Alexander Varn | German Psychologist and Equine Therapy Expert

The Veterans Voice

Equine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy, utilizes the unique relationship between humans and horses to promote healing and self-discovery. It encompasses various activities with horses, such as grooming, feeding, and riding, all while under the guidance of a mental health or physical therapy professional. The goal is to leverage the horse's natural qualities and behavior to help individuals develop emotional regulation, confidence, and social skills.

In this episode Alexander Varn, a troop psychologist with the German Armed Forces, dives deep into the science, biology, and theories as to why this breakthrough healing modality is so effective, while also sharing inspirational stories of real-life case studies along the way.

Types of equine therapy mentioned in the episode:

1) Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy: Focuses on mental health issues, with individuals working with a licensed therapist and a horse specialist.

2) Hippotherapy: Utilizes the horse's movement to improve physical, occupational, and speech therapy goals.

3) Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL): Helps individuals develop life skills through interactions with horses.

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

0:23 Meet Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Varn

7:39 The Origins of Equine Therapy

25:37 The Science and Biology, Theory 1

39:54 Horse Live in the Present, Humans Do Not

41:58 Overcoming Obstacles, Theory 2

1:04:18 Horses Are Naturally Calm. Theory 3

1:14:50 Healing for Couples

1:17:08 A Success Story

1:24:23 The Future of Equine Therapy

1:36:32 An Autism Case Study

1:44:51 First Experience with a Horse

1:53:17 Words of Encouragement

Watch on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/g_ylJ5iTsn0

Resources:

https://www.veteranscenter.org/

https://remountfoundation.org/

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