Trauma Informed Behavioral Health (TIBH) Certificate

Expressive Arts and Equine-Assisted Therapy and Learning

Leading practitioners across disciplines have adopted a trauma- informed lens that incorporates a deep understanding of the types and impact of trauma on neurobiology, behavioral health, and relationships.  Our certificate is grounded in trauma-informed behavioral health practices.  Certificate students will come with knowledge and skills associated with these practices or gain them through trauma courses that they will take as requirements for this certificate. 

The TIBH certificate comprises two areas of specialization within the larger framework of trauma-informed practice. 

What are the expressive arts?

The expressive arts combine the visual arts, drama, music, writing, movement, nature-based interventions, and other creative processes to foster healing, personal growth, learning, and community development. 

What is equine-assisted therapy and learning?

Equine-assisted strategies are widely accepted and utilized to address a variety of mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and substance use. Benefits of equine-assisted therapy and learning transcend categories of diagnostic mental and emotional health, providing a foundation from which clients and learners can explore key relationship issues, including trust, emotional regulation, connection, empathy, communication, and healthy attachment.  Partnerships with horses require clients and learners to regulate their emotions, remain present, and move with awareness.  These components of mindfulness are required in horse-human interactions and support the development of internal calm and balance (equanimity), while providing opportunities for trust in the context of relationship.  Working with horses requires clients and learners to grow, both physically and mentally, building a healthier self-image and increased confidence. 

This curriculum will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize equine-assisted and nature-based interventions to practice professionally with diverse clients and groups at all levels (micro, mezzo, macro) of practice.

TIBH Program Benefits:

• Complete program in 15 credits
• Practicum experience offering opportunities to utilize expressive arts and/or equine assisted therapeutic practices
• Enhance clinical practice and/or advocacy skills with innovative trauma-informed practices
• Offers online classes
• Structured for FT or PT students

 

POST BACCALAUREATE CURRICULUM                                         SUGGESTED COURSE SEQUENCE FOR EACH TRACK
(link to the graduate catalog)                                                       (link to a separate page – see below)

ADMISSIONS

For more information on admissions, visit the Office of Graduate Studies and Adult Learning

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in understanding trauma’s impact.
2. Demonstrate understanding and application of the role and function of the use of expressive arts in clinical practice and/or advocacy to mitigate the effects of trauma.
3. Apply various expressive arts modalities within direct social work practice across systems levels.
4. Understand the impact of trauma on professionals and develop a self-care plan to mitigate the negative effects.

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

• International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA)

Home | IEATA | International Expressive Arts Therapy Association®

 

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Dr. Heather Girvin

Office: Stayer Hall, Room 317

Phone: 717871-7181

Email: heather.girvin@millersville.edu

 

CLICK HERE TO APPLY