Leola Adams, M.A., Faculty, Singing for Animals Workshop

Leola Adams has an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. She has an extensive background in mental health services and works as a psychotherapist and certified Therapeutic Touch Practitioner. She is also a gifted singer/songwriter and professional vocalist. She combines her musical background with her skills as a therapist in offering workshops and individual sessions for people who want to reclaim or liberate their natural, authentic voice.

Here’s what participants/clients have said about her teaching method:

“After 25 years of being silenced, I am singing. It feels wonderful. I never thought it would be possible. Thank you for such a fun and positive experience. It has transformed my life.” Barbara R.

“I can’t thank you enough for being the person that has allowed me to add my voice to my thirty years of guitar playing. Your encouragement and ability to create a completely non-threatening environment enabled me to relax and completely enjoy the experience. I never realized how easy it could be to overcome my fears. I now truly believe that anyone can sing.” – John Hewlett

Although passionate about her work, Leola knew that something essential was missing from her practice. In exploring her deep roots and spiritual calling, she discovered that what was missing for her was being with and working with animals. Long aware of the profound and sacred relationship that exists between animals and humans, Leola set about on a course of exploration to learn how she could bring humans and nonhumans together for the purpose of mutual reciprocity, wellbeing and healing.

It was during an intensive workshop training with horses in Arizona that Leola first became aware of interspecies communication. Opening her heart to the compassionate way of the horse, she was gifted with being able to hear communications from these magnificent creatures. Doubting what she was “hearing”, she had an amazing and life altering experience when she learned that the communications from the horses contained specific, relevant information about “healing the heart” of the particular human that was, at that moment, working with the horse. This phenomenon was a turning point in Leola’s life.

It was at this same workshop that group participants requested that Leola facilitate an impromptu group singing session. Many in attendance expressed fear about singing, but also expressed a sincere desire to break through their “blocks”. Under the Arizona night sky, Leola facilitated the group in opening to their deepest “heart-selves” and reclaiming/releasing their own authentic voices. Participants related that they found the experience transformative and it was requested that Leola sing for the horses.

The next day, in the heat and quiet of the afternoon, Leola sang for the healing of an emotionally distraught horse. The experience was witnessed by the 15 group participants and was videotaped by the workshop leaders.

Leola was able to hear, through communicating with the horse, what human tonal vibration and sounds would be most beneficial for the animal. They stood together, human and nonhuman, while Leola sang the horse’s song; and then, the entire group sang for the horse. It was a powerful and beautiful sharing of spirit. The horse lowered his head, listened, relaxed, and became soothed. There was a profound sense of healing and sacredness. At the end of the singing, the horse approached Leola in what is known as “join up” and stayed with her for the afternoon. Follow-up reports have indicated that the horse is calmer, more relaxed and more social.

Since that time, Leola has been singing for animals and she offers workshops to teach others how to do so. Her workshops are fun, innovative, informative, healing and transformative.

She considers herself to be a life long learner and is a student of Dr. Jeri Ryan.

Leola is a “singer” for all living things, and assists in numerous organizations which work on behalf of the wellbeing of animals, humanity and our global environment.