About Equus Coaching
What is Equus Coaching?
With horses as my Co-facilitators, I offer clients a safe space to (re) discover their own wisdom, finding authentic, achievable ways to resolve problems and release perceived limitations. How is this possible?
- Horses have big hearts, literally, that help human hearts slow down in a horse’s presence, resulting in people feeling more relaxed.
- Horses also are 100% present, without judgement. We cannot help but feel better, more ourselves, when near these generous animals.
- When we interact with horses, they give us feedback through their physical responses to our behavior and emotions.
- Equus Coaching is experiential and visceral, resulting in learning that is immediately impactful and transformative.
Equus Coaching is an effective resource for many situations, including:
- Working through challenging personal or professional relationships
- Alleviating ongoing stress
- Exploring aspects of yourself you would like to develop.
- Transitioning from one phase of life to another, such as seeking a new career, retirement, or empty nest syndrome.
- Accessing emotions that may be challenging to express, including grief, anger, fear, loss, or layers of different feelings.
- Embracing a fuller life, in the aftermath of resolved trauma, such as sexual abuse.
Some things to know about Equus Coaching:
- Equus coaching does not involve riding or getting on a horse.
- All interactions with horses are on the ground.
- Prior experience with horses is not necessary to experience Equus Coaching.
- Clients spend time with a horse in a round pen or other open space, with the direct supervision of their Equus Coach.
My number one priority during Equus Coaching sessions is the safety and comfort of clients. We will start each session by reviewing safety guidelines and then touch on different ways to connect with the horse.
Origins
About Tracy
My life has been and continues to be rich and varied. Born in Detroit, MI, by the time I graduated from college, I had moved seven times, lived in eight countries, and attended nine different schools! After college I moved to New York City to pursue acting, and started a business career that would ultimately supersede my theatrical career. It happened organically with no regrets, and great memories that included the Firedrake Repertory Company, founded with friends.
My business career as an HR, Finance and Operations professional was rewarding, intense, and successful. I have collaborated with gifted people and noteworthy companies. Helping people realize their potential and learning to thrive has been my through line. That has not changed. Starting my own business as an Equus Coach allows me to continue supporting clients as they explore what might be missing or not working in their lives.
Trauma
As with most things in life, my past experiences inform the work I do now. That includes all the above, as well as childhood sexual abuse. The impact of the abuse was profound. It took a lot of work to face the past, to understand how the abuse impacted me and find a way through.
It is also what originally led me to Equus Coaching. With the support of my wonderful coach and a beautiful, kind horse I was able to release deeply held emotions from events in the past. My experiences were deeply impactful and transformative.
Healing support
How is Equus Coaching different than some other healing modalities? It offers the opportunity to deeply connect with and be present in your body, experience your energy and emotions (energy-in-motion) in your full body. Why is that important? If you are not aware of your feelings when they are happening, it is harder to know what your truth is, harder to make authentic choices that serve you and the type of life you want to lead, harder to show up in relationships as yourself, instead of who you think the other person wants you to be.
Sexual abuse and other trauma survivors often don’t even realize that they are NOT in their bodies, but hovering somewhere from the shoulders up, mostly in their heads and not connecting to their emotions. Trauma survivors also often push strong emotions down until they feel safe to explore them. Sometimes those emotions explode in ways that are not helpful or have negative consequences, because of not having been expressed.
I understand. Change is possible. The horses, my Co-Facilitators, show up fully and without judgement because they do not know any other way to be. We can support you as you look to resolve emotions and behaviors that are remnants of the past and that no longer serve you.
Getting Started
If you are interested
Call Tracy at 502-625-5201 to find out more, including the option to schedule a free 20-minute session.
Schedule your first session
Go directly to the calendar through the Schedule button on the website. In addition to dates and times, you will see different options for the length of your session.
Contact via email
If you have some concerns or are more comfortable reaching out via email, you can contact Tracy at tracy@cottrellcc.com.
Session Options
Equus Coaching
People usually seek out coaching when something in their lives is not going the way they want. It could be a work situation, a project they can’t get off the ground, a family problem, or a persistent sense they could be happier/more fulfilled/less anxious.
My role as an Equus Coach, with horses as Co-Facilitators, is to offer clients a safe place to uncover why they are not getting the outcomes they want. I support clients while they discover their own wisdom, finding authentic, achievable ways to resolve problems and release perceived limitations.
While a first Equus Coaching session will typically be powerful, planning on follow-up sessions offers clients the best opportunity for meaningful change. In my experience, starting with a package of at least three or six sessions will provide a sound springboard. In many cases, clients look to Equus Coaching as another modality for overall health and wellness.
Online Coaching
For clients seeking the flexibility and convenience of online coaching, we offer sessions via video conferencing as an excellent alternative to in-person Equus Coaching.
Our online coaching packages are fully customizable to meet your unique needs and goals, and we offer package discounts to make coaching accessible.
Whether you choose to combine Equus Coaching with online coaching or opt for online coaching exclusively, Cottrell Coaching & Consulting is committed to providing you with the same level of personalized support and guidance you'd receive in person.
Contact us today to learn more about our online coaching packages, and start your journey towards a more fulfilling life.
Resources and Affiliations
HorseSensing
The Center for Equus Coaching
The Center for Equus Coaching
Proud volunteer with HorseSensing, a nonprofit organization that supports veterans and those struggling with substance abuse through equine activities
The Center for Equus Coaching
The Center for Equus Coaching
The Center for Equus Coaching
To find out more about Equus Coaching, check out The Center for Equus Coaching
HeartMath.org
The Center for Equus Coaching
HeartMath.org
For the science behind the horse/human connection, enjoy this brief video.