Kimberley D Ryan

Title : Equine assisted psychotherapy: An alternative approach to the treatment of youth substance use

Abstract:

The prevalence of youth substance use disorders has increased exponentially and with it so too has mental health services utilization. Since traditional approaches to the treatment of adult substance use disorders are ineffective with youth, alternative treatment approaches must be considered. One such approach is equine assisted psychotherapy (EAP), a person centered, experiential approach using horses during the treatment of psychological disorders and the basis of Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) based programming. This presentation will focus on the use of EAGALA model-based EAP in the treatment of youth substance use.

Audience Take Away Notes:

• Explain the role of equines during EAP.
• Describe the role of mental health and equine specialists within the EAP team.
• Explain the process of EAP process while treating Childhood and Adolescent substance use.
• Outline treatment outcomes of EAP in Childhood and Adolescent substance use.

Biography:

Kimberley’s expertise in undergraduate psychiatric nursing education spans close to four decades. Areas of research interest include suicide in rural populations, equine assisted psychotherapy/learning, undergraduate and graduate psychiatric nursing education, curriculum development, teaching and learning, mental health psychiatric nursing, mental health of rural and isolated populations, dementia, distance education, and ongoing continuing competency. Kimberley’s strength lies in qualitative research. She has disseminated research findings in 30 publications and presented at 44 National and International conferences. In addition to working in academia, Kimberley offers Equine Assisted Psychotherapy services through not-for-profit, private practice.