Horses As Healers: How Equine Therapy Fits Into Integrated Care

Last year I began my Doctorate of Behavioral Health (DBH) journey with Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies. This degree program has provided me the opportunity to remain curious and open-minded surrounding integrated and person-centered care for my clients. As I continue on this journey, I have written a reflection letter to myself which clarified my professional and personal aspirations for completing this program. I aim to share the skills and knowledge I will gain from completing this degree program with others. 

Leadership and Advocacy 

The DBH program will allow me to grow in my capacity for leadership and advocacy practices. With the skills and knowledge gained, I can develop and enhance my confidence in translating research into meaningful practices and interventions, mentor others, and engage in programs designed for community development. These skills will allow me to extend my behavioral health impact outside of individual sessions while providing quality care to my clients.  

Critical Evaluation

A doctoral degree will provide opportunities for enhancement of critical evaluation skills required to apply intervention models and applications to a real-world setting. This is extremely critical for me because I primarly work with a neurodiverse population where surface level understanding of care is not enough to provide quality assistance to clients. With greater enhancement of critical evaluation, I can assess current research and evidence in an effort to make better informed decisions and practice ethical and effective treatments for my clients. 

Integrated Care Evaluation

The focus on integrated care will allow me to view my clients through the lens of the environment, biological, social, and emotional systems which contribute to behavioral health outcomes. With the development of this perspective, I will have greater competence in collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support holistic care and advocate for practices which honor my clients and their families. 

From Learning to Impact

With these skills, I can shift from a practitioner of behavioral health to a clinician and scholar supporting other in their behavioral health journeys whether it be through mentorship or direct client care. Through the doctoral journey, I see how these skills can increase the value I will bring to my clients, colleagues, community, and organizations.