pEATT does not replace nor compete with any of the many long-standing training and certification programs that teach a strong foundation in equine-assisted practice. Instead, a series of pEATT trainings offer education for those providers who would like to gain a sound understanding, experience and skills for their toolbox when working with trauma, be it combat related or complex PTS(d), with a psychodynamic focus.

An interdisciplinary training and certification - how does that work?

Particularly in the European area, the certification of expertise in specific forms of therapy is not only trained, but also very much emphasized. The training name: "Psychodynamic ...." may erroneously lead to the assumption that this therapy method is only for psychotherapists from this specialty area of expertise.

pEATT is based on and uses specific psychodynamic/psychoanalytic concepts. These are used in working with horses. The common and unifying denominator of all therapy approaches is that past trauma on the relational level takes a treatment with focus on the relational level to help process it. This is the case in all trauma therapy guidelines.

Since 2015, Minds-n-Motion has offered continuing education in equine assisted trauma therapy for licensed psychotherapists and licensed trauma therapists as well as equine behavior specialists. As of 2020, Minds-n-Motion has been offering certification in pEATT: Psychodynamic Equine Assisted Traumatherpy.

In 4 separate modules, both theoretical and practical prerequisites and content elements are presented and practiced:

Module 1: Fundamentals of Psychodynamic Equine Assisted Trauma Therapy (online only): In 3 separate courses, the most important core theoretical concepts and their application in equine assisted work are presented in a structured and detailed manner.

• Part 1: This online course provides an overview over the core elements at work in equine assisted Psychotherapy. 
• Part 2: This online course builds on Part 1 in that the traumatherapeutic concepts are brought in and addressed in terms of how equine assisted interventions are designed and what to look out for. Particular focus is given to combat related stress reactions and -disorders. In plenty of case examples, the individual elements are thoroughly shown and explained, all the while focusing on what the horses actually contribute to sessions instead of obejctifying them in the process. 
• Part 3: In addition to a thorough and detailed case analysis, this online course addresses potential points of conflict and difficulties in implementing what has been learned so far. Starting with teamwork and ending with the involvement of the horse, specific topics are examined and considered in a structured way. The specific tasks of each team member in the quadratic team approach will be deepened.

Module 2: Application and execution of the learned theory parts

• In the 4 days of this advanced training course, what has been learned theoretically is practiced and applied, while specific elements of typical trauma therapy are presented and practiced. All this with the inclusion of the horses, always paying attention to the principles of the quadrantic approach.

Module 3: Working with complex PTSB and specific trauma confrontational techniques involving the horse.

• This module is offered online. Specific case studies will be used to introduce and highlight the equine assisted elements in addition to the important theoretical components in working with complex PTSD. 

Module 4: This 3-day event ends with the practical exam, in which typical and specific client situations while working with horses are worked on.

Upon successful completion of all modules and associated prerequisites, participants will be certified in pEATT. 


Q & A: Does this mean that only licensed trauma therapists can participate in the continuing education series?

No. The interventions and concepts taught are applicable to all therapeutic approaches, and trauma-informed practice is recommended for all client groups. However, certification is only possible with an current license with proof of expertise in a guideline-compliant form of therapy as well as certification in a recognized form of trauma therapy. A prerequisite for (pending) equine behavior specialists is proof of equine expertise and, of course, experience in dealing with horses - and not only in riding. Basic knowledge of horsemanship with all the associated elements is necessary and is - alone - not sufficient.