DSW Candidate – Rosemary Baughman, 10:30 AM – 11:45 AM
$0.00
Virtual Showcase of DSW Scholars 2025 Event!
Harnessing Healing: Exploring the Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Addressing Substance Use Disorder Among Women
DSW Candidate – Rosemary Baughman, BSW, MSW, LCSW
Monday, April 28, 2025
10:30 AM- 11:45 AM Eastern Time Zone
Credit Hours: 1.0
Description
Harnessing Healing: Exploring the Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Addressing Substance Use Disorder Among Women
This presentation, “Harnessing Healing: Exploring the Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Addressing Substance Use Disorder Among Women,” delves into the unique challenges faced by women with substance use disorders (SUD) and how integrating equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) can offer a transformative approach to recovery.
Women in recovery from SUD often face compounded difficulties, including unresolved trauma, societal stigma, and limited access to supportive resources. Trauma, which is highly prevalent in this population, can significantly impede recovery efforts, creating barriers to trust, emotional regulation, and self-efficacy. Traditional therapeutic models often fall short in addressing these multifaceted needs, particularly for women navigating recovery alongside histories of abuse or mental health challenges.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a holistic intervention by fostering emotional resilience, building self-awareness, and enhancing recovery capital. As intuitive and non-judgmental partners, horses create a safe space for clients to explore emotions, build trust, and engage in experiential learning that promotes healing.
This presentation explores current research on EAP and its potential as an effective complement to traditional SUD treatments for women. Addressing the challenges in the field and the promising outcomes of integrating EAP into recovery plans provides a pathway for practitioners to consider innovative, client-centered approaches that align with the unique needs of women in recovery.
Upon completion of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Understand Current Research: Gain insight into the existing literature on equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) and its application in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD).
- Recognize Challenges for Women in Recovery: Explore the unique challenges women face in recovery, including trauma, stigma, and access to resources, and understand how these barriers impact their healing journey.
- Explore the Therapeutic Role of Horses: Increase understanding of how grounded interactions with horses, facilitated by trained mental health professionals, can foster emotional resilience, build trust, and support holistic recovery for women.
Delivery Method: Live Interactive Training via Zoom Video Conferencing
Credit Hours: 1.0 (ACE)
Target Audience: This conference is intended for social workers and students.
Accreditation: University of Kentucky College of Social Work, Provider # 1377, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 9/29/22-9/29/25. Social workers participating in this conference will receive up to 15 general continuing education credits.
Claiming CE Credit: Instructions for claiming CE credit will be disseminated at the beginning of each session.
Questions: If you have any questions regarding CE credit or to report a grievance, please contact Christina Krantz at Christina.Krantz@uky.edu. For technical assistance, please contact lmshelp@uky.edu.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in these presentations are those of the individual presenters and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of the University of Kentucky or the College of Social Work. The inclusion of any topics, perspectives, or discussions is intended for academic engagement and does not constitute endorsement by the institution.