Dates: To be determined
Time: Sundays 12:30p - 3p
Location: Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (at the Kentucky Horse Park)
What can participants expect?
EAST is a program developed through the partnership of Ampersand Sexual Violence Center, Central Kentucky Riding for Hope, and Charlotte Easley, LCSW and Equine Specialist. Participation is free of charge through funding from Ampersand Sexual Violence Resource Center.
EAST is an experiential, educational group that is focused on learning and skills practice. It is not a trauma processing group, and survivors will be asked to process individual needs that arise with their individual therapists in their required weekly one-on-one sessions. The focus of EAST is less on individual experiences with trauma, and more on shared or common experiences, challenges and coping.
EAST Activities include:
- Education and discussion regarding the impact of trauma, triggers, relationship challenges, communication and boundaries
- Opportunities to connect with other trauma survivors and experience validation
- Opportunities to connect with an equine companion in a controlled environment in which to practice the skills learned
- Access to expertise and experience of a trained trauma therapist, advocates and equine specialists
EAST Participant Admission Criteria
For the safety of all, participants must meet the following criteria:
- Survivor of sexual violence, over 18
- Established relationship with a therapist with access to weekly sessions
- Access to and familiarity with basic coping strategies
- Ability to articulate goals for learning and growth through EAST group
- Adequate distress tolerance for participation in an experiential group focused on trauma
- Availability to attend all EAST sessions.
- Live in the central Kentucky region that Ampersand serves