Jacksonville Naval Hospital Uses Horse Therapy for PTSD US Veterans

A new approach to PTSD therapy known as Equine-Assisted Therapy is being developed at the Naval Hospital Jacksonville Deployment Health Center. Clinical Psychologist Tracy Hejmanowski is teaming up with 6 US veterans to lead them through a 3-month program with the help of StarrLee Heady, a licensed mental health counselor with PX Equine Enterprises.

The program involves a 12-session interaction with horses that's taking place on a 30-acre facility in Green Cove Springs, Florida. The horses help veterans experience themselves differently and approach dealing with difficult situations related to their PTSD in a new way.

The program focuses on the changeability of the horses' behavior, causing veterans to reassess how they handle stressful situations or triggers that often aggravate PTSD symptoms. It also creates a more relaxing environment for therapy, with the open spaces and removal from city life.

Animal-assisted therapy has been steadily gaining popularity as a treatment for PTSD among veterans. Numerous organizations exist that provide specially trained dogs to act as coping companions when panic attacks or anxiety impairs their owner. Horses are the next in line for animals being used to help cope with stressful situations.

The Equine-Assisted Therapy also comes with the exploration of an intensive day treatment program that's expected to begin in 2012. These alternative therapy methods are the start of many other opportunities that seek to handle PTSD treatments in new disciplines such as creative arts, environmental exposures, and recreational activities.

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Our veterans deserve the utmost care and respect in exchange for their sacrifice and service to our country, yet many suffer with disabling medical conditions and illness and struggle to make ends meet after life in the service. At Care for Disabled Veterans our goal is to assist qualified veterans in obtaining the medical evidence they need to seek their rightful benefits for combat-related disabilities.