Community Therapy Projects:

At Sundance Solace Society, building collaborative relation ships is a top priority. Through local partnerships, we will increase our reach within the community, connect with like-minded agencies, and create greater opportunities for sustainable change.
We live in a time where resources are scarce and we believe that if we work together we can accomplish more goals. It is our hope to reduce the need for competition among community organizations and to become allies in the work for the betterment
of horse and humans.   Therefore, we define Community Therapy Projects as time sensitive projects with a start and end date. They will be created through grant writing initiatives either lead by our society or another non profit organization. They will support the health and well-being of our communities in an inclusive way that impacts mental health. Our Society will help write, create, and implement the
programming in collaboration with external organizations. We will help fill in the needs of the community.  The organizations we partner with for the projects must identify as struggling or having little or no resources available to their clients.

Animals In Need:

There are many ways in which we can help heal our world and it is our belief that all creatures have emotional and mental well-being needs. We know that animals contribute to our health and we to theirs through living in co-being relationships. As such we know that to improve our mental health we need the support of not only other people but the help of other sentient beings which we need to take responsibility for. Every life counts and we will work with other organizations to help support the better treatment of animals.

Individual Sponsorship Program:

Our Individual Sponsorship Program will provide funding for those without the resources to access mental health services. Participants may apply to be sponsored and have the option to choose a therapist who is qualified to provide services in keeping with our mission and vision. Eligible participants do not possess the resources to access mental health services, do not qualify for other sources of funding, and would benefit from our unique form of therapy. The board reviews applications and makes decisions in regards to how much funding will be provided, establish a length of time for services, and suggest an appropriate therapist. We will fund-raise to support this initiative.

Fundraising for all:

We will take on fundraising projects that support  our mission and vision.

About Sundance Solace Society and the use of Eco-therapy and Equine Assisted Counselling when addressing Mental Health Incorporating Nature and Horses:

Sundance Solace Society is an Abbotsford based non-profit organization, which believes in combining elements of traditional counselling and Equine Facilitated Counselling (EFC) with Nature-based Wellness to address mental health challenges.

Equine Facilitated Counselling offers an innovative approach to intervention by partnering with horses to support people of all ages (children, youth, and adults) who are seeking to address life challenges. EFC is an experiential psychotherapy that may include mutually respectful equine activities such as leading, grooming, and riding.  Facilitation in our program includes the use of gentle metaphors, narratives, and creative play. When people see themselves through the non-judgmental and forgiving eyes of a horse, it is easier to explore and invite changes.
Research has shown that the benefits of EFC can include symptom reduction, a greater sense of responsibility, boundary setting, healthy communication, an increase in self-esteem and self-awareness, and the development of empathy that enhances
relational competencies (Chardonnens, 2011; Marx & Cumella, 2003; Shultz, 2007). This becomes important in that it increases the transfer of knowledge and  experiences to other family members, making EFC beneficial to more than just the individual attending the therapy session or program. Through this process, EFC comprehensively promotes individual, family, community wellness, and group cohesion.

Solace (the place):

We are committed to contributing to the harmony and peace at Sundance Solace Society by ensuring that a place of comfort and consolation is available to humans and horses experiencing distress.

Awareness (looking out for the other):

We will open our ears, eyes, and hearts to the details of our environment, the space and events we invite others to participate in, and how we contribute to the healthy and safe emotional and physical state of participants, horses, animals, staff, and volunteers.

Fairness (understanding all):

We commit to equality, inclusive rights, and non-judgmental treatment of all creatures and offer unconditional support and kindness.

Compassion (our actions):

We are continually aware of and sensitive to the experiences of others and commit to offering necessary services in a deeply caring manner.

Openness (not one is the expert):

Through bringing our real authentic selves to the Society we demonstrate integrity of words and actions. We are committed to providing the highest quality of services and creating strong, mutually empowering/beneficial/healthy relationships.