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In this episode of the TheraPod podcast, we first dive into the world of animal-assisted therapy with Karol Santisteven, an occupational therapist based in Casper, Wyoming. Karol, who runs her own practice called Ropes and Roses, integrates nature and animals into her therapeutic approach, helping clients of all ages—including children with trauma and adults dealing with PTSD—connect with themselves in a meaningful way.Karol explains the unique benefits of working with horses in therapy, highlighting how equine movement can aid physical rehabilitation and emotional regulation. She discusses hippotherapy, where the movement of the horse mimics human gait to stimulate muscle and brain connections, as well as equine-assisted therapy, which focuses on relational dynamics and communication skills. We also hear from hear from Matthew Knight, the founder of the Feed Ducks Initiative, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Inspired by his young son Oscar's fascination with wildlife, Matthew started taking him to their local park in Carrigline, Cork, to feed ducks. Noticing that many people were feeding bread—something harmful to the birds—he sought to create a solution that would promote healthier feeding practices.
Matthew shares his personal experiences with his son and how it hepled him engage more with his surroundings and develop communication skills through interactions with the ducks and find joy in this activity. Matthew emphasizes the initiative’s goal of providing families with a fun and purposeful activity that fosters connection and well-being for both children and adults. Join us on this fun and informative episode about how animals can help people connect and bring people together! You can contact Mathew Knight or The Feed Ducks Initiative
mjk@feedducks.com
www.feedducks.com
and Karol through her social media
https://www.ropesandrosestherapy.com/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057399311577
https://www.linkedin.com/in/karol-santistevan-971a3a43/

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In this episode of the TheraPod podcast, we chat with Julie Aldridge, an experienced art therapist, who demystifies art therapy and its benefits. She explains that art therapy involves a wide range of creative expressions, allowing individuals to explore their feelings without the constraints of traditional verbal communication. Julie highlights that art therapy is suitable for everyone, not just those with trauma, and emphasizes the importance of timing and motivation for effective engagement.She discusses how increased screen time limits opportunities for creative expression and encourages parents and teachers to foster environments that promote artistic exploration. Julie also shares her insights on the significance of self-reflection through art, advocating for more open-ended creative time in educational settings. Tune in for an engaging conversation about the transformative power of art in personal growth and emotional well-being!