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Margaret Ann Dixon, PhD

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February 2, 2021 by Margaret Ann Dixon Leave a Comment

What is Equine-Assisted Therapy?

Many of us have always known that we feel better and calmer when we are around nature or animals. And studies have consistently shown that there is indeed therapeutic value of human-animal interaction. So it’s no surprise that Equine Assisted Therapy has become an increasingly popular mental health treatment.

Equine Assisted Therapy is a form of experiential therapy that includes horses and a specialist psychologist or counselor working together with a client to create positive behavioral outcomes and change. Growing evidence now supports the effectiveness of treatment with horses in a therapeutic environment. 

Equine-assisted therapy can help clients of all ages who suffer from depression, anxiety, ADHD, conduct disorders, addiction, trauma, eating disorders, spectrum and health difficulties, dissociative disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other mental health difficulties.

How Does Equine Assisted Therapy Work?

There are therapists that have been specifically trained in Equine Assisted Therapy in conjunction with traditional protocols. These therapists guide their clients through a series of activities including observing, handling, grooming, groundwork, and structured challenging exercises focused on the client’s goals and needs.

Benefits of Equine Assisted Therapy

A variety of psychotherapeutic benefits have been reported for Equine Assisted Therapy. Here are some of them:

Builds Trust

The first step in this treatment is to be able to trust the horse and the therapist, and eventually yourself. This trust-building has a profound effect on the client’s interpersonal relationships moving forward.

Reduces Anxiety and Depression

There has been a lot of research on the ability of human-animal interaction to significantly reduce psychological anxiety and depression.

Increases Self-Esteem

Everyone’s self-esteem gets a real boost when they challenge themselves to learn and master new skills. This is particularly true of children and adolescence. Equine Assisted Therapy has people trying new things and interacting in new ways in a non-competitive, non-judgmental environment, which leads to improved self-esteem and confidence.

Mindfulness

Equine Assisted Therapy integrates mindfulness in a big way. Throughout each session, clients are asked to be present, at the moment, calm, centered, and focused. This is because horses are incredibly sensitive and they pick up other’s emotions very quickly. To be around horses requires the ability to be calm and present.

More…contact me

If you think or someone you know might benefit from Equine Assisted Therapy, there are some great providers that I have worked with in the Carson Valley.  I have seen first-hand how time with a horse can help and heal wounds.  It is a great addition to therapy in an office.  I also do nature walks as part of therapy – if you like that idea, contact me and let me know.

SOURCES:

  • https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/equine-assisted-therapy
  • https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/helping-kids-cope/201903/equine-assisted-therapy-unique-and-effective-intervention
  • https://psychcentral.com/lib/equine-assisted-psychotherapy-healing-therapy-or-just-hype#1

Filed Under: Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem

January 18, 2021 by Margaret Leave a Comment

Coping during the Pandemic

During the pandemic of 2020, and now into the year of 2021, isolation has been depressing for most of us – even the introverts!  To cope, some have turned to unhealthy and regrettable new habits and changing and recovering is a new year’s resolution.  As an adjustment to work and family isolation , our screens became our window to the worlds we left behind.  That same window has become another way I can help others cope, change, grow and find peace.

Channels from Marco Polo

Following the forced isolation, families had to find new ways to connect.  In these times of limited travel, many have learned about a phone app called Marco Polo.  As a result, they have not only kept in touch, but have grown even closer to loved ones.  I would say that is true for my  family that extends from Hawaii to the east coast of the United States of America.  Now, Marco Polo offers Channels.  Consequently, I have found Channels to be an innovative way for me to help others.  For example, I now have one focused Channel up and running to support a closed group of young women.  In short, I am loving it!!   To illustrate, the asynchronous video platform allows me to post tips, direction and encouragement on a schedule.  Additionally, I can post more authentically and spontaneously.  For instance, I have posted when I am hiking, exercising or playing my bass in the middle of the night.  Now, I have created a Channel for the broader public.

Get the Coping Support App here

Content

In particular, I will provide support from the Channels app on your phone.  There, you will engage with educational material, insights, and motivating features to help you reach your personal goals.  As a result, you will have more resources to aid you in your personal plans.  Additionally, you will find encouragement to drive you to more progress.  As an added benefit, Dan Wold, national speaker on stress, will be a guest now and then – Yeah!!  Along with me, Margaret, you will be part of a small group of people with similar needs for coping support.  Certainly, I do hope you can support others and give the gift of yourself.  On the other hand, you can remain very private.

Coping Support with Margaret Dixon, Ph.D. through Channels by Marco Polo, will be at your fingertips 24/7 with anytime access to my expertise, care and compassion.  This is no replacement for therapy, but I will provide the sense of support and community that can help you cope in these isolated times.  Engage!  You owe it to yourself.

$49 monthly charge to start your journey into a calmer, joyful life.  Join me on that path now! https://channels.marcopolo.me/coping-support

Filed Under: Uncategorized

November 1, 2019 by Margaret Leave a Comment

Research Review 11.12.19

The group sessions are over.  The research is complete.  We hope that the participants continue on a path of growth that was started for many of them.  We started our recruiting at the local community center PTSD group and we would like to return to present the findings and hope that many of our participants can attend and talk about some of their experiences.  I still recall the tentative email from Rosalyn, hoping to find support as she worked on her doctoral project.  I am so glad I said, yes and that affirmative answer turned into many blessings and affirmations for me and others.  Please join us at 6:30 in the TBD room location at the Carson Valley Community Center 1329 Waterloo Ln, Gardnerville, NV 89410.  November 12, 2019, Tuesday evening.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

October 20, 2019 by Margaret Leave a Comment

EMDR Research Completed

Overall reduction in symptoms found in our research project noted in this partial abstract citation from Rosalyn Avant’s research paper.

The EMDR-IGTP program increased access to EMDR therapy for sixteen individuals over a six-week period.

Quantitative assessments showed an overall decrease in symptom severity for participants.

Paired t-tests of pre-program and post-program mean symptom severity showed a significant decrease after program implementation.

The potential exists to reduce the symptoms of PTSD utilizing the EMDR-IGTP to improve access with limited community resources and funding.

These were the conclusions.  Write to me if you would like to view the full research paper or if you have any comment your may comment here.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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