MICHELLE A. SALZMAN, BSN, LMSW, LSCSW, LCSW 14110 Woodward Overland Park, KS 66223 [email protected]

EDUCATION: EAGALA Certification: 2012 CISM Training (Critical Incident Stress Management): 2004 NOVA Training (National Organization Victim Assistance): 2004 Family Institute of Kansas City Postgraduate Marital and Family Psychotherapy Training, Strategic, Structural, and Systemic Psychotherapies Masters in Social Work: 1985 The University of Kansas Kansas City, Kansas Second Year Practicum Experience: 1984-1985 St. Mary’s Hospital Adolescent Unit Kansas City, Missouri First Year Practicum Experience: 1983-1984 Tri County Mental Health Psychiatric Unit (Day Program) Kansas City, Missouri Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): 1976 Avila College Kansas City, Missouri St. Teresa’s Academy: 1972 High School Kansas City, Missouri

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE 2012 – Present

EAGALA Psychotherapy & Learning Overland Park, Kansas

1996 – Present

Private Practice Individual, Family, and Couple Counseling Overland Park, Kansas

2000 – 2001

Menninger Outpatient Services Social Worker Chemical Dependency Unit Overland Park, Kansas

Home: (913) 894-6387 Cell: (913) 221-3054 Fax: (913) 322-2085

2000 – 2001

Psychiatric Unit Social Worker Menorah Medical Center Overland Park, Kansas

1995 – 1996

Women’s Counselor Safehome – Johnson County Battered Women’s Shelter Overland Park, Kansas

1980 – 1983

Psychiatric Staff Nurse Mandela Psychiatric Hospital Winston-Salem, North Carolina

1980 – 1981

Clinical Nurse Instructor Forsythe Technical Institute Winston-Salem, North Carolina

1977 – 1980

Head Nurse: Parent Care Unit The Children’s Mercy Hospital Kansas City, Missouri

1976 – 1977

Staff Nurse, Psychiatric Unit Trinity Lutheran Hospital Kansas City, Missouri

1975 – 1976

Student Nurse, Surgical Unit Baptist Memorial Hospital Kansas City, Missouri

1973 – 1975

Nurse’s Aide, Men’s Surgical Ward The Kansas City General Hospital Kansas City, Missouri

VOLUNTEER POSITIONS 2003 – 2008

Grief Support Therapist Alexandra’s House – Baby Hospice Kansas City, Missouri

2007 – 2008

Suicide Support Group Facilitator Overland Park, Kansas

2005 – 2007

First Emergency Support Responder Trauma Support Network Kansas City, Missouri

2004 – 2005

Bereavement Support Therapist Odyssey Hospice Kansas City, Missouri

2001 – 2003

Mental Health Therapist Free Health Clinic Kansas City, Missouri

2002 – 2003

HIV Clinic Outpatient Therapist Free Health Clinic Kansas City, Missouri

1999 – 2000

Grief/Loss Support Therapist “Kids Connection” Sponsored by D.W. Newcomer’s and Kansas City Hospice Overland Park, Kansas

1995 – 1995

Volunteer Outreach Therapist Safehome – Johnson County Battered Women’s Shelter Lenexa, Kansas

LICENSURE Missouri Division of Professional Registration Nursing License #RN 069053 Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker LSCSW #1921 Missouri Division of Professional Registration Clinical Social Worker LCSW #2000170908

CERTIFICATIONS EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional SATR/KAPP – Substance Abuse Treatment and Recovery Services/Kansas Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselor CISM – Critical Incident Stress Management NOVA – National Organization for Victim Assistance KCTSN – Kansas City Trauma Support Network

MEMBERSHIPS Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, 2012 – Present National Association of Social Workers, 1995 – Present Grief Support Network, 2005 – 2009 JCYM – Johnson County Young Matrons, 2005 – 2011

REFERENCES Available upon request

horse healing Connecting emotionally with a horse can increase self-understanding and interpersonal awareness. words rachael hedgcoth photos brooke vandever

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Just what is it about a horse? Is it the velvet coat, the fuzzy muzzle, the soulful eyes? Is it the sheer power, the inquisitive demeanor, that eternally wild, unbridled spirit? Most would agree that there is indeed something magical about the graceful beauty and quiet nature of this charismatic creature. So perhaps it’s not surprising that blending traditional mental health therapy and horses is emerging as a promising new path to hope and healing as well as to effective communication.

Connecting through trust

The power of touch

Michelle Salzman (above) leads participants through a series of activities designed to help address mental health and development issues.

