By Adam Donnelly

Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association seeking First Responders for new therapy program

Oct 23, 2018 | 4:45 PM

KAMLOOPS — The Kamloops Therapeutic Riding Association is hoping to generate some interest amongst first responders throughout the region for a program they plan to run in the spring of 2019.

The program would help those on the front lines in our community — paramedics, police, and firefighters — deal with the stress and trauma that can accumulate as a result of their profession. Mental Health Therapist Karen Lara will be leading the sessions. She says the program will run for 12 weeks beginning in April and will involve working with and caring for the horses at the KTRA.

“Symptoms like sleep disturbances, anxiety, depression, anger management, issues in relationships. Just dealing with stress and coping with the day-to-day trauma they’re facing in their jobs,” Lara explained about the program. “[The sessions] are a way to connect with a really powerful animal and decrease those responses to the trauma.”

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KTRA Executive Director Ashley Sudds says because this is a program the association is currently developing, they’re hoping to get as many first responders involved to help them tailor the sessions to each individual’s needs.

“It is a new program and it’s flexible,” Sudds explained. “We really want to tailor it individually to people and make it the most helpful for them. There’s private sessions, group sessions, or couples sessions we’re willing to do.”

For more information on KTRA’s First Responders Program, you can contact Ashley at (250) 554-3811 or visit www.KTRA.ca for more details.

by Adam Donnelly

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