Megan Kadler, BA, MC. My journey to Now I See a Person Institute
(NISAPI) began with an inquiry into the existence of alternative
perspectives to prevailing medicalized and diagnostic approaches for being
with people in therapy. I found myself questioning discourse that was
occurring where diverse responses to adversity and to experiences of
oppression were explained through the use of pathological language and
treated through the processes of categorizing and labeling clients. I
yearned to connect with people in the field who were working to understand
and facilitate healing of human experiences of pain and suffering in
respectful and dignified ways. Through the generosity of a professor at my
university in Canada, I was connected with Dr. Susan Swim. From the first
time we spoke and I heard more about the work that she and her team
were doing in California, I knew in my heart that NISAPI embodied the
principles, values and ethics I had been seeking.
At NISAPI the encounters that occur are human, relational and natural.
People are seen as people and they are embraced with compassion,
normalcy and nurturance from the caring team of therapists and horses.
Horses have the natural gift of experiencing people as they are within the
present moment. Through the eyes of a horse there is no prejudice, no
judgment, no psychological jargon nor psychiatric diagnoses. Setting foot
on the ranch as a learner I witnessed firsthand how clients who have
experienced severe suffering in their lives were given the opportunity to be
heard, to be believed, to transform and to heal within a loving and nurturing
environment. Upon my return to Canada I stayed in touch with NISAPI and
dove deeper into learning about Collaborative Practice, writing my master’s
thesis on aspects of CEACRM. I continue to remain inspired through my
connection with NISAPI internationally and passionate about therapy,
research and teaching endeavours that support the idea that all people can
heal when they are seen and treated as people.