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For Michelle Salzman, LSCSW, RN, it’s an exciting prospect for a variety of reasons. “I have always envisioned working in an office without walls,” says Salzman. A registered nurse and licensed clinical social worker with more than 30 years serving others in need, Salzman is adept at helping her clients find innovative paths toward a happier life. Which is precisely why she is also now an EAGALA-certified mental health professional. The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, known as EAGALA, was founded in 1999 as the association for professionals utilizing non-riding, experiential equine therapy to address mental health and human development needs. The solutions-oriented EAGALA model is based on a team approach that incorporates a mental health professional, an equine specialist and horses who work together with clients. EAGALA has now grown to over 3,500 members in 41 countries and is founded on the belief that clients have the best solutions for themselves when given the opportunity to discover them. And sometimes, those critical self-discoveries can be found through non-verbal interaction with a horse. Salzman strives to help clients learn something about themselves as they connect with horses at a deeply elemental level through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). While this connection can benefit clients facing challenges including depression, anxiety, anger management, sexual abuse, autism, ADHD, addiction, eating disorders, and domestic violence — among others — it can also be effective for communication, morale and leadership skills in a business realm. The benefit of horse therapy in a business setting was exemplified recently when Salzman conducted a workshop with equine specialist Laura Nakonechny from Willow Springs Ranch in Kansas City, Kan., and medical students from the University of Missouri - Kansas City. As part of their internal medicine rotation, the third-year students were to interact nonverbally with the horses as they would with patients. The students’ initial reactions to this exercise were ones of confusion and uncertainty as they tried to decipher how they could possibly have a “successful visit” with their nearly 1-ton “patients.” But over the course of an hour in the still, dusty barn, interesting things began to happen. As the wary students entered the arena, the horses sized them up, just as the students were sizing up the horses. The students soon figured out that the horses were mirroring their human counterparts’ thoughts and actions, which is part of what makes horses so effective in self-discovery. If a person is fearful, a horse will be fearful. If a person harbors anxiety, this will be reflected by the horse, and so on. As the students participated in silent team activities which included leading the massive animals through metaphorical obstacle courses designed to represent life adversities, the students and horses came to find common ground. Ultimately, the students had to closely examine what their own body language, actions and expressions were conveying to their equine “patients” and how that was negatively or positively impacting the overall interaction. Trust was another essential component in the process.

spotlight: michelle salzman

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Harnessing emotional energy

When all was said and done, the students came away with profound revelations. “The EAGALA training is one of the most unique experiences that I have gone through so far in medical school,” says Amneet Hans, UMKC medical student. “I never thought that I would learn so much about patient interactions, emotions and self-awareness by spending time with horses.” Fellow student Twinkle Dhawan relayed similar thoughts after explaining that demanding a horse comply turned out to be an ineffective course of action. But once the horse — or “patient” — was given time and personal space to adjust to a situation, he became much more compliant and went willingly into his “room” with the student. “There, I was able to pet him and calm him down and really connect with him in a way that I have not been able to do with actual human patients,” says Dhawan. The experience allowed the students to reevaluate how they work with human patients in everyday settings, especially with regard to respecting personal space, utilizing eye

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contact and body language, and establishing intangible emotional connections. This workshop offers just one example of the many ways that non-riding horse therapy can be utilized. Stories abound of uncanny equine intuition — how horses have sensed when abuse was occurring within a family, how they have tapped into and reflected clients’ anger and hurt, or how they have helped military members dealing with posttraumatic stress disorder.

Salzman relays another story shared at an EAGALA conference in which a group of boys from a group home were sent to do horse therapy. The horses seemed agitated by two boys in particular and ran circles around them during their time in the arena. The two boys eventually confessed that they had made plans to escape the barn and run away during the outing. It would appear that the horses sensed the boys’ desire to leave and focused their energies on keeping them corralled.

spotlight Exquisite equine enigma

For Salzman, who is on a never-ending mission to find new and innovative ways to help her clients achieve their goals, non-riding horse therapy offers an exciting supplement to traditional cognitive therapy. “Working with horses really lends itself nicely to how I feel about therapy, which is that it should be flexible and client-centered with no agenda,” says Salzman. She adds that in working with horses, a person is free to transcend the usual boundaries or trust issues that may inhibit self-expression and internal understanding. “Oftentimes clients are told to simply go out and tell their secrets to the horse,” explains Salzman. “They can unload what they need to say, walk away and the horse will keep it forever. This can be a pivotal moment for someone.” And in that instant, a horse becomes so much more than just a horse. How is it possible that one horse — or several — can be a path to such personal insights? Or that they somehow manage to teach assertiveness, creative thinking, problem-solving, leadership and confidence? It’s a complex mystery, but one that seems to have long captured humans’ hearts and curiosity. When it comes to that certain magic that only a horse can offer, perhaps Winston Churchill’s simple observation says it best: “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” v To learn more about EAGALA-based equine therapy, contact Michelle Salzman at (913) 221-3054 or [email protected] or visit eagala.org.

