We considered various teaching models: From self study to personal presentations, from simply providing material to taking you by the hand and guiding you. In the end, I decided to take a "several step" approach in this ONLINE ONLY Module 1:
- PEATT 1:1 is a self-paced, self-study course only. It contains what I believe is necessary for anybody working in our field, even though it is presented from a psychodynamic perspective. Throughout the course, I have placed invitations - invitations to self reflect and collect impressions. Initially, I wanted to set it up that these thoughts and collections were discussed amongst participants. In the end, I decided against it: My experience with online courses is marked by observing a reluctance in participants to engage with others who are unknown, unless the teacher/presenter heavily engages in supporting that exchange. Because I want to keep costs low, you will not meet me on zoom until Part 2 - IF you decide that the material here is interesting enough for you to move on through Module 1. IF you continue, those thoughts and self reflections will be important and will be used. Cost: 350,- €
- PEATT 1:2 builds on Part 1 in that we focus on the essentials in psychodynamic equine assisted traumatherapy - again the elements that are necessary to know, how to structure sessions, what to look for to ensure a safe environment for all: clients - horses - and team members. We also look at combat related Posttraumatic Stress ("dis"-order) and give you a look at the military structure - its elements and building blocks. We have included typical signs and symptoms of PTS(d), to include a first look at complex PTS(d). All the while focusing on the horse, slowly but surely increasing your view to be able to see what the horse, as equal team member with respect for his/her differences, actually contributes to sessions. In this second part, you will also interact more with us: after an inital zoom meeting to clarify and answer your remaining questions from Part 1, we will meet again at the end of Part 2 to ensure that what has been presented has been understood. You have the option to leave your comments and questions on the discussion board or to send them to me directly: instead of answering them throughout, we will collect your questions and address them at the end of the course in said zoom meeting. Cost: 400,- €
- PEATT 1:3 then moves into the direct application of what you have learned: we build on what has been presented by looking in more depth at various case examples, analyzing them step by step while addressing not only the "work process" but also factors that influence the entire team. In this section, we will be present and involved, to ensure that what has been presented is really understood. We encourage you to engage on the discussion board - with each other. We encourage you to take this offer and really work with the material we are presenting. Self reflections are part of insight oriented work. No matter if you, the mental health professional, come from a different approach and/or have learned to process things differently, or you come from the equine world: being self aware in a setting where horses are responsive to all ensures quality care in regards to ethical practices. We can only invite you - whether you take us up on it is up to you. Cost: 350,- €
We have structured this course to closely match our in-person/live trainings. Meaning that we did our best to liven it up. Instead of simply watching us present, we engaged more in a conversation with each other, at times discussing topics, at times questioning each other. We tried to cover as many potential questions that may come up for someone who is completely new to this field.
The accompanying textbooks "The Fundamentals in Equine Assisted Traumatherapy - with examples from working with members of the Armed Forces" and "The Invisibles - Breaking the Silence - psychodynamic equine assisted traumatherapy in practice"are available on Amazon and is required reading material to attend the training.
Q & A: How are costs calculated?
- 20% of income will go towards MiMer to not only support their mission but pay for their expenses and help. The cost analysis comes down to 35, - € per instructor hour, taxes are then added. I have done my best to keep costs down as I believe education should not cost much, especially when it comes to being applicable and helpful to you and your practice.
Q & A: Why are there 3 parts to Module 1?
- It was a question of cost. The course is set up to where the information, in my opinion, is applicable and informative for anybody working in the equine assisted field, and yet gets more and more specific. Not everyone is going to like the structured approach. So Module 1 moves along a self-study pace and is more and more accompanied by me and my team the more a person wants to work with the PEATT model and pursue certification.
Q & A: I am not a licensed clinician and will not be able to pursue certification - why take this course?
- I have put efforts into the information being applicable and useful to anybody working in the equine assisted field, with human/client and equine welfare in mind. Particularly when working with trauma. I believe this module will offer you solid information necessary for anybody working in our field with trauma.
Q & A: I am a licensed mental health provider - why take this course?
- One of the problems I encountered as licensed mental health provider is that other equine assisted models interfered or contradicted my licensing requirements. PEATT implements and adheres to those. Learning this structured approach will not set you up for contradictions with your licensing requirements and regulations.
Q & A: I am from the equine world, am not licensed - why take this course?
- Equine Welfare in the therapeutic setting in equine assisted activities has been on my mind for as many years as I have been working in this field. There are programs and models which do not require a specialized person who knows about horses - and there are programs and models which instrumentalize and objectify horses. Knowing about what horses contribute and how they do this ensures not only welfare for the horse, but also everybody else in this setting. A knowledgeable equine behavioral specialist is essential and necessary in my model.