What we do at the Xanthus Center

Xanthus Center, LLC employs the Equine Gestalt Coaching (EGC) method to assist those dealing with trauma induced emotional challenges. Specifically, the foundation of our program is the working relationship that develops between the survivor and the equine coach. Working with trauma survivors and their families, I use Gestalt theory and practice to facilitate the equine guided integration of their emotional conflicts and cognitive dissonance.

Our program is designed to deal with emotional and psychological trauma that may or may not result from physical trauma. Traumatizing events can fragment one’s emotions even if physical damage is not present.

Research into the effect trauma has on neurological pathways reveals that trauma actually changes the structure and function of the brain, at the point where the frontal cortex, the emotional brain and the reptilian brain converge. A significant finding is that structural and functional neurological irregularities occur with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I focus on the mind-body connection knowing that in order to bring about somatic change we need to make changes to the brain. These changes are, not only to our feelings and cognition, but also to the neurological pathways themselves. Somatic sensations and direct sensory experiences with the equine coach are referenced throughout the process.

The experiential nature of the EGC Method involves the horse as an active partner with the Equine Gestalt Coach in the survivor’s exploratory process. The integrative approach of the equine’s interaction combined with positive coaching, somatic awareness, guidance and Gestalt methodology assists the survivor in examining their life with a focus on designing a positive future. With the help of my equine partner, the survivor participates in ground based activities concurrent with Gestalt experiments designed to help connect with emotions, process feelings, behaviors and patterns; the outcome for the survivor being clarity and closure. When appropriate, I incorporate additional somatic coaching techniques like Emotional Freedom Technique which are neurological in focus.

The ultimate goal is to give voice back, to those who were silenced by traumatic events, in the form of increased self-confidence, a renewed sense of self-worth, improved quality of life and congruency by way of emotional integration.  And, by creating a moment in which the survivor can experience my equine partner as the sentient being they are, Equus regains its voice and speaks for the betterment of all.

Xanthus Center, LLC is committed to being trauma informed and trauma competent. I dedicate the sum total of my coaching efforts and energies towards the healing of trauma survivors. Continuous discontent with the status quo and a constant seeking of new and improved information and awareness, this lazar focus allows me to become the very best trauma specialist I can be!

Meet Jaclyn Manzione