We had the good fortune of connecting with Vivian Thwaits and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vivian, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
There are many equine coaching and facilitated learning programs available. I believe in the power of healing that horses offer to everyone in all settings. I can say, with confidence, that
The Equine Gestalt Coaching Method (™), created by psychotherapist Melisa Pearce, is one of
the most effective methods out there. First and foremost, the method holds the tenant that the
horses are co-facilitators in the work; the horses are key to allowing clients the space to tap
into their own brilliance.

The EGC Method involves the horse as an active partner with the coach in the client’s
exploratory process. Melisa’s program involves an intense two-year training coupled with two
years of personal therapeutic work under her guidance. This allows us, as practitioners, to be
fully present for our clients’ work without getting our own unfinished business in the way.
The beauty of EGCM is that the coaching process is experiential. Regardless of where a client is
in their stage of healing, they can heal and change their personal trajectory in a meaningful and
positive way.

It is truly my life’s mission to empower others by experiencing the beauty of this work. I want
everyone to know that you can heal yourself; it’s all within you. For me, personally, the Equine
Gestalt Coaching Method and my training brought me back to the child in me who understood
the power of art, self-expression, and the importance of re-discovering my passions.

Art Soul and Horses was founded in 2017. Using the methods acquired through my Equine
Gestaltist certification, I have created an experience where my clients end their sessions by
creating mini collage pieces to represent their session. These art pieces have become beautiful
snapshots of my clients’ personal work; they confirm that the creative process can also be a
source of healing. Each time you express yourself authentically, you enlarge your life force a
little more. Horses are essential in helping us enter that sacred space of living in the moment.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Combining the Equine Gestalt Coaching Method and art brought me back to the child in me who understood the power of art and self-expression. I have been working as a Registered
Nurse (RN) for the past 20 years. Early on in my career, I started to feel overwhelmed and
exhausted by a profession that can suck the life out of anyone. I overcame the challenges of this
profession by looking at them as a gift. Creating art with the horses became a significant source
of healing and rejuvenation.

Horses are essential in helping us enter that sacred space of living in the moment. When our
stories and visions are fueled by the power of self-love, the words, colors, images, and feelings
that are captured in my clients’ art pieces become perfect articulations of the soul’s purpose.
They set the stage for writing your new song.

Wherever you are in your healing journey, know that you have an essential purpose in the
world. When you learn to reconnect with the feelings of self-love and fully embrace that
feeling, love will pass through you and your energy will touch others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would start the day walking at the beach in Encinitas and bring them to the Self-Realization Fellowship Mediation Gardens, situated by the ocean. It’s a wonderful place to walk and
become inspired, while surrounded by nature. I recommend lunch at the funky Harbor Fish Cafe
in Carlsbad, then stroll around Carlsbad Village. You can’t beat the rooftop happy hour at the
Mission Pacific Hotel to experience the SoCal sunset. Other places high on my list are Balboa
Park, Hillcrest Sunday Farmers Market, Soul Scapes in Encinitas, and Neiki in Solana Beach. For a
one-of-a-kind cocktail experience, you can’t miss Realm of the 52 Remedies, an upscale Chinese
medicine-themed speakeasy bar.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First and foremost my guide from the beginning as been Pamela D Crane @ Pam’s Place in Solana Beach~ Numerologist and Spritual Guide. Rebecca Linsday Kuritz @remedykitchenfallbrook in Fallbrook is one of the most creative soul’s that I know and responsible for Art Soul and Horses photography and Artist Dana Del Castillo her art opens a window for healing.

Website: https://artsoulandhorses.com

Instagram: artsoulandhorses

Facebook: Art Soul and Horses

Youtube: Art Soul and Horses

Image Credits
Rebecca Lindsay Kuritz

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.