Welcome to the
Equid-Nexus Learning Commons!
This site is dedicated to provide education for those in the mental health field working with individuals, families and groups, with relational trauma.
OUR MISSION
Equid-Nexus® is a facilitation model and training organization aimed to educate facilitation teams on integrating IFS and IFS-Informed EMDR with Equine Engaged Psychotherapy to heal relational trauma. We believe that “the personal is the professional” and therefore focus on professional development by experiential learning. We lead with Self-Energy to scaffold others’ access to Self and to build relational awareness through intersubjectivity within the human and horse relationship. We uphold an ethical dedication to the emotional and physical welfare of equines who partner with us, which we have termed Self-Led Horsemanship™. Our intention is to add value in growing a Self-Led community for those in the equine-assisted services field.
Thank you for your interest in the
Equid-Nexus Learning Commons
Welcome, I'm Jenn Pagone, the creator of Equid-Nexus: An IFS informed EMDR Equine Engaged Psychotherapy Model.
The model's roots stem from 2008, when I was working on an inpatient eating disorder unit when I was introduced to both IFS and EMDR. At the time I used them both separately, but over time integrated them with significant success in assisting my clients to heal from their relational trauma that was underneath the symptoms for which they were seeking treatment.
In 2011, I transferred from the inpatient unit to a residential group home for those struggling with eating disorders. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy was part of that program. Being from the Southside of Chicago, I had never seen a real horse, but from that first session I was hooked.
Over the next few years, I started a private practice, became certified and advanced trained with the Eagala model, and worked as an equine-assisted psychotherapist at the barn where the residents participated.
In 2014, I began taking riding lessons at an eventing barn, and it was there that I met the love of my life, a white thoroughbred named Casper. Shortly after we met I took ownership of him and promised him that one day I would bring him home. Whispering White Horse Stables was built in 2017.
The years that Casper and I spent together were the most healing of my life. Equid-Nexus is the culmination and expression of how that healing organically occurred.
I am a certified IFS therapist and have completed Level 1, three Level 2's, and my Level 3 with Dick Schwartz. I also am a certified EMDR therapist and a CIT. I hold advanced certification from the Natural Lifemanship Institute and became a trainer in 2020. I am a lead guide for the Syzygy Institute. In my career I have been a conference presenter for multiple organizations, an adjunct professor of psychology, and a published author. I have worked with women with complex trauma since 2001.
I sincerely hope that you find your learning enriching for personal and professional parts.
- With warmth and gratitude, Jenn
Course Catalog
Each course contains a narrated slide presentation and PDF handouts.
"I recently had the privilege of participating in the enlightening Equid-Nexus Two Day Workshop, an experience that has left an enduring mark on both my personal and professional journey. The workshop was helpful as it went beyond the usual realm of equine interaction, delving deep into the nuances of the Equid-Nexus model and the profound therapeutic potential it holds. The workshop introduced me to an invaluable lexicon of Internal Family Systems language, a powerful tool that will be helpful in my work with clients. This framework has given me the ability to navigate more effectively the labyrinth of human emotions and psyche, fostering a more profound and empathetic connection with those I guide on their healing journeys.
I loved the idea taught by the instructor that the horses, with their intuitive wisdom, serve as hope merchants in the area of healing relational trauma. Central to the workshop was the exploration of building relational consciousness. We looked at the dance between parts and self and how those observations are helpful as clients deal with past traumas - allowing them to step into the present more fully.
I am grateful for the insights gained, the tools acquired and the heartfelt connections made with both the horses and other attendees. I wholeheartedly recommend this workshop to anyone seeking to know more about the integration of the IFS model with equine engaged psychotherapy and learning."
-Paula Basden, RN, EP
The Equid-Nexus Model is broken down into distinct modules to facilitate your learning process.
Learn IFS adapted specifically to equine engaged psychotherapy
What you will learn:
IFS Model Foundations.
Skills and Interventions.
Using the 6F's.
Healing steps.
Self-Led Facilitation.
Beyond the 8C's & 5P's.
IFS informed Equine Engaged EMDR
What you will learn:
Learn the 8 Phases of EMDR as a roadmap to organize targets within system constellations.
IFS interweaves & upgrades.
Work with strong protectors.
Increase Self-Presence.
Achieve and maintain dual attention.
Process trauma through engaged connection with the horse.
Self-Led Horsemanship
What you will learn:
Lead with intention not agenda.
Replace tasks with experience.
Building relational consciousness through intersubjectivity.
Equine Self and parts.
Clinical considerations.
Intersubjectivity
What you will learn:
The definitions of intersubjectivity and relational consciousness.
Facilitating sessions to help clients increase their intersubjective perspective.
Why this is important to healing relational trauma.
Contact Information
For more information on Equid-Nexus live trainings, workshops, and consultation services, please visit the Equid-Nexus website. To learn more about Jenn's psychotherapy and clinical consultation services, visit the Pagone Psychological Services website. For other inquires, email Jenn here.