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Human-Equine Alliance for Learning
News Release
Workshop Leader: Equal Parts Horse Whisperer,
Professional Therapist & Spiritual Guide
Chehalis, Washington – Leigh Shambo’s psychotherapy
practice and educational workshops incorporate horses to
guide clients in search of self-awareness and better
relationship skills. An accomplished equestrian coach
with a master in social work, Leigh attracts clients
interested in personal growth, psychological, spiritual
and energy work.
“The most meaningful work for horses today is to guide
us in a new language of connection—to nature, ourselves
and each other,” says Leigh. She is a skilled
facilitator who teaches people about self-awareness and
relationships through guided interactions with horses.
The horse activities focus on a “horse whispering”
model that is easily practiced by people with little
equestrian experience, and is also rich with subtle
dynamics that bring added insight for those with years
of horse experience.
A passionate horse lover since childhood,
Leigh parlayed years in the saddle and a Bachelor of
Science degree in animal science from Southern Illinois
University into a successful career as a riding
instructor and stable manager. Then, in 1988 a serious
riding accident, followed by the death of her mother by
suicide left Leigh seriously injured both physically and
emotionally. During her rehabilitation process, she
became attuned to the extraordinary sensitivity shown by
horses during her emotional and spiritual healing. “The
horses are responsive to each person’s flow of
consciousness,” says Leigh. “A horse can function as bio
feedback for the soul.”
Leigh hosts workshops at her ranch near
Chehalis,
Washington (located almost exactly halfway between
Seattle
and Portland) and is regularly invited to teach at
equine facilities throughout the United States, Canada
and Europe. Participants are often strongly attracted
to horses, with varying levels of actual riding
experience. Leigh says she, “facilitates client
learning by allowing the horses to be engaging,
fun-filled mirrors to people’s strengths and their
inevitable human foibles. We create the safe human
community in which this work is witnessed and
contained.” Her workshops range in length from one to
five days and provide a basis and inspiration for
personal growth and change.
Leigh has a unique gift for leading people into
authentic, respectful and effective relationships ---
with horses and each other. Her qualifications include:
● A lifetime love for horses and decades of equestrian
training & coaching experience
● Bachelor of Science in animal science from Southern
Illinois University
● Master in Social Work from
Walla Walla
College
● 10 years as a practicing therapist/counselor
● Advanced Approved Instructor,
Epona
Center, Tucson, Arizona (completed the year- long
Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning Apprenticeship
developed by
Linda Kohanov, author of the Tao of Equus)
● Certified Level I, Equine-Assisted Growth and
Learning Association
● Founder and President, Human-Equine Alliances for
Learning, a non-profit
organization that assists low income clients, educates
the public and supports
research in equine-assisted psychotherapy.
Recent Presentations and Projects Include:
“The Horse-Human Connection: Equine Assisted
Psychotherapy and Learning”, training for professionals
in related fields, recently presented in Gloucestershire
England.
Wisdom’s Secret: The Horse as Spiritual Mirror, personal
growth workshop
Invisible Horsemanship: Riding From the Inside Out,
workshop for equestrians of all experience levels.
Taking the Reins: Healing Human Trauma with Horses. A
pilot project researching the efficacy of
equine-assisted psychotherapy with adult trauma
survivors in Olympia, WA. Exciting results to be
released this year!
Energy and Grace: Human and Horse. Personal growth
workshop.
Leigh also conducts individual and family sessions at
her ranch near Chehalis, WA.
For
further information please contact:
Leigh Shambo, MSW
Psychotherapist & Educator
360.266.0778
leigh@humanequinealliance.org
www.humanequinealliance.org
Editors and Publishers: You may publish this article,
including all contact information and a 'hot' link to
this website-
www.humanequinealliance.org, in your print or
online publication upon receipt of permission by Leigh
Shambo. Contact Leigh at
leigh@humanequinealliance.org
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