Health Precautions as of Monday March 16

Dear NLC Community -

I am continuing to monitor the information available, revisit my thinking, and adjust plans and expectations. I will update you when things change.

For this week . . .

  • We are seeing clients for individual appointments on schedule. Group meetings have been cancelled.

  • One of us will meet you at your car and ask a few health screening questions before admitting you to the barn.

  • While in the barn together, we are practicing social distancing (no hugs, handshakes, close proximity)

  • Coaching props will be wiped down or removed after use in a session.

  • If you have any symptoms of illness, or know you have been exposed to someone who is infected or ill, please stay home.

  • Late cancellation fees are waived until further notice.

If you would like an audio or video session instead of a barn session, let me know.

Be well. Be of good courage. Notice every moment that feels good.

Love to you and yours, Allison

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Health Precautions at NLC

First of all, here is a moment of Zen for you from NLC this evening . . .

I sat with Coconut while the herd tucked into their evening hay and thought through precautions NLC will take to help flatten the curve of COVID-19 infection. At this time, we will continue to hold one-on-one coaching sessions. The barn is one of the safest places to be when avoiding illness, with fresh air circulating constantly, sunshine, and our ability to limit the numbers of people moving through the space each week, not to mention the feeling of well being the horses offer. Group events will likely be postponed. We are considering those on a case by case basis and will make a call about next week’s group events on Monday March 16.

If you are symptom free, please feel welcome to schedule and attend one-on-one EGC sessions. If you feel unwell (or even uncomfortable venturing out), please feel free to reschedule or contact me about proceeding by phone if it seems important to continue meeting and not best to do so in person. Late cancellation charges will be waived during this period of quarantines in the US.

In this time of uncertainty, it is easy to dwell with the frightening thoughts around us. You may feel intense reactions to things or have emotional outbursts that catch you by surprise, even as your rational self intends to “be reasonable.” Times of stress invite what is unfinished emotionally to rise up within us. From a Gestalt perspective, this is an opportunity - to explore those emotions and partner with them while they are so available, for the greater good of your health and peace of mind in the future. As always at NLC, we are focused on walking with you into those opportunities to transform the way you experience difficult things.

As this trying week comes to a close, I offer the following benediction. It is one I grew up with in the church I attended with my parents. I still find comfort in it and I hope you will too.

Go forth in the world in peace;
be of good courage;
hold fast that which is true;
render to no one evil for evil;
strengthen the fainthearted;
support the weak;
help the afflicted;
honor everyone;
and may the peace of God which passes all understanding,
be with you and remain with you always. 

-Allison and the herd

Snow Day!

All afternoon and evening sessions at NLC today, including our Open Barn this evening, Saturday January 18 2020, have been canceled due to the wintry weather. We hope you stay safe and snug in the wintry mix.

Open Barn tonight and other stuff

First: Tonight is Open Barn! 4-6:30pm. We hope you can join us to snuzzle a horse, set awhile, have a lemonade and get a taste of how Charlie and Hobbs connect with people in their “office.”

In other news . . .

Summer feels very full here at NLC — in the complete and satisfied way, not the crazy busy way. We had a great Temperament workshop for couples in July, with many Ah-has (and Ha-Has) along the way. I was grateful for the way the group members contributed wisdom that made everyone’s experience greater than it would have been if we did the same work in individual sessions. Thanks to the wonderful participants who created that.

Next Up: Values! I wonder, what comes up in you when you hear that word? And, do you know what its like to live every part of your day according to your values? As I read that, I could feel intimidated by that statement or relieved. How does it strike you? These are some of the questions in play at our Values Workshop coming up Saturday August 17.

Charlie and Hobbs are ready to welcome you - keen to greet their clients and visitors this week.

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Human and Horse Vacation!

NLC is closed for summer horse and human vacation July 2-17.  Happy 4th to all!  We hope you too have some time preserved for rest, recharge, and fun this summer.  We look forward to resuming work in the barn starting July 18th.  See you then!

Clinicians Charlie and Hobbs show Psychology Interns what they offer humans

NLC had a great afternoon in the barn last week, teaming with Loudoun Therapeutic Riding Program Director Kathy Blaine. We hosted a group of Psychology doctoral students and their Internship Coordinators. This fabulous group came with great questions and curiosity about how horses provide complementary therapeutic input for those with physical, cognitive, and social emotional challenges. Thank you, Argosy University/Chicago School of Professional Psychology and Sterling Behavioral Health Services and Drs. Pittman and Arons for your interest in equine facilitated healing!

Those of you who know Charlie and Hobbs know how seriously they take their work. Here they are as the group arrived in the parking lot. They stopped eating their lunch and went out to assess their audience! Looks to me like they were conferring about their presentation. LOL.

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New Location

Hello, NLC Community.

We’ve moved and expanded our coaching staff!

You can find us now at the beautiful Ohana Equestrian Preserve in Aldie, VA - on Rt 15 just south of Gilbert’s Corner. NLC occupies a sweet little barn there with indoor and outdoor coaching spaces, picturesque paddocks and grounds, and kind neighbors. We’ll be snug through the winter and nicely shaded in the summer for all our coaching activities and will have the space to offer more group events in 2019.

We have also welcomed a new member to the coaching team. Meet “Not Just a Hobby,” AKA “Hobbs.” He has wasted no time in volunteering himself for coaching sessions. We are thrilled to have him and look forward to introducing him to you.

Hello! Have we met?? -”Hobbs” (Retired show jumper and newest member of North Light Coaching)

Hello! Have we met?? -”Hobbs” (Retired show jumper and newest member of North Light Coaching)

Military Spouses Group @ LTR - starts TOMORROW! Tues 9/12, 10:30am

Group starts TOMORROW!  

Loudoun Therapeutic Riding at Morven Park
Barn 5
41580 Sunday Morning Lane
Leesburg, VA 20176

Contact Allison for details:  703-727-2607, allison@northlightcoaching.com

Are you a military spouse or caregiver who wants greater peace in your family relationships?  Are you caring for someone dear who suffers from PTS or a TBI?  Would you like a break?

Allison and "Charlie" have a seat for you in caregivers support group this fall where you'll be offered two hours each Tuesday morning for you - to rest, heal, listen and be heard.  

You may drop in to this group - no pre-registration required.  There is no charge for this event!  RSVP is appreciated to allison@northlightcoaching.com or 703-727-2607.  Questions?  Please feel free to call or write.

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