0612 - Level II: Equine Facilitated Therapy: Working with Somatics and Trauma

Course Description

Hours: 12

This is an in-person course that will be held at OZ Farms at 8853 Wellington Road 16, Damascus, Ontario (near Orangeville).

This two-day workshop builds on the foundational principles and activities introduced in Level 1. The workshop will focus on connection and containment from a trauma-informed and somatic perspective— during times of emotional/physical activation. Advanced horse interactions will involve activation, movement and emotional processing. Case studies from social work/clinical practice will be explored. An emphasis will be placed on practitioner self-reflexivity and somatic awareness.

This is a small group, experiential course with a maximum of eight participants, ensuring that you will receive a lot of opportunities for personalized support and feedback from the instructors.

Admission Requirements

1. Successful completion of Equine Facilitated Therapy: Working with Somatics and Trauma Level I at OZ farms
2. A degree in counselling or therapy.
3. Have already begun, or are very close to beginning, an equine facilitated counselling/therapy practice.

Application 

To apply, email the Professional Development office at fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca with the following information:

• Your degree(s) in a counselling/helping profession.
• Details about your work experience and/or training in the area of trauma counselling.
• Information about your own equine therapy practice.  

Applicants may be invited to participate in a brief telephone conversation with instructors if further information is needed.

Location

This training is being held at OZ Farms, which is located at 8853 Wellington Road 16 in Damascus, Ontario N0G 2E0. The farm is 7 minutes from Arthur, 25 minutes from Orangeville and 50 minutes from Waterloo. Free onsite parking is available.

Accessibility: Please note that this workshop is not wheelchair accessible. Washroom facilities are in an outbuilding that is separate from the barn where the training will be held.

Accommodations: Overnight accommodations are not included. Orangeville and Fergus are the closest towns with hotels. There are also Airbnbs close to the farm.

Arrival

The workshop begins at 9 a.m. ET. Arrive at the farm between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. to sign a waiver and get settled before the training begins.

Notes

Meals: Please bring your own lunch for Day 1. Lunch will be provided on day 2. Snacks, coffee, tea, water and juice will be available throughout the training. Upon registration you will be asked to provide any dietary restrictions.

What to Wear: You will be in a barn. Please wear boots that can get dirty. Prepare for any weather conditions by dressing in layers, wearing a hat and bringing rain gear and a change of clothes. There is an indoor arena but you will also be outdoors as well.

Liability Forms: Prior to the workshop, you will receive a liability form that must be signed and returned before participating in the workshop. 

Safety Requirements: All participants will be required to wear a helmet when working with the horses. You can bring your own riding helmet or bike helmet, or borrow one at the farm.

Notes

For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:

Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-5128

Cancellations and Transfers
Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.

Website: wlu.ca/fswpd

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• Counselling Techniques Certificate : Counselling Techniques