All services provided by At Liberty CONNECTIONS facilitators are trauma informed and research based equine assisted activities designed to help individuals build long term personal resilience. There is a growth body of research indicating that resilience factors are related to suicide ideation and suicide predictive models.
Our program is based on a multi-factor model of resilience, which recognizes that resilient outcomes are maximized through building a combination of psychological, relational, and community resources (Masten, 2015). Personal resilience is composed of three integrated components: Emotion Regulation; Mastery of Self-Worth ; and Sense of Relatedness (Connectivity).
- Emotion Regulation: the ability to exert control over oneβs own emotional state. It may involve behaviors such as rethinking a challenging situation to reduce anger or anxiety, hiding visible signs of sadness or fear, or focusing on reasons to feel happy or calmβ (Psychology Today).
- Mastery of Self-Worth: positive outlook on ourselves and our future, including feelings of self-worth, self-confidence, competence, self-efficacy, and optimism.
- Sense of Relatedness: reflects our fundamental need for social connection, trust, and belonging, manifested in the feelings of being included, loved, supported, needed, appreciated, respected, listened to, and understood. It also includes the mutual reciprocation of these needs to/for others.
Resilience is both a process and an outcome of overcoming, and growing from experiences of adversity, trauma, or major life stressors (American Psychological Association, 2018). Although the terms resilience/resiliency have been associated with multiple definitions, factors, and models throughout the years (Burgon, 2011; Pendry, Amith, & Roeter, 2014), there is a growing consensus about what resilience is within the mental health professions.
Participants can choose to interact with the equines or not. No one is ever forced in any way to be near the horses.
For those who wish to interact with the horses, activities are mostly conducted on the ground. Some of our retreats do offer some riding experiences depending on the facility and rider capability. At Libery CONNECTIONS always includes βhorse advocatesβ who are equine specialists and have a task to ensure the horse is being properly treated and cared for. They also ensure the safety of the human partner while interacting with the animal. Throughout the equine interaction, safety is paramount for both the human and the horse.
Yes! An application is required before you will be allowed to participate. The purpose of the application is to provide us with information regarding your contact data, emergency points of contact, military service, meal choices, medical conditions and medications, and insurance coverage.
Any information provided on your application is highly protected, not shared, and not kept on a technology cloud service.
Having this information helps us ensure that you have a memorable experience with us and that you will not have any concerns regarding your meals, lodging, or equine partners.
After completing and signing the application, you must email it, along with the date and location of the retreat you wish to attend, to [email protected]. Once your application is reviewed by retreat staff, you will receive an email confirming acceptance.
Yes! In order to participate in any activity, you must first sign the At Liberty CONNECTIONS Release of Liability (attached to the application) AND you will also be asked to sign the Release of Liability of the facility where you attend the retreat.
While you are at the event during the announced days and times, you do not pay for anything! That is because we have very generous sponsors who have donated funds to pay for your needs while you are with us. However, please be aware that every attendee is responsible for paying for your transportation to and from the retreat. If you arrive before and stay after the opening and closing times of the retreat, you are also responsible to pay your own expenses for thoses periods.