One Woman’s Caring Connection with Animals

I recently met CHRISTINE EVANS. She came to help sort out my cats, who are not making the best of friends. I asked her to tell us about her life and what brought her to the work she does…

“Animals have always been part of my life. When I was little, like a lot of children, I was attracted to animals… I spent a lot of time observing insects, making nice homes for snails, keeping tadpoles until they turned into frogs, stopping to pat cows in the fields when out for a cycle, or rescuing baby birds fallen from the nest. More recently whilst living in France I stopped to pick up an injured buzzard on the road and found myself driving to a bird sanctuary with this majestic bird of prey sitting on my lap, his sharp, yellow eyes looking straight at me and his feathers crawling with insects.

“I have shared my home with cats, a dog, rabbits, hamsters, cats, birds, a tortoise, rats and fish – and did I mention cats? Horses are also a big love of mine. I am not lucky enough to have one in my life now, but as a teenager I spent all my spare time at the local riding stables, mucking out, feeding, brushing, riding… whatever the weather.

“Many years later, after several jobs (business administration, teaching French in secondary schools, running holiday accommodation in France or working for an estate agency) and a number of years dedicated to bringing up my two boys, it was time to bring together work and my love of animals. This had to be in a mindful, holistic way. Animals are sentient beings, all have their own character and are entitled to being listened to, their fears, pains, needs acknowledged and acted upon.

“Looking at animals’ typical behaviour as part of a species wasn’t enough. I wanted to take into account their own personalities and life experiences, and treat them as individuals, just like you would a person. As I researched various approaches which would fit in with my ethos, I came across the Trust Technique, and it made so much sense that I signed up straight away to attend a workshop, and then went on to do the Ofqual Accredited Level 3 Practitioner course. This method allows me to help animals deal with physical, mental and emotional issues in a respectful, holistic way, and teach their people at the same time, so they can carry on using the technique on their own afterwards. I love it.

“Through Trust Technique consultations, I discovered the Emmett Technique, and before long I was enrolled on a dog practitioner course to learn this amazing, gentle muscle therapy. The ‘plan’ was to move straight onto horses once the dog qualification was complete, but that path took a detour following my son’s major spinal surgery. I realised that the Emmett Technique was a great tool to help him release tight muscles, realign his body and improve his posture. So I am currently studying to become an Emmett practitioner for humans, to support him and many other people, and intend to continue with the horse qualification afterwards. I love it too.

“I have volunteered at Many Tears Animal Rescue, a centre based in Carmarthenshire. I helped animals find a peaceful moment and introduced some members of staff to the Trust Technique, as they are the ones who can support the animals on a daily basis, in view of a smooth rehabilitation. The rescue centre has grown considerably since it first opened and now finds homes for more than 3,000 dogs a year. Find out more by visiting https://www.manytearsrescue.org/.

“Contact: +44 (0) 7532 456 980 christine@mindfulanimaltherapy.com.”

Christine says: “I am an Ofqual accredited Trust Technique practitioner. I am based in Pembrokeshire in West Wales, and I carry out Trust Technique consultations (in English or French) in person or indeed anywhere in the world thanks to the wonders of modern technology (provided you benefit from a good internet connection).

Look out for articles to come from Christine on Trust Technique and Emmett Technique.