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Local Woman Works with Horses to Help Others in Business The Kansas City Star, November 6 By Ruth Baum Bigus When it comes to helping others, whether in a therapy session or corporate team-building, Michelle Salzman doesn’t horse around — well, maybe just a little. Salzman started Horse Sense KC this year using her love for, and skill with, horses to work with groups and businesses looking to achieve certain goals. “Working with horses gives them opportunities to see their problems and find solutions to deal with them,” Salzman said. Salzman uses the equine approach to deal with such issues as time management, problem employees, bullying and empowerment. “The essence is how you’re going to work with a team to get something done,” she said. “Sometimes what’s obvious is not what you do.” Salzman discovered the therapeutic use of horses through her own work as a licensed clinical social worker. She uses a team method, developed by the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, that uses a health professional and equine specialist. “Horses are very intuitive,” Salzman said. “They’ve found that horses and humans work well together — for things like team-building. The military is using this with PTSD patients. … You’re learning what you’re going to do with people.” Salzman has been involved with horses for several years as a rider. “I saw the effects of my two horses on me, and I just knew they could help others,” said Salzman, who is also a registered nurse. After learning about the equine association and its approach, Salzman decided to become certified in its type of therapy. She attended two three-day trainings and earned her certification last October. Salzman connected with Roxanne Bremen at Blue Sky Stables in Belton to offer the specialized training beyond her therapy practice. Going to the business community with the training model seemed like a natural next step to Salzman. “Corporations are looking for ways to have a healthier workplace and more communication so that they operate healthier,” she said. “It’s a learning opportunity to see things in a different way.” The first step is talking with the client about what goals or issues to address. A session is set at the stable, using from one to three horses. “The mental health professional and equine specialist are in the arena at all times,” Salzman said. “We’re there to ensure safety and tell what we are observing during the session.

Salzman runs the client group through a series of exercises. “We’ll often ask them to do a task with the horse so the horse becomes a partner to them,” she said. The activity may involve using props as hurdles and getting the horse to go over the block. Sometimes the activities are done with little talking, encouraging participants to come up with non-verbal solutions to their task. “If they’re trying to deal with someone who’s pushy, we ask them how are you going to get this 1,500pound animal to do what you want it to. The key is how to approach the situation differently. We have many different props they can use.” Sessions are generally one hour, with Salzman and Bremen sharing the fee. Salzman has used word of mouth to attract customers to her service; she’s in the process of developing a website to add to her marketing efforts. In addition, she has made calls to various organizations letting them know about her equine work. “It’s a very slow process,” she said. “It’s not as prevalent in the Midwest. A lot of people are doing it at residential facilities where they can set up for a year. You have to find your niche.” Salzman knows it may take a little while for the business side of her efforts to catch on, but she said it’s worth the wait. “I enjoy this so much,” Salzman said. “It’s having an office without walls. I want to make sure this stays manageable so we can make a difference. “It’s very empowering to get a 1,500-pound animal to do what you want.”

Salzman runs the client group through a series of exercises. “We’ll often ask them to do a task with the horse so the horse becomes a partner to them,” she said. The activity may involve using props as hurdles and getting the horse to go over the block. Sometimes the activities are done with little talking, encouraging participants to come up with non-verbal solutions to their task. “If they’re trying to deal with someone who’s pushy, we ask them how are you going to get this 1,500pound animal to do what you want it to. The key is how to approach the situation differently. We have many different props they can use.” Sessions are generally one hour, with Salzman and Bremen sharing the fee. Salzman has used word of mouth to attract customers to her service; she’s in the process of developing a website to add to her marketing efforts. In addition, she has made calls to various organizations letting them know about her equine work. “It’s a very slow process,” she said. “It’s not as prevalent in the Midwest. A lot of people are doing it at residential facilities where they can set up for a year. You have to find your niche.” Salzman knows it may take a little while for the business side of her efforts to catch on, but she said it’s worth the wait. “I enjoy this so much,” Salzman said. “It’s having an office without walls. I want to make sure this stays manageable so we can make a difference. “It’s very empowering to get a 1,500-pound animal to do what you want.”

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HORSE SENSE

NURSE USES EQUINE PROGRAM TO TEACH STUDENTS IMPORTANCE OF TEAM-BUILDING, CAMARADERIE

It was one of fall's pretty days. Summer had yielded to autumn hues and a cloudless dome yawned high and clear. The morning gave reason for Blue Sky Stable to live up to its name.

Drivers halted their vehicles and parked next to a barn, then gathered in a round working space. The young adults had bonded through their years ofbookwork, but they were unsure what this particular morning would bring. It involved horses, they knew that much.

