Promising Research Undertaking for First Responders Affected by Operational Stress Injuries (PTSD) in Southwestern Ontario.

Equine-Assisted Recovery from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among First Responders – A Pilot Study

Research Team:

Charles Nelson, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Kimberly Dossett, M.Sc., Clinical Psychology Program, Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, Associate Investigator, Yara Ubaidat, Psychology Program, University of Western Ontario, Research Associate

Purpose of Study

The purpose of this study is to examine symptom reduction in first responders who attend an eight-week equine therapy program as an adjunct to trauma-focused psychological treatment. This study will examine perceived benefits of the program to first responders and determine which elements of the equine therapy program that participants found most helpful in reducing symptoms of PTSD. This will help us to better understand the factors that are involved in equine therapy as an adjunctive integrative health modality; which is an area in need of further research. This study is the first in Canada to evaluate adjunctive equine therapy with psychological treatment as usual for First Responders with Post traumatic Stress Disorder.

Who is involved?

EMS Personnel (Paramedics),

Regional, Provincial, and National Police Officers, and

Fire-Fighters will be participating in the 8-week Equine Therapy Program.

Participation is now closed for this pilot research investigation.

Location and Facility: Belvoir Estate Farm 2475,Gideon Drive,Delaware,ON. For a review of this historical property,

please visit www.belvoirestatefarm.com/history

Media Liaison: Ute Lawrence (Please contact to arrange site visit and interview) Phone: 226 688 4883 or e-mail: info@belvoirestatefarm.com