Discover the Healing Power of Horses

At Hollyburn Support Services, we’re proud to offer Equine-Included Counselling/Psychotherapy on the North Shore — a rare opportunity to experience therapy in partnership with horses. This unique approach combines the benefits of evidence-based counselling with the wisdom, presence, and sensitivity of horses.

Sessions take place in a natural outdoor setting, where clients are invited to slow down, connect, and explore new ways of healing. Horses, as sentient and deeply intuitive beings, help bring the counselling process to life through authentic connection, relationship, and presence.

This approach can be especially meaningful for people who don’t feel comfortable in a traditional office setting, prefer being outdoors, or are simply curious about exploring growth and healing in a unique and experiential way.

What is Equine-Included Counselling/Psychotherapy?

Equine-included counselling weaves the presence of horses into the therapeutic process. Sessions are led by a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with advanced training in equine-assisted counselling, ensuring a safe and professional experience.

Instead of horseback riding, all interactions take place on the ground. This may include:

• Gentle interaction and relationship-building with the horse
• Observation of behaviour and relational dynamics
• Touch and grounding exercises
• Structured activities guided by the counsellor
• Or simply sharing space with the horse

Every session is guided toward the client’s unique goals and needs, prioritizing both emotional safety and the ethical inclusion of animals.

Who Can Benefit?

Equine-Included Counselling may be a good fit for:

• Children, tweens, teens, and adults who thrive outside of traditional therapy rooms
• People navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, or trauma
• Youth working on emotional regulation and self-awareness
• Neurodivergent individuals (including ADHD)
• Anyone seeking growth, healing, and emotional awareness in a non-traditional setting

Our Approach

Equine-included sessions are:

• Unique, flexible, and collaborative – Always tailored to your needs and goals
• Evidence-based – Incorporating EMDR, DBT, CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Synergetic Play Therapy when helpful
• Safe & Professional – Led by Jonathan Boudin, RCC, CEIP-MH
• Experiential and relational – Grounded in real-time connection with a large, sentient being

Meet Our Equine Therapist

Jonathan Boudin, M.Ed., RCC, CEIP-MH

Jonathan brings over a decade of experience supporting kids, teens, and young adults. With a lifelong connection to horses and decades of training in multiple horse-related disciplines, he pairs deep equine knowledge with extensive training in equine behaviour, psychology, and counselling.

His warm, relational style helps clients feel safe and supported as they explore new ways of connecting with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Location

Equine-included counselling sessions are offered on the North Shore in the Lynn Valley area making this unique service accessible to clients in North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and surrounding communities.

Book a Free Consultation

Curious whether equine-included counselling might be right for you or your child?
We offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you learn more and decide if this approach feels like a good fit.