Optimum Resilience Certification

First responders are routinely exposed to traumatic critical incidents, placing them at higher risk for developing stress-related psychopathology and associated health problems than the general population. Best practice therapeutic interventions are needed to improve resilience, stress management, and is aimed to help protect the health of this high-risk population. We believe that horses are the perfect partners to assist teaching responders about nervous system activation, as they are prey animals. Similarly, both must possess a level of hypervigilance required to keep themselves safe and yet also learn how to stay present and engaged when the risk is low. This program will teach you about important elements of responder culture, how to enhance resilience with responder clients, incorporate Polyvagal Equine Therapy exercises, and process group discussions that are appropriate in the work you do together.

This course is a 2 day Polyvagal Equine Institute First Responder Care Equine Assisted Therapy Certification for mental health and horse professionals alike. You will learn:

• Polyvagal (PVEI) concepts to increase awareness of the two-way nervous system interaction

• Identify specific tools that shift and regulate when activated on and off duty, through the application of equine interventions

• Apply self-regulation tools to decrease stress and mitigate trauma exposure responses

• Redefine how mindfulness is used to create new neural pathways and behavioral change

• Create an internal sense of safety, support, and social connection

• Formulate alternative hypothesis using perspective shifts

• Explore responsive reactive behavior and its utility

• Institute post traumatic growth and resilience activities

• Discuss critical incident stress and peer support roles

• Recognize mental health stigma and public perception of first responders

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