Welcome, I’m Britta
My Sessions
Counselling
Welcome to our sanctuary of healing and growth where you’ll find understanding and your journey towards empowerment begins. Let’s talk about everything that stands in your way of becoming the most powerful and authentic version of yourself. Find solace, clarity, and the tools to navigate life’s twists and turns with confidence. Together, we’ll figure out how to make things better in your life. You’re not alone. Let’s take this journey together towards self-discovery and healing.
Reiki
Reiki helps to restore a sense of connectedness when we feel emotionally lonely. Through its gentle touch, it triggers the release of oxytocin, the “tend and befriend hormone”. Activating when we feel connected, oxytocin fosters social bonds and empathy. Reiki also helps with releasing stress and ‘negative’ emotions and stimulating spiritual healing. It elevates our vibration to a happier frequency, liberating us from the weight of frustration and guiding us to a healthier, more fulfilled life.
Nature Therapy
Whatever is going on for you, if you’d like clarity or guidance, Nature Therapy offers a powerful and transformative experience. Being with horses, alpacas, and goats (over the fence) provides a safe, non-judgmental space, and promotes emotional healing, develops self-awareness, and fosters personal growth. The therapeutic bond formed with these animals can transform lives, leading to improved well-being and a deeper understanding of oneself.
IMAGINE THE possibilities
Empowerment, Healing, and Growth on our Farm: Your Journey begins here.
Feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Struggling with self-doubt, anxiety, or loneliness? Here is a safe space to explore your thoughts and feelings, understand your experiences, and discover new ways to cope and thrive. Together, we’ll navigate through the complexities of your emotions, identify patterns that may be holding you back, and develop strategies to overcome obstacles.
Whether you’re seeking to improve relationships, manage stress, or find clarity in life transitions, counseling provides support and guidance to help you grow and find fulfillment. You’re not alone on this journey. Let’s work together towards a brighter tomorrow.
Get In Touch
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- britta.zeimer@gmail.com
- +1 604.561.6693
At A Glance
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- Registered Counsellor (ACCT)
- Counselling & Nature Therapy
- Reiki Treatments
- Healing from Heartbreak
- Attachment-Based Approach
- Guided Meditation and Practices
WHAT DOES A NATURE SESSION LOOK LIKE?
After completing the paperwork we may (depending on the weather) begin the session in our cozy ‘tearoom’ or we join the alpacas, goats, or horses (no direct interaction) in the field and I’ll introduce you to each of them. I will also share – if you’re interested – in what each animal tells me about how you are feeling right now, and what might be going on for you.
You then choose the horse, goat, or alpaca that ‘speaks’ to you the most and you have time to connect with your animal on a deeper level. You have all the time you need to tell them your story – to ask your questions – and to receive. You can write down the answers you get, draw a picture, or just sit with your experience.
We will then give space for the session to unfold naturally and intuitively. You can for example share your experiences with me and we can also talk about, what I noticed or received from ‘your’ horse, goat, or alpaca. Of course, there is no obligation to share anything, it’s just about being together and healing.
Nature Therapy is a wonderful process and helpful to recognize what is being reflected back to us, opening the space for deeper insights, clarity, and healing. The alpacas, horses, goats, and I are already looking forward to meeting you.
Book a Session for yourself, or for two or more people, e.g. with your partner, family, or friends.
My Story
Hey, nice to meet You!
I’m Britta, and with my unique approach to Nature Therapy, I combine my professional experiences as a registered counsellor, mediator, and lawyer with the wisdom and tranquility offered by my horses, alpacas, and goats. My background in evolutionary psychology and human resources is especially valuable for my sessions as it allowed me to gain deep insights into social interactions, communication, conflict resolution, and personal growth.
My approach is deeply rooted in attachment theory, and here especially how our relationship style develops during childhood when we are not provided a safe haven, and how these patterns manifest today in our adult relationships with our partners, parents, animals, and yes, ourselves – and how we can heal these patterns that no longer serve us. Horses have fascinated me since I was ten, and I’m very fortunate to share my life with four horses.
