The STABLE Series: Equine Therapy Exercises & Arena EMDR

The STABLE Series: Equine Therapy Exercises & Arena EMDR

Meet the horses who help with EMDR, learn about the unique form of therapy, and watch (or participate) in some Arena EMDR exercises.

By Resiliency & Justice Center

Select date and time

Saturday, June 15 · 5 - 6:30pm PDT

Location

Western Trails Equestrian Park (subject to change)

7355 S Rogers St Las Vegas, NV 89139

About this event

The Resiliency & Justice Center and the Stable Arena present an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, interact with horses, connect, and learn with the STABLE (Strength, Trust, Adapt, Believe, Learn, Excel) Series.

Just being near horses can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure and heart rate, alleviate stress, and create an increased sense of wellbeing. In an engaging and safe setting with horses, people can learn many life skills and enhance the therapeutic process through identifying and coping with feelings, self-regulation, setting boundaries, building confidence, forming healthy relationships with others, and creating a positive sense of self.

Terri Keener (LCSW, Certified EMDR therapist) and Laura Higgins (Certified Equine Specialist) facilitate this educational and experiential seminar about equine-assisted EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), which is now an included benefit with the Nevada Victims of Crime Program.

Join us for:

  • An opportunity to meet and interact with the horses and take photos
  • Observation of the horses and herd behavior, exploring how this relates to humans and healing
  • Information about EMDR therapy and how horses are partners in Arena EMDR
  • Demonstrations of equine-assisted exercises for participants interested in an experiential introduction to Arena EMDR (please note that while our STABLE Series events are family friendly, participation in demonstrations is for adult participants only and there is no riding of the horses as part of Arena EMDR)

Terri and Laura collaborate to form the Stable Arena, where they specialize in trauma-focused therapy. Using the EquiLateral protocol, the horses are partners in providing therapy with qualified, trained, and caring professionals in this unique program. Arena EMDR is typically used to work with adults, although youth are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This type of intervention has been especially beneficial for individuals, their family members, and service providers who are:

  • Survivors of mass violence
  • Victims of crime
  • First responders
  • Emergency services professionals
  • Criticial incident responders
  • Active duty military
  • Veterans

Please dress for the outdoor setting and wear closed toe shoes (no steel toes). Due to weather and other circumstances, the exact time and location for these sessions may change. For any questions, feel free to call Laura at 702-768-2336.

Frequently asked questions

Is prior experience with horses required?

No. Terri and Laura will ask you about your experience and comfort level as a way to help guide use of the most beneficial exercises and application of EMDR.

Is Arena EMDR different from Office EMDR?

The EMDR practice is the same. However, it’s applied in an active and experiential setting with horses, therapist, and an equine specialist as partners in the process.

Will I be riding a horse?

Riding is not a part of Arena EMDR. Observation and a variety of ground exercises are used.

What makes Arena EMDR right for me?

This technique is ideal for you feel stuck in your progress, have difficulty moving through difficult material, filter your verbal communication on difficult topics, like being outdoors and in a natural environment, prefer active engagement, or feel alone and would benefit from additional support.

How is Arena EMDR facilitated?

There will always be an equine specialist and a licensed therapist present. Several different horses may be used individually or in groups. Exercises with the horses are incorporated into all phases of EMDR.

Organized by

The Resiliency & Justice Center (previously known as the "Vegas Strong Resiliency Center") is a place of healing and support for survivors of crime throughout Nevada. The center also continues to assist emergency responders in Clark County and all impacted by the Route 91 tragedy on October 1, 2017.

We serve as an all-purpose resource hub that provides victim advocacy and support, case management, counseling and spiritual care referrals, technical assistance with applying for online services, and more. Free legal services are available including consultations and possible representation for issues involving insurance matters, medical billing, debt, housing and evictions, family law, and other matters. The center is managed by Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada.

Free