Local Psychologist debuts Healing with Horses in a first time national presentation in Dallas.
Dr. Tricia Wilmoth, Licensed Psychologist, is pleased to announce the acceptance of her workshop, “Using Equine Facilitated Therapy in the Treatment of Autism” by the Autism Society. This workshop will be presented at the Autism Society's 41 st National Conference in Dallas, Texas in July. This is the first time using horses as part of a therapeutic team for the treatment of autism has been presented.
“ I'm excited to present our Healing with Horses program to a national audience. We have had amazing results with our clients ” said Dr. Patricia Wilmoth, licensed Psychologist and owner of the White Light Ranch in Brooksville, Florida. “Autism is a growing concern in our society and innovative treatments and therapies are needed. It is rewarding to see the impact we can have in the lives of autistic patients and their families.” Dr. Wilmoth also serves as the Clinical Director at Victory Trot Equine Assisted Therapy in Dunedin, Florida.
Healing with Horses was developed by Dr. Wilmoth in 2004 after noticing gaps in other programs that taught equine facilitated therapy. “ We work with the clients and their horse therapists to help provide solutions to specific problems. They can then use these skills in their daily interactions.”
“ We have seen improvement in clients with high functioning autism, Asperger's disorder and sensory integration disorder. The horses seem to instinctively assist in identifying and addressing the client's needs and the client's response is fantastic.”
Healing with Horses has served diverse populations since its inception resulting in positive results for a variety of problems. It is applicable to individuals, groups, families and corporations. It is also highly effective for veterans or other populations experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“Working with horses cuts through defense mechanisms such as denial and repression because horses don't understand those human coping styles, they simply want whatever the problem is to be fixed. Our patients and their families are thrilled to find a treatment plan yielding positive results so quickly. We are excited about helping more patients find successful outcomes.”