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Sherryl DeWitt Magee's avatar

I love that you had this! I did my master's research paper last session on eqine assisted intervention. It's such a wonderful non-traditional way to deliver therapy! I volunteer at a therapeutic barn here in Dallas. The horses also work with humans in physical therapy and occupational therapy. I have always had my therapy sessions with a therapist in an office, but I see so much value in equine assisted therapy, particularly with individuals with PTSD. Just grooming the horse is relaxing! I hope to become involved as a therapist using equine assisted intervention once I finish my master's degree.

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Janyne McConnaughey's avatar

I am fascinated by this therapy and had so many responses here and in messages. Excited for more therapists who will use this modality.

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Amy Ongstad's avatar

Thank you so much for posting this! Some of my trauma involves horses (losing my brother to a horse accident). I knew at some point in my therapy journey I would need to work through that trauma. I was not able to find a therapist trained in EAT in my geographical region but was still able to process my history with horses with a therapist who had horses of her own and understands the horse world. Talking about my horse experiences was somewhat helpful, but the magic happened when I did hands on work with horses in a safe and controlled environment and later processed it in the office setting. I'm so thankful for EAT as an option for a hands-on therapy. Loved learning more about it through this reading.

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Janyne McConnaughey's avatar

I am so sorry for the loss of your brother and what a wise therapist to make the healing experiences you needed possible. Also, I am teaching a new cohort and last night a student's reflection was about this type of therapy. I had a wild goose moment. :-)

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Amy Ongstad's avatar

Gotta love those geese❤️

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Pat Tremaine's avatar

Thanks Janyne for sharing my thoughts on equine therapy. Reading it reminds me of the work I did with the two horses Fred and Tim.

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Janyne McConnaughey's avatar

I have received so many responses and messages about this! You need to be a guest author ore often! :-)

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Pat Tremaine's avatar

That made me laugh. You would have to pick something I am passionate about lol. I was honoured to be invited to write for you.

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Sandy Smith's avatar

Back to write about one more thing. I have trauma that involves horseback riding and taking care of a horse. I am curious about the possibility of something like this being helpful.

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Janyne McConnaughey's avatar

I think Amy's post above is an answer to this question!

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Sandy Smith's avatar

I chuckled when I read the part about rolling your eyes when the therapist says you are doing well! 😂 I have struggled with receiving compliments for a long time. I think I’m beginning to be more comfortable in these situations.

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Janyne McConnaughey's avatar

You can do this hard thing! 🙂

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Pat Tremaine's avatar

That phrase reminds me of the song you shared with me.

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