By LL'I/DA FRLEDEL llte Kansas City Nursing News

Linda Friedel at [email protected]

"I'm from a farm," said Dayne Voelker, thirdyear medical student. "It's nice to get out with horses." Seven medical students from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) had arrived at Blue Sky Stable in Belton, Mo., on a chilly October morning. Some, like Voelker, had grown up around horses. Others had only taken rides as kids. They were all curious. Their facilitator was about to let them in on the day's events. "Horses are big," Michelle Salzman, RN, LSCSW, LCSW told the group. "They are often intimidating. They can be very empowering with people. Watch them. They are herd animals. They pick up on your energy." Salzman teamed with UMKC's medical school to engage the students in a growing new program, Equine Assisted Learning (EAL). The program features non-riding, ground-based activities with

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humans and horses. Salzman began incorporating EAL and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) in the past year into her private practice to work with clients and others in an experiential way. Her session with the future physicians focused on team-building, communication with colleagues and patients and building self-confidence. Her goal was to guide them through a series of exercises with horses, leading them to self-discovery, she said. "We just want to help you formulate a plan using the horses," she said. "Movement in this world means change. We want you to process what's happening." Salzman set up several problem-solving scenarios for the students while they engaged with the horses. She led the students through a brief meditation exercise, then sent them to meet the horses. "Be aware and notice when the horses notice you," she said. The participants did as they were instructed and approached the horses in the sandy arena. Students greeted the horses with hushed tones and quiet hands. Some of them were intimidated by the massive animals. Others saw the horses as playful.

"These large intimidating animals shuffled us in a little corner," said Jordan Colson, fourth-year medical student. Halee Patel, fourth-year medical student, said she has always loved horses. She had looked forward to the morning session and was sure she had made a connection. "The first one I connected with is the brown one," she said. "He just stared into my eyes. That's when we connected." After each exercise, Salzman gathered the students into a huddle for debriefing and to share their experiences. Each scenario was more challenging than the next. The students shared their fears and successes. Salzman presented one new scenario after another for the next hour and a half. Students were given approximately 15 minutes for each new situation. After completing the exercise, they were called back to regroup and reflect. Salzman asked the students to think of the horses symbolically as patients as they engaged in their scenes. In one situation, Salzman called for all seven students to lead one horse through a path. Everyone placed a hand on their teammate's shoulder.

"Horses are

big. They are often intimidating. They can be very empowering with people. Watch them. They are herd animals. They pick up on your energy." - Michelle Salzman, RN, LSCSE, LCSW

Lmda Friedel 1 The Kansas City Nurs1ng News

Dayne Voelker, third-year medical student at the University of Missouri - Kansas City (UMKC), was one of seven medical students participating in an Equine Assisted learning (EAL) program in October. Michelle Salzman, RN, LCSW, leads students through the program at Blue Sky Stable LLC in Belton, Mo. THE KANSAS CITY

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"I really enjoy watching people grow,

giving them tools to help them on the outside," she said. "I am a real proponent in trying to find anything and everything to support their tool box." - Michelle Salzman, RN, LSCSE, LCSW

Linda Friedel I The Kansas City Nursing News

linda Fri edel 1 The Kansas City Nursing News

Michelle Salzman, left, RN, lCSW, is certified with the Equine Assisted Growth and learning Association (EAGALA). Salzman facilitates Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted learning (EAl) programs with clients and groups.

Roxanne Bremen, owner of Blue Sky Stable, llC, is certified as an equestrian specialist through the Equine Assisted Growth and learning Association (EAGAlA). Bremen serves as a safety specialist during EAGAlA horse-therapy programs for groups and individuals.

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Linda Friedel! The Kansas City Nursing News

Medical students from the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) meet with Michelle Salzman, left, RN, LCSW, at Blue Sky Stable LLC in Belton, Mo., to participate in problem-solving skills through equine-assisted learning (EAL). Salzman leads the students through scenarios in non-tiding activities to build confidence, team-building and communication skills.

"You are connected all the time to each other and the horse," she said. Another exercise called them to create a path using a few scant educational toys. The path should represent an uncomfortable situation, she told them. In their final exercise, Salzman challenged two teams to lead their horse, or patient, to a "patient examination room," using only a few selected props to lure the horse. They were not allowed to use a halter. "You are going to work together as a team," Salzman said. Students continued to share their epiphanies as they debriefed after their problem-solving exercises. Colson said the path they built was based on their expertise. "It's a good representation of that," he said. Ashley Deboeuf, a fifth-year student, said creating the path as a group represented flexibility. "We adjust our way of managing," Deboeuf said. "We are flexible as we want them (patients) to be flexible." Patel said the exercise requiring the students to walk shoulder to shoulder represented chaos and trust. "I had no idea of what was going on in the front," she said. "You have to trust your team." Roxanne Bremen, owner of Blue Sky Stable, LLC, looked on from the sidelines. She, Salzman, and

