Clinical Training Opportunities
As one of the Southeast’s only equine-facilitated health centers, Horse Time provides unique training and internship opportunities for clinical students and practicing professionals interested in progressive treatment tools. Horse Time practitioners have trained numerous clinical students from universities such as Clemson, Emory, Georgia State, and the State University of West Georgia in addition to Oxford College here in Newton County. We are proud to have hosted trainees from England, Belgium and Australia as well as from all regions of the USA. Dr. Patti Owen-Smith of Oxford College presented her research study of Horse Time clients this past summer at the International Congress of Psychology in Stockholm, Sweden. Additionally, our staff has presented on related topics at conferences around the country and have published articles in several well-known trade and mental health journals.
Horse Time works with students to ensure a highly individualized, mutually satisfactory experience. Some students need a 9 month practicum for 16 hours per week, others are with us for 10 hours per week for a semester, and still others are receiving credit for independent study that involves a variety of related activities. Horse Time is flexible and aims to provide an opportunity for you to achieve your academic goals in a fun, relaxed, yet professional environment. During your time with us, depending on your credentials, experience, and the type of training you desire, you will be offered experiences such as:
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Facilitating, co-facilitating, or assisting with individual, group, and family equine-facilitated psychotherapy sessions
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Facilitating, co-facilitating, or assisting with private, semi-private, or group therapeutic horsemanship lessons
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Client intake assessment, treatment planning, and progress documentation
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Therapy horse care, and training
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Potential therapy horse donation assessment
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Interagency liaison and community projects
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Program/practice administration including billing, DSM IV and CPT coding, ethics, and liability issues
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Industry standards related to safety , confidentiality, and clinical goal achievement
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Professional development (related to both horses and mental health)
We are currently developing our training program for Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy assistant students. For further information please contact Linda Abercrombie, PTA, Hippotherapy Program Director (770-784-9777).