Today, I also embrace my spiritual side as a Reiki practitioner, delving deeper into this realm every day, guided by my teachers and animals.
What is Reiki
Reiki is a gentle touch healing modality, that can help us to restore a sense of connectedness during periods of loneliness, as physical touch and in-person contact with other people is part of what we need and crave as human beings to feel whole and fulfilled.
The gentle touch during a Reiki session also creates Oxytocin in our body. Oxytocin is a hormone, nicknamed ‘the tend and befriend hormone’. It is activated when we feel connected – when we are together with people who give us energy, who we enjoy having around, with whom we can do fun things together, and when we hug, kiss, or cuddle them.
Reiki also addresses the accumulated feelings of stress and frustration. These feelings do nothing but weigh us down and suppress our higher being – but Reiki can help us release these negative emotions and stresses while stimulating spiritual healing and raising our vibration to a higher and healthier frequency – a happier place where we all deserve to be!
Reiki is a gentle touch healing modality and is done fully clothed – so just wear your most comfortable clothing.
You Asked
I answered…
What is your professional Background?
Degrees & Certificates
Registered Counsellor with ACCT, Canada. 2-year training and certification as Equine Facilitated Wellness Professional with Pro-EFW. B.Sc. Psychology, University of Hagen, Germany. LLM eq, University of Frankfurt, Germany. 2-year Mediation & Conflict Resolution advanced training program, Justice Institute, BC, Canada. Certified Reiki Practitioner for People & Horses (Whispering Equine, AB, Canada), Trained Coach, CTI. ASD Certificate, Popard, BC, Canada. Trust Technique and Animal Communication (James French & Shelley Slingo).
Professional Experience
Self-employed since 2008 as counsellor and coach. German dialect coach for international film and TV projects since 2014. Junior lawyer (Justice Institute in Germany and in London, UK). Human Resources Consultant (Telekom, Germany). Project Manager (IIR International, Germany). Book: (published in German): Evolution & Selflove – The Normativity Hypothesis of the Attachment Theory under Critical Consideration of Cultural and Evolutionary Perspectives.
Why Connecting with Alpacas and Horses?
Connecting with Alpacas and Horses: Philosopher J. Dewey believed that humans don’t truly learn from an experience until they spend some time reflecting on it and analyzing how the experience is meaningful to them and relevant to their life. So, our time connecting is not ‘just’ about spending time together, it’s about learning from the animals, healing, and personal growth. It’s a place where we can go to remind ourselves who we are apart from the roles we play every day.
The Session: At the beginning of the session we do a short mindfulness practice and talk a bit about how to connect and yes, ‘communicate’ with the animals. I then introduce you to each animal and you connect with the horse or alpaca that speaks to you the most (all sessions are done over the fence, with no direct interaction). Before you meet your partner for the session you might want to think about a theme, topic, or specific question you’d like to ask or reflect on.
You can book a Connection Session for yourself, or for two or more people, e.g. with your partner, family, or friends…
A session for 2 people or more: The connection session can also be booked for two or more people. It’s ideal, if you are e.g. a family and would like to find an answer to a question together, or if you are in a (mild) conflict situation, and are looking for clarity about your next steps. It’s also ideal, or if you have a friend or relative and you’d just like to share this experience with each other.
It’s for Everyone: Allowing emotions and learning to be authentic is not only important for women, quite the opposite. Many successful men have lost touch with their roots, lost sight of the meaning of what they are doing, and thus ultimately lost themselves. They strive for success and often have particular problems allowing themselves to relax, come into their center and reconnect with their feelings, intuition, and heart.
Start your Journey: A great first step if you’re interested in a Connection Session is to book your free 20 Minute Discovery Visit. This is where we get to know each other and talk about if this could be something for you. My animals and I are very happy to meet you soon!
