Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) with Children/Adolescent

 Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a powerful, effective and evidence-based therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, PTSD, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs. EAP incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. EAP is experiential in nature and focuses on shared experience and meaning applied to real world problems. 

Objectives:

• Participants will discuss the key components of equine assisted psychotherapy.
• Participants will assess 3 methods to incorporate EAP.
• Participants will identify 3 differences between EAP and other therapeutic modalities. 

About Dr. Sharolyn Wallace, LCSW:
Sharolyn Wallace PhD, LCSW, RPT-S™, IECMH-E® , RSC is Professor Emeriti of Human Services, Tulsa Community College. She has served as the National Board Chair for the Association for Play Therapy, Board Chair for the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Social Workers, Board Member for the National Association for Social Workers, and Board of Directors for the Association of Social Work Boards. Dr. Wallace has served on the Oklahoma State Boards of Play Therapy and Social Work. In 2016, Dr. Wallace was named the Oklahoma Social Worker of the Year. She was also awarded the C.V. Ramana Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Mental Health of Oklahoma's Children. Dr. Wallace is the author of six children's books "The Adventures of Bruce, Ben, and Gerry" based on the horses at her ranch. She is a sought-after speaker and presenter in the areas of equine, play therapy and social work. Dr. Wallace and her husband, Charlie, live on the CS Ranch in Hominy, Oklahoma with over 40 beautiful horses.