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More About Me
My name is Heather Bunzey. I have been married for over 35 years to my husband, Danny and we have four wonderful grown children. I am a Jesus follower. My faith is very important to me and it guides what I do. My journey of faith won't look like yours and I welcome everyone of all faiths, at all points in their faith journey, and am very open to discussing and exploring faith as you see fit.
Healing is often like an onion. You peel off one layer and then there is another. Sometimes several layers come off at once and other times not. I find my journey of healing has been much like that. Sometimes I make quick progress and other times it slows to crawl that can't be seen by the naked eye. I know and have experienced the difficulties that come with healing traumas of various kinds. It is not an easy road and so it is important for you to find a place where you feel safe and able to traverse the hard road of healing. Oaky Doak Farm is a very peaceful, serene place where I believe you will find an environment that is very conducive to finding hope and healing. Besides the place, it is important that you find someone you can trust and you believe can help guide you on your journey. I am be honored if you choose New Pathways for your care.
I have a masters degree in counseling and am a licensed NC Mental Health Counselor. I have had the honor of working at Hope Reins in Raleigh since 2015 where we pair a kid in crisis with a rescued horse and a trained mentor to bring hope and healing. I feel strongly that I am called to come alongside people in their stories and struggles. It is such an honor for me to be chosen as a guide and resource for your journey towards real healing. Our work will look at present day concerns while also looking as it applies at family of origin, early childhood, attachment, interpersonal dynamics, and processing while practicing it all in real time with an integrated brain and body.
Natural Lifemanship Trained
I have a dual certification NLC-P, EP from Natural Lifemanship which is an extensive certification in both equine therapy as the counselor and as an equine professional. This modality was developed by Bettina Schultz-Jobe and Tim Jobe which views relationship as the key to change and healing. It is an embodied and experiential therapy modality that is a way of relating, showing up and processing our every day relational encounters from a place of mind and body integration. The principles are principles no matter where they are applied so they work as you practice them with horses and as you relate with others. Press here to learn more about Natural Lifemanship.
I also have received certificates in Levels 1 and 2 of Narrative Focused Trauma Care from the Allender Center in Seattle, Washington. This is trauma informed care with a narrative focus that looks at how narrative stories from our lives and that even in the face of betrayal, abandonment, pain, abuse and trauma that healing can be found. Often we see unresolved trauma emerge unexpectedly. With a safe guide, we can explore these areas so they can be seen, named, and
brought forward. The body and the mind hold these stories and the horses are uniquely made to help you process them with both the body and the mind for fully integrated healing. Press here to learn more about the Allender Center.
Allender Center Trained
Testimonials
"Heather provides a safe and loving space to learn and grow. She is gifted at pairing horses and people, drawing from what each offers, and facilitating powerful experiences that allow you to recognize your patterns and try on more effective ways of relating to the world around you. I have had the privilege of working with her for years, and I can’t recommend her highly enough."
Elizabeth Love Kennon, CLC, ACC
"Heather is patient and kind. She is willing to engage with people for the full extent of their healing journey no matter the highs or lows. She is an intentional connector with both people and horses. She helps me to feel seen and deeply loved." Jenna
"Heather's skills and love for horses and people are evident every time we are together. The knowledge and understanding she has of horses and their abilities to empathize with the wounded hearts of people is incredible. She uses our time together to ask questions regarding my own trauma or struggles so as to open up space for her to counsel me and aid me in my healing process." Josh
"Heather is phenomenal! I have learned so much about horses and myself from her. I have learned relationship and communication skills through working with horses. I have also grown in my ability to identify and work through my own emotions and negative self-talk through working with Heather. She's helped me to see how my story impacts my life today and how to work towards wholeness and healing. Heather's compassionate, gentle searing nature make me feel safe and comfortable. I'd highly recommend her services to anyone who has the opportunity and privilege to work with her." Jennifer