Introductory Training Workshop EAP/L/PD - sample syllabus
(detail and content may change on the day based upon the horses, the participants and the venue)

The workshop is ‘experiential’ – learning by doing -  which is central to the approach.  We encourage participants to volunteer to work with the horses and therapeutic team. The principles and practice will be introduced through role-playing EAP/L activities through out the day and looking at what comes up for volunteers. There will be brief explanations of the practice and process as well as plenty opportunity for Q & As.

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce you to the following:

• Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) – the EAGALA model**.
  • What is EAP – the EAGALA model**?
  • Why horses?
  • How does EAP differ from Therapeutic and Recreational Riding?
•  ‘Safety first’  - emotional and physical.
  • Equipment – risk versus hazard.
  • Observe-observe-observe-respond – avoid over-reaction.
  • Safety instruction - through questions, client perceptions & “do” (not “don’t”).
  • Confidentiality.
  • Other considerations – insurance, context, first aid, weather, medications, incident plan.
• Basic EAP - principles and practice.
  • Client needs first – horses assisting – therapeutic team facilitating.
  • A solution focussed approach – client finding his or her own solutions.
  • The challenge of change – uncomfortable, client led.
  • EAP – not about horsemanship.
  • Focus on the process – not the content.
  • The team approach – better emotional and physical safety.
  • On the ground – focus on: communicating, relating & partnering.
• The role of the horse:
  • The horse as a sentient being – responding to underlying feelings.
  • The horse as expert in non-verbal communication - challenging the client.
  • The horse as a mirror – reflecting back – action/reaction.
  • The horse (and environment) as metaphor – creative use of metaphors and symbols.
  • The horse as central to the session – in the here-and-now – foreground/background.
•  The EAP Therapeutic Approach.
  • Safety - Setting Goals – Processing – Universalising - Progress (Success).
• Theoretical Foundations
  • Gestalt Therapy, Reality Therapy, Solution-oriented Therapy, Existential and Person-centred Therapy.