At the November 2006 Annual Conference the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) North Carolina offered its first ever workshop on Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) at Horse Sense of the Carolinas. The NASW Conference, which took place at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Asheville, offered a variety of informational and educational trainings to attending professionals. The event held at the 90 acre Horse Sense farm attracted over 50 participants. The Horse Sense team collaborated with two other EAP professionals: Cameron Burleson LCSW, MSW and Britta Starke BSW, MSW.

The workshop provided at Horse Sense was the first ever off site event held at the annual NASW Conference. Attendees received a basic introduction to Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy and learned about the relationship between Gestalt Therapy and EAP. The participants also explored EAP in conjunction with transactional analysis and how EAP and traditional psychoanalysis overlap. In addition, the workshop included several experiential exercises that allowed attendees to observe and participate in EAP. Julie Kerr, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Brevard, NC was present and said, "I had a tremendous time. The Horse Sense horses evoked the fascination and awe I had when I was a kid." "I am glad Horse Sense gave me the chance to experience first hand the horses' natural healing power," Kerr continued.

According to Shannon Knapp, Horse Sense President and owner, EAP is applicable to many therapeutic situations and incorporates many different approaches from the therapy field. This allows EAP to be based on the individual needs and treatment goals of the client. "One of our horses, Cody, gave an excellent demonstration for the participants," stated Knapp. "He was a real character and openly tested boundaries by asking attendees to show their assertiveness, sense of timing and congruence," she continues, "Cody demonstrated the ways in which horses can reflect the individual client and be of great assistance to them."

Candice Wilson, BSW, Director of Continuing Education for the NASW-NC, said the response to the workshop was "extremely positive". "Participants reported that the Horse Sense workshop was informative, wonderful and the best part of the conference," Wilson stated. "I had several attendees come to the conference specifically for the EAP event and one woman was even inspired to pursue certification in Equine Therapy in the future," she continued. Horse Sense of the Carolinas offers regularly scheduled, free demonstrations to the public at the farm in Marshall. For more information please visit www.HorseSenseOtc.com. To learn more about the NASW-NC and conferences and trainings held throughout the state visit www.naswnc.org.