Degree in. . . service?!

As I am working to finish a degree in Counseling (Marriage and Family Therapy, to be specific, however I will also be qualified to do the regular 1 on 1 therapy) I get to have some neat experiences ad Adler.

While completing credits (61 total) students are also required to complete two practicums:

1. A 200-hour Community Service Practicum where students work on a volunteer basis. First student apply for several sites, and then they are matched with a site that meets their interest. Needless to say I did my best to go equine - and it worked out for me! More on that later.

1. A 700-hour Clinical Practicum where students conduct normal therapy sessions with the guidance of a Licensed supervisor. Since I am going the Marriage and Family route, a portion of those hours will be with families and couples (I can't wait!)

IF you are interested in what happens after graduation. . .

After Graduation, I will apply to license as an LPC (licensed professional counselor) and from there I will work for a total of 3000 hours (at a site where there is a licensed supervisor) and at that point I can sit for the LCPC and LMFT licensures (whew! the acronyms - Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Licensed Marital and Family Therapist)

The biggest difference between graduation and those higher licensures is an inability to start a private practice, however, after the higher licensures are attained, I can go private or continue to work at a paid office.

IF you are interested in what I'm doing for my practicums. . .

My Community Service Practicum (a fancy way to say "volunteering") has begun at FTEA (see above) I'm already enjoying this experience immensely, and taking many notes for my future 'dream' equine therapy facility.

FTEA's mission is to provide equine assisted therapy for children and adults with physical and mental disabilities.

As you can imagine, "physical and mental disabilities" can mean a wide range of behaviors, and though we have not started the lesson season yet, I am interested in the types of riders we will be helping.

One of my main jobs will be 'Sidewalking' - to make sure rider and horse are safe

Not only is FTEA a creative program in the Illinois Area offering Equine Therapy, but they are certified through NARHA


NARHA stands for "The North American Handicapped Riding Association." This is the most prominent programs and instructor training certifications available for Equine Therapy.

Though I am accredited through CHA (which I have mixed feelings about, called the Certified Horsemanship Association) which is the most prominent Equine Instructor Certification in the U.S. - Training in NARHA could be a valuable asset in my Equine Therapy Work. Not only does a certified instructor decrease insurance costs, they are affiliated with a progressive program that standardizes the Equine Therapy experience.

Now, the question is: Do I decide to certify? Time will tell.

In the meantime, I'm having a jolly time getting to know the instructors, enjoying the informal environment, and looking forward to starting to help with clients next week. What a great way to put together therapy and horses!

Horses are my therapy, that's for sure.

For my clinical practicum, I have not yet begun researching sites. One thing I DO know, I will work hard to find a site and supervisor that can help me learn the most possible!