Horses for healing: lessons from equine therapy | Rianne Sibma-de Vries | #021 Mastering Change

What if healing didn’t start with words – but simply with presence?

This week on the Mastering Change podcast, we speak with Rianne Sibma-de Vries, a trauma-informed counsellor and equine therapist based in the Netherlands. Rianne’s work combines Internal Family Systems (IFS), systemic constellations, somatic techniques and equine-assisted therapy to help people reconnect with themselves in profound, body-based ways.

Horses, Rianne explains, are instinctive, non-judgemental and deeply attuned. They help people access parts of themselves that have long been buried. Whether working with clients with complex PTSD or high-performing leaders, she sees the same transformation: “Once the body feels the sensation of being held… they will never forget that.”

Horses don’t care about titles, trauma narratives, or words. They respond to energy and truth.

And in doing so, they offer a mirror to our inner world – helping us regulate, reconnect, and heal.

We explore:

How horses help us access the present moment and restore inner safety Why equine therapy can reach places talk therapy can’t The ancient, cross-cultural bond between humans and horses What it means to be “held” without judgment The power of self-love as a lever for societal change

Moment of Care: This episode discusses sensitive episodes related to trauma, mental health and potential distressing experiences. If you feel triggered at any point, please take a moment to check in with yourself and seek support.

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Welcome to Mastering Change, a podcast co-hosted by Emma and Araminta, where we engage in meaningful conversations centred around healing. In this series, we bring together leading experts, innovative thinkers, and emerging voices to connect knowledge with real-world impact in the areas of trauma, mental health and wellbeing. 

 

Each episode features insightful discussions with respected figures as well as promising new contributors to the field. We explore a range of topics with a focus on making this knowledge available for anyone interested in supporting their own healing journey or that of others. 

 

At Mastering Change, we understand the significance of conversation as a means of fostering understanding and growth. Our aim is to create a ripple effect, facilitating the transfer of knowledge and establishing a community where impactful voices are heard.  

 

Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, we invite you to engage in thoughtful discussions that can inspire meaningful change in your practice and personal life. Join us as we explore critical insights and perspectives, encouraging a shared commitment to healing trauma. 

• No. of episodes: 24
• Latest episode: 2025-07-22
• Health & Fitness Mental Health

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