Friday, October 16, 2015: 4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Mustang 1 (Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center) - Lone Star Tower - Level 3
Primary Presenter:
Diane Snyder Cowan, MA, MT-BC, CHPCA
,
Hospice of the Western Reserve, Inc, Cleveland, OH
A growing body of research indicates the positive effects of animals on people. Horses respond authentically to people and their feelings: they are patient or impatient, gentle or demanding, willing or unwilling. They are always present in the moment. Horses supply a powerful and unique landscape over which counselors can reach grieving families. Recognizing the therapeutic power of horses and the benefits of working in a serene setting, a partnership was formed with a therapeutic riding center to design a bereavement camp to help families process grief. This session will share details of the partnership and the mounted and un-mounted camp activities.
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify the positive effects of animals on children
2. List three ways communicating with horses can facilitate the identification of feelings
3. Describe four activities to use in a successful equine grief retreat or camp
CE/CME: Counselor and Social Worker