Mary-Joy Johnson
Founder - Wildways Therapy (formerly known as Equine Centre For Change) I began my training in the IFEEL Method in 2014, where I first qualified as an Equine Facilitated Human Development (EFHD) facilitator, going to on to study their Level 6 Diploma in EFHD for working with groups and then undertaking a further Level 6 Diploma in Equine Facilitated Psychotraumatology for treating Trauma, PTSD, C-PTSD. I am also trained in Brainspotting (Phase 1 & 2) and continuing annual CPD to expand my professional skills. I work with the Dare To Live Trust as their Programme Director to develop and adapt their highly successful Veterans programme for use with 'at risk' young people, their parents/carers and professionals. I am also a Lead Facilitator for IFEEL Qualifications. |
Qualifications and Training
I am fully Insured and I have an enhanced DBS (previously CRB) certificate.
IFEEL - Cert -EFHD Level 5
IFEEL - Dip - EFHD Level 6
IFEEL - Dip - EFPT Level 6
Brainspotting (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
Mental Health First Aid for Armed Forces (CPD)
Young Offenders and Mental Health (CPD)
NCP - National Council of Psychotherapists accredited member
UKPTS - UK Psychological Trauma Society member
ESTSS - European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Member
SAFE Professionals - Standards for Assisted and Facilitated Equine Professionals accredited member
I have undertaken Safeguarding training through East Sussex Local Authority
Non professional member of: NATP - National Association of Therapeutic Parents, Adoption UK and World Horse Welfare
I collaborate with other qualified EFHD/EFPT facilitators and also utilise the resources of other mental health practitioners and holistic equine specialists.
I am passionate about the 'system' of care surrounding vulnerable young people and offer programmes in EFPT to parents, carers and professionals to enhance their psychological, emotional and social wellbeing and ultimately the long-term life outcomes of the children and young people they parent and/or work with.
I am a Mother of 3 children, birth and adopted. I have personal experience of Complex PTSD, Bereavement, Advocating for support and services, Adoption and many other challenging life experiences. Most importantly I have experience in recovery, healing and learning to thrive. Through recovery I found that working with horses using EFPT brought profound change through this uniquely experiential model of emotional, social and physiological Psychotherapy and Trauma Treatment (psychotraumatology) - allowing reconnection to myself and my authentic identity. From this came a new beginning and a chance to thrive with my family.
I have over 30 years experience of owning and caring for horses and have a particular interest in their holistic care and the growing movement to naturalise traditional methods of horse care and land stewardship/management to make them more species appropriate.
Previously I worked within the music industry as a professional singer and songwriter for 20 years but a move out of London 8 years ago enabled a change of direction back into working full time with horses and training as an Equine Facilitated Human Development and Equine Facilitated Psychotraumatology practitioner.
I look forward to taking Wild Ways Therapy into the future, working with partner organisations and developing innovative programmes to enhance the quality of life for a myriad of clients, their families and carers.
*IFEEL Qualifications offer accredited and Ofqual regulated degree and masters Level 5, 6 & 7 Diploma training & qualifications for Equine Facilitated Interaction disciplines, that are in line with the internationally recognised Regulated Qualifications Framework (RCF) for mental health professionals, professional business coaches and consultants, equine professionals and health and well-being practitioners who want to professionally master the art of employing horses in the field of human development.
The IFEEL Methodology is an evidenced based bio-psycho-social approach of the theoretical methodology and outcomes of Equine Facilitation. IFEEL EFHD is part of a robust research programme which is being evaluated by Ulster University.
IFEEL Qualifications' Diplomas are certified by Crossfields Institute and accredited by the National Council of Psychotherapists. https://ifeelmethod.com/
I am fully Insured and I have an enhanced DBS (previously CRB) certificate.
IFEEL - Cert -EFHD Level 5
IFEEL - Dip - EFHD Level 6
IFEEL - Dip - EFPT Level 6
Brainspotting (Phase 1 and Phase 2)
Mental Health First Aid for Armed Forces (CPD)
Young Offenders and Mental Health (CPD)
NCP - National Council of Psychotherapists accredited member
UKPTS - UK Psychological Trauma Society member
ESTSS - European Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Member
SAFE Professionals - Standards for Assisted and Facilitated Equine Professionals accredited member
I have undertaken Safeguarding training through East Sussex Local Authority
Non professional member of: NATP - National Association of Therapeutic Parents, Adoption UK and World Horse Welfare
I collaborate with other qualified EFHD/EFPT facilitators and also utilise the resources of other mental health practitioners and holistic equine specialists.
I am passionate about the 'system' of care surrounding vulnerable young people and offer programmes in EFPT to parents, carers and professionals to enhance their psychological, emotional and social wellbeing and ultimately the long-term life outcomes of the children and young people they parent and/or work with.
I am a Mother of 3 children, birth and adopted. I have personal experience of Complex PTSD, Bereavement, Advocating for support and services, Adoption and many other challenging life experiences. Most importantly I have experience in recovery, healing and learning to thrive. Through recovery I found that working with horses using EFPT brought profound change through this uniquely experiential model of emotional, social and physiological Psychotherapy and Trauma Treatment (psychotraumatology) - allowing reconnection to myself and my authentic identity. From this came a new beginning and a chance to thrive with my family.
I have over 30 years experience of owning and caring for horses and have a particular interest in their holistic care and the growing movement to naturalise traditional methods of horse care and land stewardship/management to make them more species appropriate.
Previously I worked within the music industry as a professional singer and songwriter for 20 years but a move out of London 8 years ago enabled a change of direction back into working full time with horses and training as an Equine Facilitated Human Development and Equine Facilitated Psychotraumatology practitioner.
I look forward to taking Wild Ways Therapy into the future, working with partner organisations and developing innovative programmes to enhance the quality of life for a myriad of clients, their families and carers.
*IFEEL Qualifications offer accredited and Ofqual regulated degree and masters Level 5, 6 & 7 Diploma training & qualifications for Equine Facilitated Interaction disciplines, that are in line with the internationally recognised Regulated Qualifications Framework (RCF) for mental health professionals, professional business coaches and consultants, equine professionals and health and well-being practitioners who want to professionally master the art of employing horses in the field of human development.
The IFEEL Methodology is an evidenced based bio-psycho-social approach of the theoretical methodology and outcomes of Equine Facilitation. IFEEL EFHD is part of a robust research programme which is being evaluated by Ulster University.
IFEEL Qualifications' Diplomas are certified by Crossfields Institute and accredited by the National Council of Psychotherapists. https://ifeelmethod.com/