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Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy Track

by KBerg — last modified 2008-08-06 13:15

One of four tracks in the online Equine Facilitated Activities and Therapy Program.

Equine Facilitated Activities and Therapy Home

Online Course Description

Introduction to Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy introduces the concepts and tenets of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP), a form of experiential psychotherapy with equine assistance. Students become acquainted with the core issues underscoring EFP theory and practice that includes setting up a session, creating treatment plans and lesson plans, matching horse and client, and understanding the roles of the players in the EFP team, especially that of the horse.

Download the Equine Facilitated Activities and Therapy program pdf now!

Objectives

To understand the benefits that the relationship between horses and people offers to the field of psychotherapy.
To become familiar with the many uses of equine facilitated psychotherapy: individual, group and family as well as adjunctive intervention with more traditional out-patient treatment.
To provide an understanding how natural attributes of the horse combined with the combined skill and experience of the therapist and riding instructor, assist people to make positive changes in their lives.
To gain insight into the process of how humans access their psyche through experiential, hands-on work with the horse.

What You Will Learn

The human relationship as it relates to therapy as well as to the metaphorical experience created by the client and equine.
Concepts through examples and case studies while challenging the learner to think outside the “therapy-in-an-office” box.
A working knowledge of mental health issues including how to create lesson plans and work with both therapists and individuals who have a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues and disorders.
How using traditional horsemanship skills i.e. handling, grooming, longeing, round pen work and riding, therapeutically can teach valuable life lessons.
Learn more about Ethics course specifically related to this emerging field of psychotherapy!

Benefits to You

On a personal level, you discover a unique way to look at your relationships, including your relationship with your horse(s). Open yourself to possibilities that you had previously been unaware and expand your thinking about what is truly important. The lessons taught in this course show that while change can be difficult, it need not be drudgery; in fact, it can actually be fun!
On a professional level, therapists are introduced to a novel way in which to invite behavioral change, emotional stability and cognitive flexibility in clients as well as self. EFP shows that while therapists may assume the “bottom line” because of their role of change-agent, that this need not be the case; the horse is a willing partner who lovingly shares the saddle. Perhaps the most important benefit is learning that whatever your passion, you can share it and use it to help others.

Who should attend

Anyone seeking entry level information about the equine facilitated psychotherapy industry:

College students
Professionals: therapists, nurses, educators, doctors, riding instructors and many others
Individuals with an interest in psychotherapy with an equine-related perspective

Cost

Course Fee: $359
Purchase textbook, Equine Facilitated Mental Health: A Field Guide for Practice

To purchase, contact: Leslie Moreau, leslie@legendsequestrian.com

Register Now!
Need financial assistance? Complete this form.

Further Your Learning

After the introductory course in this track, you can further your learning through an internship and research.

Continuing Education

Upon completion, participants receive a certificate of attendance from Texas A&M University and earn 50 professional development hours or 5.0 CEUs (Continuing Education Units) appropriate to course content.

CEUs:

Are nationally recognized units earned for participation in qualifying continuing education programs

May be used for professional advancement or as evidence of increased abilities, but not for college credit.

Instructor Bio

Leslie McCullough Moreau, LCSW, LSOTP, NARHA Certified Riding Instructor, has been in the counseling profession for over 25 years and has been conducting EFP for 19 plus years. She owns Legends Equestrian Therapy in Boerne, Texas. Leslie’s specialty areas include post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including violence and abuse; conduct disorders, mood and anxiety disorders, as well as personality disorders. In addition, she has worked with violent youth including juvenile capital and sex offenders for over 18 years.

Leslie co-authored and edited with her protege, Boo McDaniel, Equine Facilitated Mental Health: A Field Guide for Practice. This book contains pertinent information on all aspects of developing an EFP program including: horse selection, mental illness, interventions, starting a program and much more. This book contains many of the pertinent reading materials assigned to this course.

Leslie lectures nationally and internationally on the subject of EFP, including training therapists and riding professionals.

As an active member of the Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA) since 1995, Leslie has served on the board and education committee, developing and teaching curriculum for therapeutic riding instructors.

She's a born horse lover and has been riding English for thirty years.

If you have questions about Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy, please contact Leslie Moreau at: leslie@legendsequestrian.com.