Please let me add: I’m not qualified to work with you without the support of a qualified professional on issues like e.g. schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, severe major depression, personality disorders, autism as well as severe phobias, panic disorders, or OCD. The same is true for people who have substance abuse & addiction issues or eating disorders. I’m also not qualified to work with people who experienced severe physical or mental abuse.
But you’re still very welcome because equine and alpaca facilitated wellness sessions can be a wonderful accompanying therapy for you.
What happens during a Reiki Session?
NEW: Home Visits on Mayne Island – just contact me!
Reiki is an energy healing modality and a treatment usually consists of placing hands on or over the part of the body that needs healing. This can be done by placing the hands directly on the body, but depending on the situation and your wishes the hands can also hover a few centimeters above the body without direct contact. Reiki is done fully clothed. During the treatment life energy flows, however, the energy does not come from the practitioner, we are only a channel for the universal life energy. Reiki teaches that life energy always flows to where it’s needed. The hands are placed on the area that is at ‘dis-ease’, but the energy itself will find the place where it’s needed the most. That’s why Reiki doesn’t require a diagnosis, in Reiki, we intuitively assess where there might be an energetic imbalance. When in doubt, I would always recommend seeing a medical professional. We offer Reiki for people and horses, in person as well as distant Reiki.
What is my Investment for a Session?
Counselling or Reiki can be done via Zoom or in person. Our Nature Inspired Sessions are always in person and take place throughout the year, Monday to Friday, rain or shine. Just contact me for a time that suits you or book your session by clicking here
If you live in BC, Canada our sessions may be covered in full or part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan.
Sessions:
- Discovery Call or Visit (20 min) – free
- Counselling (1h) – $120 CAD
- Nature Therapy with Horses (1.5h) – $160 CAD
- Nature Therapy for 2+ people (2h) – $180 CAD
- Nature Therapy & Reiki combined (2h) – $180 CAD
Reiki Treatments:
- Reiki Treatment (1h) – $90 CAD
- Reiki Package 5 treatments – $420 CAD
- Reiki and Nature Therapy combined (2h) – $180 CAD
Program: Healing from Heartbreak
- Sessions, Meditations, and more: This 1:1 journey contains 5 sessions (each 1.5 h), either in person or online, as well as exercises, workbooks, guided meditations & more. Your investment: $888 CAD. Learn more under ‘Healing from Heartbreak’…
Find the Forms to fill out here
Payments are due at the end of each session and can be made by cash, check, credit card or e-transfer to: britta.zeimer@gmail.com.
Coverage
If you live in BC, Canada our sessions may be covered in full or part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan. Please check with your insurance provider or employer in advance whether counselling services are covered. The following insurance companies and benefit providers in BC have agreed to reimburse my services for plans that include counselling services: SunLife, Pacific Blue Cross, Green Shield, Manulife, and Claim Secure.
Sliding Scale
I have a limited number of sliding scale spots available for those who would not otherwise be able to attend therapy. Please speak to me directly if you face financial barriers to therapy and we can discuss how it might be made more accessible to you.
Cancellation
We understand that plans can change. However, to ensure we can accommodate all of our clients, we kindly request that you adhere to our cancellation policy:
- No-Show: If you’re unable to make it to your appointment and don’t notify us in advance, you will be charged the full price of the session. This helps us manage our bookings and availability more effectively.
- Late Cancellations: If you need to cancel less than 12 hours before your appointment, a fee of 50% of the session cost will apply.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Thank you for helping us ensure that we can offer the best service to all our clients!
Location
We’re located on Mayne Island, so when you live in (or visit) Vancouver or Vancouver Island BC, Canada, and you’re willing to travel to the Gulf Islands, which are about an hour’s ferry ride away from either Vancouver or Victoria then we would be very happy to welcome you here. We’re already looking forward to meeting you.
We are fully insured.
How does it help me to connect?
