About EGCMethod

Equine Gestalt Coaching Method (EGCMethod) combines the healing nature of equine energy with an individual human coach trained in the methodology of Gestalt.

Gestalt is an experiential coaching method where the client actively participates in their healing process. This type of coaching is extremely effective and highly beneficial in a wide variety of circumstances. Because of the experiential and holistic nature of the process, clients often experience long term healing. In Equine Gestalt Coaching, the horse is an integral partner in the coaching team and is fully able to participate and offer their own unique equine experience to the client’s healing process.

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.

The EGCMethod is Scientifically Proven

In two recent research studies, the EGCMethod was shown to have scientifically significant results for a wide variety of individuals. In the first survey of 73 respondents, 100% of them reported that the EGCM session made the “feel better” about themselves and gave them the ability to see a “more hopeful future.” The population studied in the initial research were homeless young people who had experienced trauma. In a second, larger study that is still ongoing, 180 respondents from all walks of life (professionals, teens, women, people in recovery) indicated the same results with 96% able to see a more hopeful future and 96% indicating that they would participate in another EGCMethod session. (study by Jaclyn S. Manzione, M.S., EGCM Certified Practitioner, Lead Analyst G. Thomas Manzione, Ph.D., LPC, Analyst).

What to Expect in an EGCMethod Session

You will work with both your coach and the horse in an EGCMethod session so dress to be outside and wear close toed shoes. If you have a fear of horses, don’t worry. I will help you understand the horse’s part in your coaching process and I will not ask you to do something with the horse that makes you uncomfortable. We do not ride the horses in this type of coaching. Many times the coaching process will place you in a roundpen with the horse at liberty (without a halter or lead rope). Other times, you will work with a horse on a lead under my direction. The benefits of the horse’s energy are beneficial even if you do not go into the roundpen.

During our first session, I will explain how to be safe around my equine coaching partners, so there’s no need for you to have horse experience.