News From the Cause
Medical Monday: Equine Therapy (DOD Live)
October 24, 2011
Naval Hospital Jacksonville is piloting an evocative new treatment modality to improve the emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing of its post-deployed service members.
Called Equine-Assisted Therapy, this emerging therapy approach uses horses to help participants experience themselves differently and discover new ways of dealing with difficult situations.
Naval Hospital Jacksonville Deployment Health Center Clinical Psychologist Tracy Hejmanowski is collaborating with Licensed Mental Health Counselor StarrLee Heady of PX Equine Enterprises to offer this pilot program to six service members. The 12 sessions have been taking place at a 30-acre facility in Green Cove Springs, Fla.
“This form of animal-assisted therapy continues to gain support among mental health professionals as an effective therapeutic approach, addressing a number of mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, self esteem, post traumatic stress and relational problems,” said Hejmanowski. “Our long-term goal is to combine equine-assisted therapy with other traditional and non-traditional therapies as the basis for an immersive day treatment program we will make available to service members diagnosed with PTSD and post-concussive syndrome.”
Animal-assisted therapies recognize that the bond between animals and humans can encourage emotional healing. Developing a relationship with a horse has been shown to help people overcome fears, to problem solve and develop coping techniques, while building trust, respect, confidence and compassion.Click here to view more
