About this course

Learning Objectives

• Describe at least two ways equine behavior and nervous system functioning contribute to the Dual Attunement Frame and neurobiological regulation within the Neuroexperiential Model.
• Identify at least two observable physiological or behavioral indicators of equine attunement (e.g., hyper/hypoarousal cues, freeze discharge behaviors) and explain how these indicators can support mindful processing in Brainspotting.
• Explain one clinical benefit of integrating equines into Brainspotting sessions, including how equines may enhance present-moment awareness, relational attunement, and bottom-up regulation.

Learning Levels

• Beginner and Intermediate, all levels are welcome

Target Audience

Course Instructor(s)

• 

  Cara Wilkerson, MS, LMFT

  Brainspotting Consultant, EMDRIA Consultant, and Certified in Eagala Therapy

  Cara Wilkerson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California, Florida, and Texas with over 18 years of experience providing therapy. She graduated Suma Cum Laude, from California State University San Marcos, with a Bachelor degree in Psychology and a minor in Criminology. She completed her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from California Baptist University, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy. She specializes in treating complex PTSD, trauma, dissociation, and anxiety.

  Cara is a trauma expert, a Consultant for both Brainspotting and EMDRIA, an EMDRIA specialty trainer, as well as certified in Brainspotting, EMDR, and the Eagala model of equine-assisted psychotherapy. She developed EquiAttune which integrates the Neuroexperiential Model of Brainspotting and the Dual Attunement Frame into equine-assisted psychotherapy and learning sessions.

  Cara has owned and run her own private practice for the last 10 years, and has previous experience working in group practice settings, school settings, non-profits, and working with the drug court of San Bernardino. In addition, Cara is a Clinical Supervisor to associates working toward their licensure.

Disclosure

References

• Ayala, M. D., Carrillo, A., Iniesta, P., & Ferrer, P. (2021). Pilot Study of the Influence of Equine Assisted Therapy on Physiological and Behavioral Parameters Related to Welfare of Horses and Patients. Animals : an open access journal from MDPI, 11(12), 3527. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11123527
• Corrigan, F., & Grand, D. (2013). Brainspotting: Recruiting the midbrain for accessing and healing sensorimotor memories of traumatic activation. Medical Hypotheses, 80(6), 759–766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2013.01.030
• D’Antoni, F. (2021). Brainspotting reduces disturbance and increases heart rate variability linked to distressing memories: A pilot study. Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology, 9(3). https://doi.org/10.13129/2282-1619/mjcp-3055
• Hase, M., & Brisch, K. H. (2022). The Therapeutic Relationship in EMDR Therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 13
• Levine, P., Frederick, A. (1997). Waking the Tiger; Healing Trauma. Berkley: North Atlantic Books.
• Li, J., & Sánchez-García, R. (2023). Equine-assisted interventions for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a systematic review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 14, 1277338. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1277338
• Malinowski, K., Yee, C., Tevlin, J. M., Birks, E. K., Durando, M. M., Pournajafi-Nazarloo, H., Cavaiola, A. A., & McKeever, K. H. (2018). The Effects of Equine Assisted Therapy on Plasma Cortisol and Oxytocin Concentrations and Heart Rate Variability in Horses and Measures of Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans. Journal of equine veterinary science, 64, 17–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2018.01.011
• Marchand W. R. (2023). Potential Mechanisms of Action and Outcomes of Equine-Assisted Services for Veterans with a History of Trauma: A Narrative Review of the Literature. International journal of environmental research and public health, 20(14), 6377. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146377
• Marchand, W. R., Andersen, S. J., Smith, J. E., Hoopes, K. H., & Carlson, J. K. (2021). Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Current State, Challenges and Future Directions. Chronic stress (Thousand Oaks, Calif.), 5, 2470547021991556. https://doi.org/10.1177/2470547021991556
• Nixon, M. A. (2024). Exploring women's experiences of healing from sexual trauma through engagement in mind–body practices: A systematic review. Counselling & Psychotherapy Research, 24(3), 884–896. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12747
• Ogden, P., Minton, K., Pain, C. (2006). Trauma and the Body A Sensorimotor Approach to Psychotherapy. Norton.
• Prasath, P., Xiong, Y., & Zhang, Q. (2024). Innovations in practice: A practical guide to planning, implementing, and evaluating the mindfulness-based well-being group for international students. Journal of Humanistic Counseling, 63(2), 214–227.
• Rothbaum, B. O., & Watkins, L. E. (2025). An Update on Psychotherapy for the Treatment of PTSD. The American journal of psychiatry, 182(5), 424–437. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.20250110
• Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, New York, New York; The Gilford Press.