Animal Assisted and Equine Facilitated Wellness services offering individual & group sessions plus training and professional mentoring programs.

from grief to grace

Traversing the pain of loss with animals and nature as our guides.

  • Do you feel empty or numb because of recent loss?
  • Are you trying to forget your pain and move on? 
  • Are you worried you may never find joy again?

Often we think of grief and loss as experiencing the death of a loved one. However, the loss of relationships, careers, or the loss of having your children move away can cause us to feel a deep sadness. We often discount how we are feeling because we should be able to pull up our socks and move on. But when grief is ignored or pushed away it is still present in the body. It doesn’t go away because we will it to leave.

There is no proper way to grieve but allowing the feelings to be present helps us bring clarity to life.

During this 2-day program we sit with what is and honour the feelings we are experiencing. We learn to increase our capacity for difficult emotions and together we help each other safely  feel the range of feelings from grief to joy. 

Being in nature and partnering with animals allows us to safely be with what is. In nature we grow, increase our capacity for feeling, and deepen our resiliency for the challenges of life.

The program details:

  • Two full days (12 hours total in-person)
  • Experiential activities
  • Create connection 
  • Tuition is $600 plus tax. 
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Carla, the wonderful. Carla, the miracle. Carla, who changes souls and lives and teaches love. What else can I say? She changed our lives so much that it is hard to put in words. The pandemic took place, many activities were restricted or closed down. Out of frustration, we decided to check out the farm. My daughter was quite indifferent and I was a typical city dweller. All changed, our world was upside down within 15 minutes of our first visit. The joy and interest I saw on my kid’s face were hard to believe. And then a meticulous journey of healing started. Bit by bit, day by day Carla changed our hearts, our souls, our vision of life and future. The changes in my daughter are hard to believe in. She got more confident, empathic, able to feel herself and others, whether they are animals or people. Anxiety retorted and is not in sight any longer. Kindness and understanding of the world around us came to our lives.I am slowly becoming a different mom and a different person, too. More mature, listening and hearing more.
I will be forever grateful to Carla for our new life. Thank you.

Tanya

You only have to compare the photos of my daughter when she began visiting Anam Cara Farm to work with Carla five years ago and the recent photos to see what a difference coming here regularly has made. Between ages 9 and 14, Audrey has blossomed and matured, gaining calmness, confidence and ownership of her own identity from interacting with all of the animals, especially Gus the sheep, and especially with Carla. The hens trust her to pick them up and collect their eggs; the horses to brush their coats and ride them, and the pigs to feed them snacks and give them scratches and hugs. I know being with Carla and helping to care for the animals is a highlight of Audrey’s week. This farm is grounding and serene and even works its magic on parents. I can’t say enough positive things about this special place and the love and therapy shared by Carla and her animal cohabitants at Anam Cara. Thank you.

Jennifer

Bringing the children to the Anam Cara Farms for a day of mindfulness and connection was a truly heartwarming experience. As the children and family services coordinator at the Abbotsford Hospice and Grief Support Society, I’ve seen the impact of loss firsthand, but witnessing these young hearts engage with the farm animals and find solace in their presence was profoundly moving. The gentle nature of the horses seemed to provide a unique kind of comfort, helping the children process their grief in a serene environment. It was a day filled with moments of reflection, laughter, and stillness. I am deeply grateful to have been part of such a meaningful experience. One of the children mentioned it was one of the “funnest day’s ever.” The children were supported throughout the day as different difficult conversations took place. Overall, the children left with a beautiful reminder of the stillness found in nature and the importance of cherishing the memories of loved ones

Rebecca Flaman

Empowered by horses is an amazing program. My daughter has attended this program with Mary Waldolf and I have seen great benefits in my daughter’s willingness to have social interactions. The amazing part is my daughter very much looks forward to going to see Mary and interacting with the animals. Mary makes this a warm, friendly and fun session that provides so much fun and the development of social skills and social connection. I cannot recommend Mary and this program enough!

Shaun McRae

Both of my children receive services from this place, seeing Mary and Jonathan. Both are amazing! They check in with me to make note of any struggles or concerns and plan their time accordingly. Both kids enjoy going here and working with the animals. I will add that any time my kids are in an appointment and I’m waiting, staff are friendly with a smile and wave. I would recommend their services.

Naomi Kragh