ABSTRACT
Self-compassion is one of the most crucial seats to be aware of when stepping into the arena and the understanding of how different it is from self-esteem. Brene Brown discusses one of the most important seats in the arena self-compassion. Having the opportunity to learn concepts on vulnerability, shame resilience, courage, and self-worth followed by practice with horses allows meaningful integration. Stepping into the arena of self-kindness and openness to receiving are additional components of self-compassion. The Stepping into the Arena With counselor' Inner Ally activity is designed for each participant to partner with the horse of her/his choice in a round pen space. Prior to stepping into the experiential partnership space with a horse, group members participate in a discussion and identification process of their own "armor" that shows up when contemplating being in the vulnerable space of the wholehearted arena.