Are you unsure, if you’d just like to continue with your life as is now, or if you think it could help to connect with horses, alpacas and me?
Ok, then here are five reasons why it may be very beneficial to visit us:
1. To get emotional support: Talking about things can help us finding validation, understanding, empathy and a sense of belonging.
2. To make sense of what’s happening: It helps to process experiences and emotions and make sense of it.
3. It helps us to realize we are more than our negative experiences: We are not defined by things that happened or are still happening to us. They don’t take away any of our value. And they made us who we are. We’re strong when we face it and go through it, rather than avoiding.
4. It’s a reality check: Negative experiences can make our understanding of the world upside down. Talking about it can debunk mistaken beliefs. Yes, what we experienced was abuse, gaslighting, guilt tripping, shaming, projection, feigned ignorance and more. And it was not ok.
5. To create purpose: Often, negative experiences sharpen our sense of purpose, remind us to focus on our family or community, or set us on a mission to give back, appreciate life, or realize our own strength and resilience. (Modified from a Psychology Today article 5 Reasons to Talk About Trauma | Psychology Today Australia).
Why Horses?
Horses are Guides
Horses are prey animals and as such very observant and intuitive and openly communicate what they sense – to everyone who’s willing to listen. With that, they give us honest feedback and/or messages, which is very valuable information for our own healing journey.
Horses can read our Emotions
But is it really true, that horses can read us? Yes! Horses are masters of perception. In seconds, they recognize who we are and what’s going on with us. With other people, we often hide behind the persona, we created to protect ourselves, but this is just not possible with horses. Their survival depends on correctly assessing our intention and energy. One very interesting way they read us is, that horses have the ability to ‘smell’ our emotions, even if we don’t feel that emotion consciously, e.g. when we suppress it, like we often do with for example anger. But how do they ‘smell it’? In all mammals the sensory neurons of the vomeronasal organ (Jacobson’s organ) in the nose detects chemical cues. Notably, some scents act as chemical-communication signals (pheromones). A pheromone is a chemical that a mammal produces which changes the behavior of another mammal. Additional scientific evidence suggests that horses, like primates, have mirror neurons, who play an important role in our communication. A mirror neuron is a neuron that fires both, when an animal acts and when the animal observes the same action performed by another. Thus, the neuron “mirrors” the behavior of the other, as though the observer were itself acting. Also, and most importantly horses can feel our energy field, our intentions, emotions we’re unconsciously carrying with us, and of course, they can read our body language. That means horses smell, mirror, and sense on many different levels our worries, conflicts, and stresses. What they reflect back to us is usually the one theme that is most prevalent for us in that given moment we meet and when the behaviour of the horse occurs.
Consent
Everything we do with our horses and alpacas is based on consent. That means, we don’t do things to or with them that they don’t enjoy, as long, of course, as they respect our space.
My own Background with Horses.
I was about 10 when I started riding (classical dressage) in Germany and then I paused for quite a while, as I didn’t like how the lesson horses were treated. Almost two decades later I started being with horses again. Then I moved to Canada and have since then explored many different training styles incl. Natural Horsemanship (Jonathan Field), Ribbleton Attunement (Paulette Clark), Horsefulness Training (Karine Vandenborre), Academic Art of Riding (Bent Branderup), Clicker Training (various trainers), Trust Technique, and Animal Communication (James French), and Chi Horsing (Sandra König). But what really changed my communication with horses, and subsequently with people was doing the 3-year Masterclass ‘Wild Horses’ with Marc Lubetzki. In my sessions, I always share these valuable insights and also how this knowledge can help us in our own everyday conversations.
If you volunteer or rescue Animals
If you’re actively involved in animal welfare or you volunteer in an animal rescue, I absolutely encourage you to come and visit us for a session, especially if you feel that you’re traumatized by what you experienced as an animal rescuer. I so understand you! Let’s make sense of it together. And btw. if that’s your reason for coming, I’ll donate 50% of the fee for our session to farm animals in need.