by Pam Salem
As the field of equine assisted learning and psychotherapy has emerged, various organizations have offered training and certification for people entering this arena. Now colleges in the United States have begun to develop degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate tracks. Recently, Horses Teaching and Healing (HTH) spoke with Professor Phil Tedeschi of the University of Denver School of Social Work about their new professional development specialization.
UNIVERSITY OF DENVER SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK DEVELOPING CURRICULUM WITH NATURAL LIFEMANSHIP EQUINE ASSISTED MODEL
As a clinical professor of Social Work at Denver University, Professor Phillip Tedeschi started 16 years ago establishing the animal assisted program there which now includes between 30 to 40 graduate students per year and all kinds of animals. Previously, he was clinical director at the Emily Griffith Center – where Greg Kersten, Eagala Founder, also worked. Tedeschi co-authored the original instructor exam with Lida McCowan for PATH International (then NARHA). He is an Animal-Assisted Social Work and Experiential Therapy Specialist and co-founder of the Institute for Human–Animal Connection programs at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW). Tedeschi is the Clinical Director of The Institute for Human-Animal Connection and coordinates the school’s Animal-Assisted Social Work Certificate program for Master of Social Work (MSW) students, as well as the Animals and Human Health online professional development certificate program. He also teaches MSW courses in forensic social work and experiential therapy approaches.
HTH: How did you discover the Natural Lifemanship training?
Tedeschi: I attended a Mustang Adoption Center in New Mexico where I met Tim and Bettina Jobe, and then went on to attend their Natural Lifemanship training in Parker, Co. What I found at their training was more than a model of equine assisted psychotherapy, it was an area of specialization: trauma.
HTH: When will this academic certification in this professional development specialization be available?
Tedeschi: We have begun the curriculum development process, and there will be a 2013 pilot, so this is very much still under development.
HTH: How will this curriculum be delivered?
Tedeschi: We are looking at a combination of distance learning combined with hands-on experience. This will be an evidence supported methodology that will qualify allied mental health professionals in the mainstream environment. It will teach the design of programs that answer the questions 1. What do you want to teach? 2. What are the quality of the ideas?
HTH: What can you suggest to individuals who want to enter the field of animal assisted at a later stage of life. Tedeschi: One option is The Institute for Human-Animal Connection (IHAC) The Animals and Human Health Certificate program requires completion of all courses listed HERE. The applications of animal-assisted therapy, activities and learning require that those delivering the interventions are knowledgeable, trained and have the expertise necessary to attend to the needs of both the people and the animals involved. Students progress through three online courses with a group of peers, forming cohorts, and meet face-to-face in Denver at the Capstone session. Courses are offered online except the on-campus Capstone Session. Courses utilize a variety of learning methods, including readings, written assignments, interviews, videos, and discussion forums. Students may complete all coursework at their convenience, within specified due dates. Instructors offer individualized weekly feedback to each student and participate in online discussion forums.
HTH: Thank you for your time, Professor Tedeschi. We look forward to the pilot program in 2013.
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