Gary Salzman, MD, instructor at the UMKC medical program, observed as the students interacted with the horses. Bremen is certified with the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA). EAGALA requires all equine assisted learning and equine assisted psychotherapy programs to have a mental health specialist such as Salzman and an equine specialist like Bremen, who is focused on the safety of the horses and humans. Bremen said horses can do a lot of good for people. "They don't judge you," she said. "They just take you as you are. They are typically very kind animals." Gary said this is the second EAL program he has offered to students. He hopes to see the program expand in the future. It helps with problem-solving and working together, he said. Many medical students have never encountered horses before, just as they have never encountered new patients. Students will rotate into new hospitals and encounter new patients, he said. "I thought it was really helpful," he said. "It helped students communicate non-verbally. Patients pick up on a lot more on the nonverbal communication than the verbal." Salzman said she learned the benefits of horses from personal experience when she had horses of her own. Since she became certified with EGALA a year ago, she has incorporated the program into

as much as 50 percent of her practice with clients. Salzman said she has always been creative as a therapist and was a team player as a nurse. She likes to work with her clients using the most effective tools as possible, she said. It could be horses, bibliotherapy, art therapy or play therapy, she said. Salzman works with adults on issues such as grief and loss, depression, anxiety, life changes, women's issues and boundary setting. Her therapy is solution-based, she said. "I really enjoy watching people grow, giving them tools to help them on the outside," she said. "I am a real proponent in trying to find anything and everything to support their tool box. People have the skills inside of them to take care of themselves. They need education and support along the way." Salzman sees horses as sensitive and insightful. She sees them as metaphors in therapy. EAL has endless applications, she said. Salzman would like to expand her EAL program to include students in dentistry, nursing and medical school programs and others. They work together as interdisciplinary professionals, she said. "You take away with you whatever happened in the arena," she said. "Studies have shown they (horses) are very intuitive and in the present moment. Horses can judge the character of the person and decide who they want to be around or not. You just have to be creative, wherever the client is at."

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Insurance Business Philosophy I do not belong to any managed care panels, including HMO’s or PPO’s. Clients with PPO’s may have out-of-network benefits.

 “Fee for Service” arrangement: Clients will be asked to pay my full fee at time of appointment. Payments should be made in cash or check only.  I will provide insurance forms; reimbursements will be paid directly to the client. There are three major reasons for this philosophy. (From Domian Psych Newsletter, August 2000, Vol. 1, Issue 1.) 1.

2.

3.

Low reimbursements from insurance companies. Fee limits imposed by HMO and PPO arrangements are not reflective of the market value of my training and experience. On the client side, each year more and more insurance plans have higher deductibles, higher co-pays, and fewer covered sessions for mental health benefits. Confidentiality can no longer be assured when insurance company personnel, computers, Internet, and phone lines are involved. Under my fee for service arrangement, counseling will remain confidential (subject to mandatory abuse reporting guidelines outlined in my intake material). The client will have more control of personal information regarding the history and use of my services. Many insurance companies are tracking use of benefits and denying coverage when clients attempt to change insurance plans, even a different plan from the same insurance company.

For these reasons, I now advise friends and family members to think carefully before using mental health benefits through an insurance company. I believe it is safer to pay out-of-pocket and make educated choices in picking a professional.

Michelle Salzman is a registered nurse and a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years experience in servicing others in need. She is a graduate of Saint Teresa’s Academy High School. She received her nursing degree from Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri. She received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Kansas. The uniqueness of her dual licenses provides her the ability to view clients and their concerns in a manner which takes into consideration both their physical and emotional needs. Being able to treat the “whole person” more effectively, due to her experience in two professions, increases the options and support for her therapeutic practice. She provides a safe, nurturing atmosphere where clients learn new options and behaviors. She believes it takes much courage and strength to change what is not working for you. With that wisdom, we allow the truth to inspire our authentic selves. Her goal with clients is to provide encouragement to change the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings which are decreasing their quality of life. In learning these new skills, the client gains independence and freedom to create a balanced, healthy life.

Michelle is married, has two daughters, and lives in Overland Park, Kansas.

For Appointment (913) 221-3054 Fax: (913) 322-2085 E-Mail: [email protected] www.HorseSenseKc.com

Michelle Salzman, RN, LSCSW, LCSW

EAGALA Certified Mental Health Specialist    

(913) 221-3054

Individual Learn how to say “no” to negative, automatic thoughts that: 

Form self-defeating beliefs.



Produce uncomfortable feelings.



Cause nonproductive actions.

Take control of your thoughts and feelings:

Family Discipline, maintaining couple time, blended families, children and divorce, adolescent/teenage concerns, young adult/empty nest. Parenting—Let go of: 

Taking things too personally.



Making assumptions.





Being fearful of saying what you mean.

Empower self.



Preconceived ideas of what “should” happen.



Create new behaviors.



Develop effective alternatives to saying “no.”

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Learn specific, concrete behaviors that provide rewarding parenting.



Incorporate natural/logical consequences.

Survive loss: 

Transitions.

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Relationships.

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Chronic illness.



Death.

Teen Support—Guiding adolescents into the world of adulthood: Balance guilt, frustration, and power with wisdom, intuition, and healthy judgment.

Women’s Issues: 

Boundary setting.

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Self-esteem/confidence.

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Re-entry into the job market.

Couples Communication and premarital counseling, divorce guidance. Explore ways to rekindle your relationship. Learn how to:

 Examine how past and present dramas in our lives affect our ability to grow.

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Approach situations realistically.

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Eliminate “mind-reading.”

