Who is this training for?

This workshop is open to people interested in equine assisted therapy, equine assisted learning, referral agencies, mental health clinicians, professionals considering training, and the general public wanting a comprehensive introduction to this innovative, growing field of practice. People interested to learn “straight from the horse’s mouth”, so to speak! This is an in person workshop where participants learn through experiencing a taste of EAL and EAP and are introduced to knowledge in the field of equine assisted practice.

How is the training delivered?

This is an in-person workshop where participants learn through experiencing a taste of EAP and EAL and be introduced to knowledge in the field of equine assisted practice. Workshops are held regularly in Queensland (Sunshine Coast), Victoria, Western Australia and South Australia.

What are the Learning Objectives?

• Gain an understanding of EAP as both an emerging and powerful clinical practice – for Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, registered Counsellors and Psychotherapists
• Gain an understanding of Equine Assisted Learning – an innovative modality supporting social-emotional leaning, personal development, and, professional development (i.e. team building and leadership).
• Learn the history of the fields of AAT, EAT, EAMH, EAP and EAL
• Develop an understanding of why and how horses are included in clinical practice and experiential learning
• Learn what EAP/ EAL looks like ‘in the paddock’
• Understand how some clinical principles and practices (i.e. the therapeutic relationship, mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation) are integrated into EAP
• Understand how the EPI Model of EAP and EAL supports learning through doing, re-wiring neural pathways, and supports change through the lens of interpersonal neurobiology
• Experience an EAP/EAL taster – participate in or observe a demonstration session (with herd of horses) to enhance understanding
• Get questions answered by experienced and knowledgeable clinicians who are both experienced horse-people trained in equine assisted practice and passionate about the work.

What is the Investment?

Workshop Fee: $297 (includes tea/coffee)

Why Train with Us?

We are uniquely placed as the first comprehensive Australian model of equine assisted practice - EAP (psychotherapy) and EAL (experiential learning) - since 2011. Our sister branch Animal Assisted Psychotherapy International has set a high bar for Animal Assisted Treatment - psychotherapy (AAP) and Animal Assisted Education - psycho-social learning (AAL) education and Training. Founder Meg Kirby is co-author of a recent peer-reviewed published article on best practice terminology recommendations for the international Animal Assisted Services sector of research and practice.

Celebrating our 13th year of training in equine assisted practice, animal assisted therapy and ecotherapy, we are an established private training organisation with an international reputation for excellence, high professional standards, and advocates for animal welfare, wellbeing and enrichment protocols.