0467 - Equine Facilitated Therapy: Working with Trauma
Course Description
Hours: 12
This is an in-person workshop that will be held at OZ Farms at 8853 Wellington Road 16, Damascus, Ontario (near Orangeville).
This two-day experiential workshop will explore interactions with horses to support clients who have experiences of trauma. As non-predatory animals, horses live in herds, have a keen sense of discerning safety and threat, and an ability to co-regulate their nervous systems with herd members and humans. As such, they are wonderful teachers of boundaries, presence and emotional regulation. Designed for mental health counsellors and therapists, this workshop will introduce strategies for containment, connection, and emotional processing.
Participants will:
- Learn and practice strategies to support mindful presence in relationship with the horses.
- Learn and practice nonverbal communication strategies to set boundaries, create movement and process emotional and somatic responses.
- Practice techniques to reduce anxiety and increase awareness of a felt-sense when asking for help, feeling challenged and coming into relationship.
There will be a maximum of eight participants in this training to ensure that you will receive a lot of opportunities for personalized support and feedback from the instructors.
The workshop begins at 9 a.m. Arrive at the farm between 8:30 and 8:40 a.m. to sign a waiver and get settled before the training begins.
Notes
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.
Meals: Please bring your own lunch for Day 1. Lunch (wraps/sandwiches and salads) 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 allergies and 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.
Cancellations and Transfers: Be sure to carefully review our cancellation and transfer information before registering.
For more information contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
Website: wlu.ca/fswpd
Discounts: Please note that this workshop is not eligible for any discounts.
Prerequisites
Education/Experience: This training is designed for licensed clinicians, mental health workers or social work graduate students.
Equine: You do not need your own horse to attend this training. However, some familiarity or exposure to horses is required.
If you have questions about your qualifications for this training, please contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca before registering.
Applies Towards the Following Certificates
- Counselling Techniques Certificate : Counselling Techniques
- Trauma Certificate : Trauma Certificate