Continuing education programs for professionals in
AASEL Animal Assisted Social Emotional Learning (dogs etc.)
EASEL Equine Assisted Social Emotional Learning
We build our work on
- humanistic and developmental psychology, attachment and psycho-social stages of development, and research based social-emotional intelligence development as the basis of our programs
- experiential/adventure education and social emotional learning principles (backed by sound research from two decades), strength based and solution focused counseling and DBT as basis for how we facilitate
- animal presence reducing stress reactions, holding attention etc. (which have sound scientific data behind) and our long experience in seeing how our trained animal co-facilitators work with clients as basis for including animals
- Ethical animal handling and horsemanship to walk our talk
The efficacy comes from pedagogic program, based on solid theoretical framework (what is done is done based on something), learning environment tailored to support goals and professional facilitation. Being in nature and around animals can be therapeutic, calming and momentarily answering to our need for connection with nature. Animal presence has been shown beyond doubt to reduce physical stress reactions. However, just a fish tank has been sufficient to help people relax a bit while waiting in a dentist’s lobby. In AASEL- and EASEL - programs trained SEL-animals are active members of the team - clients, human facilitators and animal co-workers.
Therapy and learning are largely a relationship thing. In our programs the trained facilitators guide the building of a relationship between client and SEL - animal. Clients learn in the process about themselves, play, boundaries, dynamics in relationships etc. The facilitator’s relationship with the animal co-facilitator a) models to client what a loving relationship based on mutual trust and respect looks like (earned leadership, not taken) b) lets the client evaluate if the facilitator can be trustworthy for him/her, too c) helps create Winnicottian transfer space which the client can safely enter and find creative freedom for his/her journey with us d) models what we teach and ask clients to practice.
AASEL/EASEL- model has been designed to have a clear theoretical and ethical basis and progressive set of activities. We have now several years of experience in using the model in our work : training, work counseling and coaching of therapists, educators, youth workers, equestrian professionals and service providers, corporate personnel etc. We also guide weekly groups of at - risk children and teens through a year - long - program of SankariMatka Equus or Tribe (HeroicJourney), and intensified family counseling programs of MysteeriKoulu (MysterySchool).
The methodology training of professionals interested in utilising EASEL- or AASEL - model in their own work takes a year. The training is a process, experienced in a small group of 6 to 8. Intensive workshops and reading & writing assignments are part of it. An important part of the learning process is six months spent to complete own project with clients and the writing of paper reporting the project and own learning process, theoretical framework etc. The initial training can be continued with another 1,5 years to become nationally certified work counselor/coach/supervisor specialised in SEL and experiential methods totaling 40 ECTS credits.
Enquiries: info@cavesson.com
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