Program Availability: Stittsville (horses), Kemptville (dog) Animal-based activity works on similar principles to outdoor adventure learning: you learn about yourself, develop confidence, personal awareness, compassion, decision-making, leadership and other life skills through an experience that is challenging AND supportive. There are added emotional and attachment benefits since the animal is a living being activating motor neuron networks. Animal, especially equine therapy, has empirical research support especially for populations who experience human to human interaction or body acceptance as more stressful, such as PTSD, autism, and eating disorder/body image issues. In addition to completing doctoral research on equine assisted work, the therapist is trained and experienced in trauma, autism, and eating disorder. Bring your pet to therapy! You can walk your dog or be with your pet or horse while engaging in online counselling, as long as you have an internet connection. Or, if you are in the Ottawa to Kemptville area, you can bring your pet to a session, or book a session with your dog, or the therapist's therapy dog.
Equine-assisted work can be done with your own horse via internet, or in-person in the Ottawa area. No riding experience is necessary. Equine-assisted therapy does not typically include riding horses since the practitioner training is not riding instructor training, and the practice insurance for equine therapy and learning only covers ground-based activities. Move Your Mind is able to incorporate mental health therapeutic riding in some cases, due to additional credentials and practice insurance in riding instruction. Call to discuss options that suit your situation. ALL IN PERSON ANIMAL SESSIONS FOLLOW CURRENT PANDEMIC GUIDELINES.