 Nurture the connection between the mind, body, and spiritual aspects of our lives.

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Know what you want.

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Give yourself permission to ask for it.

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Let go of the old message that says, “If I have to ask for it, it doesn't mean much.”

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Rebuild trust and intimacy.

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Develop strategies to deal with life-cycle changes.

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Provide guidance and strategies for the divorce process.

 Gain freedom and independence.

WISDOM is what emerges when we allow the truth to inspire us.

EAGALA Model What is EAP? EAP incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a mental health professional and a horse professional working with clients and horses to address treatment goals. What is EAL? EAL is similar to EAP but the focus is educational goals. Activities help clients/ corporations develop self-awareness, life skills, and team building.

Let Horses Lead You to the Solutions You Need! Engaging, Active, and Effective. Experiences with horses in the EAGALA Model provide real opportunities for mirroring life which helps you quickly see the problems and find solutions that work for you.

For Everyone. Working with individuals, families, or groups, and with all ages, the EAGALA Model provides powerful opportunities to get to the heart of the issues and lead to healthier communication, stronger partnerships and happier relationships. For Any Problem. Whether treating addictions, trauma, social and behavioral disorders, depression, or other issues, the EAGALA Model can help you find meaningful, lasting solutions.

Grounded! In the EAGALA Model, work with the horses is done on the ground, and no prior knowledge of horses is needed. Professional Therapy. The EAGALA Model involves a team incorporating the skills of a licensed mental health professional, an experienced equine specialist, and horse(s)—working with you to successfully reach your goals.

EAGALA Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, was founded in 1999 as a non-riding experimental modality to address the need for resources, education, and professionalism in the fields of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning. The association sets the standard for professional excellence in how horses and humans work together to improve the quality of life and mental health of individuals, families, and groups worldwide. EAGALA now has more than 3,500 members in 38 countries and continues to grow. The behavioral, health issues, and learning goals addressed can include many diverse challenges such as ADHD, autism, depression, addiction, eating disorders, stress management, recidivism, team work, sexual abuse, domestic violence, grief and loss, infertility, and trauma related disorders including PTSD. The population served can be at risk youth, active military and veterans, addicts, criminal offenders, trauma survivors, couples, individuals, families, corporate groups, and management. Not all therapy using horses involves riding. Unlike therapeutic riding EAGALA teaches Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) which instead focuses on experiential, ground-based activities. The EAGALA treatment team consists of a Mental Health Professional and an Equine Specialist who works together with the client to create horsecentered activities designed to address specific treatment goals. Often during a session, the horse or experience can initiate an “Aha” moment that impacts the client’s way of thinking or behaving. After the session, the client takes away key experiences and can begin to make life long changes. The experiences with the horses provide real opportunities for mirroring life which helps clients quickly see their problems and find solutions that work for them. Information obtained from www.eagala.org To schedule an appointment please call: Michelle Salzman, RN, LSCSW, LCSW, Certified EAGALA Mental Health Professional 913-221-3054 Fax: 913-322-2084 www.HorseSenseKC.com [email protected]

EAGALA Client Instructions Team Building Exercises with Horses Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association incorporates a collaborative effort between a facilitation team, participants, and horses. Participants gain an understanding of self and their relationships to others through non-riding activities with horses. Participants gain insights about their feelings, behaviors, and how they relate to others. Equine Assisted Learning is experiential in nature. This means that participants learn about themselves. Activities will be provided with the following objectives:    

Create and provide the opportunity for employees to support one another Gain respect for differences of opinions Collaborate with one another through improved communication skills Work together toward common goals

Instructional Methods: Interactive, experiential learning activities working with horses in a nonriding manner. What to Bring: Notebook and pen. Attire: Wear casual comfortable clothes ones that may get dusty or muddy. No open-toe shoes for safety purposes. Presenter: Michelle Salzman is a Registered Nurse, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and an EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional with over 30 years experience in serving others in need. Contact Information: Michelle Salzman 913-221-3054 Fax: 913-322-2085 www.HorseSenseKC.com [email protected]

Experiencing Life Solutions with Horses Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) I have decided to extend my focus and practice incorporating the techniques of EAGALA, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association. I have received my certification in this modality and believe it has many advantages that could be paired to help you reach treatment goals with your clients. EAGALA, Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, incorporates a collaborative effort between a facilitation team, participants, and horses. Participants gain an understanding of self and their relationships to others through non-riding interactive, experiential learning activities with horses. Participants gain insights about their feelings, behaviors, and how they relate to others. For Everyone and any age: Working with individuals, families or groups and with all ages, EAGALA model Equine Assisted Psychotherapy provides powerful opportunities to get to the heart of the issues and lead to healthier communication, stronger partnerships and happier relationships. For Any Problem: such as ADHD, autism, depression, addiction, eating disorders, stress management, recidivism, team work, sexual abuse, domestic violence, grief and loss, infertility, and trauma related disorders including PTSD. EAGALA provides clients the opportunities to do more than talk, they learn from their experiences, which tend to have longer-lasting impact. This impact can then be a spring board for the client and their individual therapist to further their previously identified treatment goals. The EAGALA Model is a psychotherapy process and can be billed as such by the proper professionals following the individuals’ insurance guidelines. EAGALA Model is solidly grounded in well-established and researched theories of psychotherapy including Gestalt, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive-Behavioral. I would be happy to answer any specific questions about details or how this could apply to a certain client. I have been able to see firsthand the powerful impact it has on clients and their lives. I look forward to partnering with you and your clients. Michelle Salzman RN, LSCSW, LCSW, EAGALA Certified Mental Health Professional 913-221-3054 Fax: 913-322-2085 www.HorseSenseKC.com [email protected]

