ESMH – Emotionell Spegling Med Häst (Emotional Mirroring with Horses) – was initially developed by Kia to support children and adolescents struggling with mental health issues, trauma, or self-destructive behaviours. That experience continues to inform every session, and while Kia now primarily works with adults, she still welcomes young people when the need arises.
Many children and teenagers find it difficult to express what they feel. They may withdraw, express themselves through anger, anxiety, or silence, or get stuck in destructive patterns that harm both themselves and their relationships.
In the presence of the horse, something shifts. The horse listens with its whole body. It mirrors without judgment and responds not to what the child shows outwardly, but to what is actually felt inside. This opens the door to connection, self-awareness, and new ways of being in the world.
The sessions take place in a calm and safe environment, where the child or adolescent spends time with the horse freely, not riding. It might involve leading the horse, standing close, breathing together, or reflecting on the horse’s reactions and discovering their own emotions through that.
Everything unfolds at the child’s or adolescent’s own pace, with full respect for their boundaries. Kia gently guides the process, building trust and connection, both with the young person and between them and the horse.
ESMH can be especially helpful for young people who:
Kia understands that not all families can afford therapy. That’s why she sometimes offers ESMH sessions for children and adolescents pro bono – free of charge. It’s a heartfelt part of her work; she offers it when time and resources allow.
If you’d like to know more, you are warmly welcome to get in touch.
