Equine therapy classes offered for educators, professionals

EquiQuest, LLC is offering five days of innovative Equine Assisted Learning in Lampasas at Tyson's Corners Retreat and Conference Center beginning Oct. 3.

According to Kathy Lehnhoff, M.Ed. LPC, and Christie Kitchens, equine specialist, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a new way of looking at an old problem -- dealing with defiant and oppositional kids in the classroom -- using horses under the guidance of trained facilitators.

EAL is now being taught at a number of universities and was even featured on the "Oprah Show" in spring 2007. It is also being used in psychotherapy in the treatment of substance abuse, marriage counseling, family dynamics and grief/trauma recovery.

"We use horses because they are considered the most empathic domestic animal," Ms. Lehnhoff said. "They communicate with a complex system of non-verbal language, reflecting your feelings and behavior back to you.

"Working with horses, you quickly learn the ways student dynamics also reflect behavior, attitude and feelings. We use the EAGALA model with a professional team consisting of a licensed professional counselor, an equine specialist and one or more horses."

Participants can choose from three workshops:

• "Winning with the Oppositional Student." Participants will gain a better understanding of their own emotional intelligence, including how they affect the instructional relationships with oppositional students (eight CEUs available).

• "A Personal Wellness Experience for Mental Health Providers" (Approved CEU provider for LPCs, LMFTs, and LMSWs). Training designed to give an overview of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association's (EAGALA) model.

• "Recognizing Trauma and Loss in the School Setting" (eight CEUs available). Equine Assisted Learning can change the behavior of at-risk students who are often misdiagnosed as having ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, or Conduct Disorder. Equine therapy can facilitate change in thinking, feeling and behavior.

While these courses are especially helpful for those working in a school setting, the topics covered easily transfer to other professionals including clergy, counselors, mental health providers, and individuals in any field that deals with interpersonal skills.

Courses are designed to help build better relationships in professional and personal life; build confidence in interacting; create empathy; provide tools for anger management; conflict resolution and communication; enhance responsibility; and selfconfidence.

"Past participants say the training has helped them teach more effectively," Ms. Lehnhoff said. "It makes them more alert to non-verbal cues, and gives them more control of the learning process. Ultimately, you learn more about yourself."

For information or to register, visit www.equiquest.net/workshops. htm or call Christie Kitchens at (830) 589-3232 or send an email to Christie@equiquest.net

Lodging is available at the Holiday Inn Express, Lampasas. Call (512) 556-9292 to make a reservation at the conference rate.

For information on training conferences at Tyson's Corners, call 556-6702.