Ratnasingam 1 Denesh Ratnasingam Dr. Salzman Clinic 19 Oct 2013 Team Building with Horses Reaction Today’s experience and team building was extremely beneficial for us as a unit and team and me individually. On this chilly October morning, Halee, Jordan, and I carpooled together to a location south of Kansas City isolated away from the business and traffic that we were accustomed to. On the ride to the activity, we were able to find out more about each other and learn about the quirks we share. It was surprising that even after a year of clinic together, we still knew little about each other and the car ride there proved to be a valuable time; however, we had no expectations of what was going to occur. As we made our way into the white dome area, I felt at ease as I was accustomed to horses from living in Warrensburg – and the rest of team seemed to either be in a state or normalcy, comfort, or anticipation and hesitancy. With not knowing what to expect other than team building activities with horses, we were thrown into a level playing field to experience something new together. The initial activity of approaching a horse and recognizing the moment it recognizes you was an interesting analogy to the initial patient interaction. As the horse turned its ears towards me and took two steps in my direction, I knew that resistance had disappeared and a willingness to interact and to approach closer had become available. With patient interaction, there is a moment when I am quiet and clearly listening to them that patients feel more at ease to open up and explain their issues, pain, and concerns. The second activity with creating a path for the horses that translated to a problem faced in clinic was a great team building exercise. We listened to each other’s thoughts on what would be the best approach and combined several problems into one not compromising on anything but rather incorporating ideas into a something that fit everyone. We worked together taking suggestions from each other to build a course and then traded spots in leading a horse around the path. As a leader, it was crucial to walk with the horse – not pulling it or going to slow – but at its pace. This resembled placing yourself into the patients’ shoes and see the disease and issue from their eyes and work together to solve it. The rotation from leader to follower proved to be important because the passing of power but also noticing the horses brief confusion and urge to turn with the previous leader. The translation to patient care was to make sure our notes were complete so that we could inform the next student or physician who will care for the patient with exactly what is going on and what the patient feels is most concerning. The last activity to get a horse into a specific area and take a history like seeing a patient proved yet again to be a team and personal learning experience. With Clay, Jordan, and my horse, we realized that it wanted reassurance from the other horses and felt hesitant with the three of us pulling it along. It was even turning away when Ashley from the other team came to help. Once we had left it alone and one of us approached it, the horse began to follow into the designated area. Again, with the three of us, it may have felt uncomfortable and left the area to approach the other horses. In a patient setting, it is crucial to make sure the patient has family that is there support in their room or maybe the opposite where they want to talk privately with their support system in the waiting area. The goal was to provide comfort walk with the patient

Ratnasingam 2 rather than focusing on the end result of getting them into the room, diagnosing them, and sending them on their way with a referral or a refill. This experience would be beneficial for patients with anxiety, stress, and depression. In any therapy session, there is still the factor of breaking through the patient to open up. In this setting, white coat syndrome is removed and the patient is free to interact with the animals and work with them. A therapist is able to observe the body language and actions the patient may display what would otherwise be hidden in a clinic room where the patient is reserved and seating. The activities with horses would provide a calming feeling and an openness to express what is really going on. From simply walking with the horse to making them follow a path or go to a certain area of the home, the decisions and habits the patient displays would provide the patient and the therapist with a sense of what is really going on in their life and then to have a conversation of their issues and create a plan together. On the car ride back together, the three of us we all felt a little bit happier and more open with each other. We stopped to eat lunch on the way back and just interacted more and set aside time to just be with each other. It in fact also translates with the patient to not hurry and worry about the 20 minute limit but to move with the patient and steer the conversation with the patient rather than being the driver continuously. When this interaction occurs, it becomes more efficient and the time is not an issue. It was a very interesting team building activity that made us more cohesive as a team. In clinic, there is an educational and skill level divide, but today opened up our eyes to the talents and qualities we all have when we are in the same playing field together. Overall, this experience reaffirmed the compassion and patience that we need to show with each other and when addressing a patient – to have an open mind more than the agenda from the previous clinic note and abnormal lab results, and really make the patient, like the horse, the main focus.

