. Equine-Facilitated Wellness OH MY! 😉

Not all animal-assisted interactions are the same — and it’s important to know the differences and similarities for clients seeking these modalities especially when seeking support for mental health or personal growth.

Here is a generalized break down:

🔹 Animal-Assisted Therapy -
This is a goal-directed, structured intervention delivered by a licensed mental health professional. Animals (like dogs, horses, pigs, chickens, donkeys, sheep or even cats) are part of the therapeutic treatment plan, helping clients manage trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.
👉 Think: Registered psychologist/counsellor + therapy animal presence and support

🔹 Animal-Assisted Coaching -
This approach supports areas such as personal development, self-awareness, or leadership goals and is delivered by a coach, not a registered therapist. The animal acts as a partner in reflection, feedback, and growth.
👉 Think: Life coach + intuitive guidance + animal presence and support

🔹 Equine-Facilitated Wellness (EFW)
EFW is a broad umbrella that can include both therapy and coaching — as long as the provider is a trained equine professional or a qualified human services provider, both or are working together as a team.

🐴 🫏 It is equine facilitated. While there may be other animals present the connection is created between client and an equine participant. (horse, mule, donkey, hinney, zebra) those who belong to the equus family.

What sessions may involve:

✅ It may involve mental health work (therapy), or it may focus on building resilience, emotional regulation, or personal insight (coaching/wellness).

🫶It may be horsemanship focused providing an EFW approach to building a relationship, trust, skills with an equine on the ground or mounted.

🧩 It is believed that equines are sentient beings and never are just a tool — they are an active partner in the process.

✨ While the goals, credentials, paths to education, and certifying requirements may differ in any of these approaches and others out there ,
the heart of each approach is similar: meaningful connection, emotional safety, and growth — supported by our incredible animal partners.

It is important as a client seeking an alternative form of personal growth, therapy or healing to do their research into providers in their area.

Some questions for potential clients to ask themselves:

👉Do they have qualifications that meet the standards of the type of support you would like to receive?

👉Do they belong to a community or regulating body that demonstrates ethics and values that make you feel comfortable/safe in the support you will be receiving?

👉Do you get a good feeling when connecting with them or do they come with referrals and testimonials? This is a great sign! 😊

06/29/2025

Just three days left for the early bird discount on our workshops in Nova Scotia and Alberta!

July 21 - Personal Growth - with Equines - with Meghan Vornholt Wellness
July 25 - Horsemanship in Equine Assisted Services with Sue Falkner-march
August 21-22 - Equine Assisted Services Workshop in Truro, NS
August 23-24 - Equine Neuroscience in Equine assisted services in Truro, NS

Counts towards internationally recognised and independent certification with Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness and continuing education and professional development credit in several fields.

Led by recognised leaders and certified professionals in the field

Register online here: https://healinghooves.ca/healing-hooves-2022-training-program-registration-form/ or message us with any questions!

06/23/2025

06/13/2025

Healing Hooves 2025 Training Program – Registration Form Program Details and Description2025 TRAINING DATES, FEES AND EARLY BIRD DEADLINES Program DescriptionTraining NameOnline DatesOnsite DatesHH Early Bird Ratesand DeadlinesStandard ratesEquine NeuroscienceStart anytimeContact usOnline only: $2...

06/05/2025

We are so excited to be offering professional training in Equine Facilitated Wellness and Equine Neuroscience in beautiful Nova Scotia for the first time ever this August!

More details coming soon, but here are the highlights:

What and When:

August 21-22: Introduction to Equine Facilitated Wellness Services Workshop: Early bird rate: $575 plus GST

August 23-24: Equine Neuroscience Workshop. Early Bird Rate: $575 plus GST

Wednesday August 20th: Individual mentoring/ consultation spots available. Early bird rate (book by June 30) $160/ hour incl taxes. Can be shared between two people who work together

Both workshops will be experiential in small groups with part of your fee able to be applied towards a follow up online course with Healing Hooves if you choose.

All hours count towards nationally recognised certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness with Pro-EFW

Your Registration Fee Includes: All instruction, materials, equipment and horses required for two days onsite plus coffee, tea and snacks. Plus 50% discount on optional follow up online courses with further information, resources and opportunities to access resources and support.

Location: Near Truro, NS

Workshop rates increase to $650 plus tax on July 1 and subject to availability.

We are keeping these groups small and anticipate they will fill quickly, so contact us to hold your space!

04/19/2025

30 years ago today this beautiful angel came into my life. ❤️

04/12/2025

❤🐴

03/28/2025

We share a lot of posts about the benefits of spending time around equines! Here is another one!

Equines: The Ultimate Well-Being Boost

There’s something truly magical about being around equines. Their presence alone can lower stress, improve mood, and bring a deep sense of peace.

✨ Stress Reduction – Equines naturally regulate their nervous systems and help us do the same. Just being near them can lower cortisol levels and promote relaxation.

💛 Emotional Balance – Equines are incredible mirrors of our emotions. They teach us to be present, regulate our energy, and communicate with clarity and confidence.

🌿 Physical Health – Whether you’re riding, grooming, or simply walking alongside your engaging muscles, improving coordination, and boosting circulation.

🧘 Mindfulness & Connection – Equines live in the moment, inviting us to do the same. Spending time with them fosters mindfulness, grounding, and a deeper connection to nature.

Have you experienced the well-being benefits of being around horses or donkeys ? Share your story below! ⬇️