Shelley Carr is an Eponaquest Instructor, Facilitator and Teacher of Equine Faciliated Learning
Shelley has been studying various forms of physical and emotional healing methods for over 20 years. Her interests include personal growth and psychotherapy, complementary therapies (including a qualification in Shiatsu). She has a postgraduate diploma in the treatment of complex trauma and PTSD, is a qualified Matrix Reimprinting and Emotional Freedom Technique Practitioner and is currently training in AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy).
She spent 6 years working with IFEAL (International Foundation of Equine Assisted Learning) as Course Director, Tutor, Mentor and Assessor and was key in developing the first Level 6 accredited EFL course in the UK and the first Ofqual regulated qualification in Equine Facilitated Human Development.
Horses have been an important part of Shelley’s life for over 30 years since she convinced her parents she wasn’t cut out to be a ballet dancer and persuaded them to take her to riding lessons. Apart from some basic competitive riding whilst at university, Shelley had been a happy hacker, never feeling at home in traditional riding schools. Discovering natural horsemanship was a great place to start exploring a new relationship with horses and the horses remain a constant teacher of how to share life with them in integrity and kindness.
When Linda Kohanov’s book, ‘The Tao of Equus’ fell off a bookshelf in a bookstore in America, she realised that there was a career path that combined her interests in personal growth, energy work and horses. Since then she has been on a journey that has taken her to Arizona to train with Linda and the Eponaquest staff and finally start to walk her talk (and occasionally ride it). Horses are her Zen masters of practical psychotherapy, ensuring she is grounded, humble, compassionate and present. Occasionally she is known to buck, snort and fart, but finds herself in good company.
Shelley works with individuals and groups to facilitate personal growth and self awareness, and specialises in working with women with complex trauma and PTSD. Shelley’s work uses so has an emphasis on the mind, body, spirit connection using a combination of therapeutic approaches including AEDP, cognitive techniques, mindfulness, body awareness and energy psychology.
Her passion is to assist clients to recognise, appreciate and develop their inner resources, develop self compassion and to be empowered to live an authentic life.
Since qualifying she has led and co-facilitated introductory and advanced workshops in Sussex, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Devon, Wales and Ireland as well as working with private clients in Wiltshire and Wales and throughout the South West.
Shelley lives in Wiltshire with her partner Suzanne, their horses Pip, Vinur (Widgey) and Dream, and Freya, the greyhound.
Qualifications
- 1989 BA (Hons) Communication Studies
- 1990 ITEC Reflexology and ITEC Aromatherapy
- 1996 NVQ Assessor’s Award
- 2000 Diploma in Shiatsu (3 year training)
- 2007 Equine Touch Practitioner
- 2007 EAGALA Level One
- 2009 Eponaquest Approved Instructor (Equine Facilitator Experiential Learning)
- 2013 PGDip in Complex Trauma and PTSD
- 2014 The Power of the Herd Instructor
- 2015 EFT Practitioner
- 2016 Matrix Reimprinting Practitioner
- 2017 AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy) Level 1
- 2018-2019 AEDP Level 2