Team Building with Horses

At first when I was told that our docent unit was having a team building activity with horses I was so excited. I was thinking it would be so much fun to ride horses with everyone. But when I was told that the team building would not involve riding, I was a little shocked and disappointed. From the get go, I came in with a cloudy mind toward this team building activity. Soon after the event started though that all changed. Our first task for the day was to just observe the horses in their natural environment. We worked with three horses. One horse was a light brown to golden color with a protective mask over his face since he had a corneal ulcer. Another horse was reddish-brown with a white marking on his face and body. The final horse was a dark brown color, also with a white marking on his face. This horse had lost one of his eyes previously. I never realized how much you could learn from a horse or anybody or anything for that matter by just observing them. By taking the time to just watch what someone or something is doing and observing body language you can learn so much. I learned from the horses that the reddishbrown one liked to distance himself from the other two horses. He seemed the most independent of the group. Also, he was the horse that stayed the farthest away from humans. He did not mind one or two people coming to him, but he was not a fan of a big crowd of people. The light brown to golden horse was very energetic and gave off a very positive vibe. He definitely seemed like the playful type out of the group. The dark brown horse seemed the most mature to me. He was use to all the people and he carried himself with more wisdom than the other horses. He seemed like he knew everything that was going to happen throughout the day. The dark brown horse was the horse that got the most attention throughout the day. Since he was the most cooperative, he was the horse we put a harness on and led around the arena. He also was the horse my group chose to examine. He listened very well and for the most part cooperated with us. He loved to

follow people and seemed like he really enjoyed the attention. All the horses were great though and I loved interacting with all of them. Not only did I enjoy interacting with the horses, I learned many things from them too. I learned like I mentioned earlier, that by simply observing people without verbal communication you can learn so many things. Not only did I learn that from the horses I have applied that to my daily life with my friends. By noticing slight changes in their every day routine you can get a sense if something good or bad is happening with that person. I look forward to using this skill with my patients in clinic. Also, I learned how to interact and work with my docent team better. Before this team building activity, I felt like the outcast of the group since I was the new student. I felt everyone looked down upon me and just acknowledged me because they had to. Little did I know that was not the case. In clinic sometimes it is hard to tell people notice you because everyone is so busy and doing their own thing so everything runs smoothly. But interacting with the team during the horse event I really felt like I became one with our docent team. I felt like they were listening to my advice and caring about what I had to say. I never doubted that that would never occur, but the team building activity made me realize we truly are a team and things can only run smoothly if everyone is involved. Not only did I learn a lot about the horses, they taught me a lot about myself. From them I learned I need to be more humble. When my group was examining our patient our goal was to get our horse into a patient room and ask him questions there. Well my group finished the task before the other group and I became very cocky and arrogant. It seemed as though as soon as those arrogant thoughts ran through my mind and I expressed them into actions or words, the horse simply left our patient room. I learned that no matter what you achieve in life to always be humble and never boast too much of your accomplishments. So from the team building activity I learned to observe others, work better in a team, and also never let

your accomplishments or achievements show to the public. It is one thing to be proud of what you accomplish in life but it is another thing to express that feeling with other people. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this activity and look forward to doing it again in the future.

Halee Patel Green 6 Team Building Exercise I had no idea what to expect about the team building activity before Saturday. I knew that it involved horses but we would not be riding them. I had not gone last year so I had no clue going in. From what I heard from everyone else, I knew that it was to promote teamwork and to work on our communication with each other. When we first arrived at the barn and I looked around at the whole layout, I could tell that we would have to use the tools provided to interact with the horses. I have been horseback riding many times when I was younger so I was not scared to be around the horses. However, when I actually got up close to them, I did get a little nervous. It got easier for me as we were able to spend more time with horses and I think by the end of it, I was pretty comfortable being really close. Out of all the activities, I really enjoyed making the path the most. It allowed me to compare medicine and patient care with horses. It was really easy for our group to come up with a struggle that we all face in clinic. It was pretty interesting to see how we could translate a patient care issue into a path made for a horse using logs and toys. Guiding the horse through the path was interesting because I started out at the end of the line and I could not see anything that was going on up front. It was hard for me to keep up when everyone started going faster. When I was finally able to get to the front to the lead the horse, it felt nice to have all that responsibility on your shoulders of leading the horse for the whole group. Many lessons can be learned from this activity that apply to clinic. We have to make sure we step with the patient through every journey. We should stay by their side to offer support and guide them to the correct path. It can be hard sometimes when patients are noncompliant but with the help of your team, we can teach our patients and offer helpful

advice to better their future. Without my team, clinic would be a very difficult place for me. Whenever I have questions, I always ask my team members. Eventually, when I become a year 6, I will be able to take the lead just like I was able to with the horse and make sure I help guide the rest of my team. This activity was definitely not something I expected but it turned out to be really fun. I was able to bond with everyone else and feel more comfortable sharing my thoughts. It was really amazing to apply working with horses to patient care. I enjoyed being around the horses and sharing this experience with the rest of Green 6.