Resources

AmandaEve Slattery, Isabelle Desrosiers,

Cala Annala, Mariah Thomas, Megan Pinfield, Melanie O’Neill (2025) When We Fall We Get Back Up Again: Survivors of Equestrian Trauma Report a Lack of Psychological Support. [Poster Presentation] CPA Conference

 Stephen W. Leynard, Melanie L. O’Neill, and Megan Pinfield, (2025). Equestrian Trauma: The Role of Multiple Falls on Posttraumatic Symptomatology and Well-Being.[Poster Presentation] CPA Conference

Jordan Wutke, Megan Pinfield, Melanie O'Neill, Liam Aoki, (2025)  Exploring the Impact of Injury Severity in Equestrian Sports on the Relationship Between a Coach and Their Athlete's Mental Health. [Poster Presentation] CPA Conference

Isabelle Desrosier, Mariah Thomas, Megan Pinfield, Melanie O'Neill, Stephen Leynard, (2025)  Riding Proficiency and the Resilience Divide: Exploring Differences Among Equestrians. [Poster Presentation] CPA Conference

 In British Columbia (BC), a psychiatrist is a medical doctor (M.D.), registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons, specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. They can prescribe medication, provide therapy, and work with other mental health professionals like psychologists and counselors. Psychiatrists in BC are covered by the Medical Services Plan (MSP), but a referral from a family doctor or mental health program is usually needed to see one, according to the CMHA 

 In BC, a psychologist is a mental health professional who holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology and is registered with the College of Psychologists in BC.  Anyone using the title Psychologist  has completed advanced education, training, and registration to assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of mental health conditions. They work to improve individuals' thinking, feeling, and behavioral patterns using various therapeutic approaches and psychological tests. It is important to note that in Canada the terms psychologist & psychology are protected titles. This means that only those professionals who hold a PhD in Clinical Psychology and are registered with the College of Psychologists can use these terms. Many people practicing "sport psychology" accidentally use these terms when they should not be. For this reason, it is important to go to the College of Psychologists if you are in need of a Sport Psychologist. Psychologists may be covered under MSP or an individual's extended health benefits.

These are all restricted titles held by individuals with the minimum of a masters degree in psychology, counselling, art therapy or social work. These individuals may hold higher degrees like PhD's or PsyD's but they are not required to do so in order to register with their professional associations and practice in Canada.  Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), Liscenced Psychotherapist (LP) and Certified Canadian Counsellor (CCC) are professional designations granted by the Associations, signifying that the individual has met specific educational, training, and ethical requirements to practice clinical counselling. RCCs provide psychotherapy and counselling services to individuals, couples, and families, addressing a wide range of mental health concerns. Many RCC, LP's and CCC's provide sport related counselling and mental performance skills for dealing with issues that come up in the sports environment.  Counselling with a registered professional counsellor may be covered under MSP or an individual's extended health benefits depending on the province in Canada.

Individuals holding the title CMPC are individuals who have voluntarily chosen to register with the Association of Applied Sport Psychology, which requires them to hold a masters degree in a field related to sport science or exercise science. Unless they also hold a PhD in Psychology and are registered with the College of Psychologists they are not Sport Psychologists and they may not use the title Psychologist or have the term "psychology" in their advertising. Individuals with a CMPC have specialized skills in helping athletes with goal-setting programs, reshaping their thinking, and creating customized routines for mindfulness, imagery, and competition planning. They do not helkp individuals with mental health issues. Check the professional's credentials with the Association's registry. CMPC's are not covered under MSP or extended health plans in Canada.

This is a professional who helps athletes with goal-setting programs, reshaping their thinking, and creating customized routines for mindfulness, imagery, and competition planning. This is an unregulated field and there is no qualification or registration required to use this title. Individuals who use this title may have taken a workshop online or hold a diploma,  or they may hold a PhD in Sport Psychology. There is no liscencing body or association that ensures professionals have the skills to practice under these titles. Mental Skills Coaches are not covered by MSP or extended health benefits in Canada. 

Anyone using the term Psychology in their title must be a Registered Psychologist or else they are not legally allowed to use this title. Check the professional's credentials with the College of Psychologists to ensure they are registered. Many individuals use the term psychology but are not registered psychologists unfortunately.

Being Trauma Informed means having a deep understanding of how traumatic experiences effect individuals, groups and systems. It means bringing awareness of how trauma influences  development of the brain into every interaction with horses and riders.  When interactions between horse and rider are viewed through a trauma informed lens  each partner's nervous system has a better chance of staying emotionally safe and calm during the experience. 

All individuals working with horses can benefit from using a trauma informed lens in their interactions. When we understand a horse's behavior or a person's behavior is a trauma response and not just bad behavior we are able to find a way through the interaction with respect for ourselves and the other individual. 

If you are interested in learning about how life experiences impact brain development and want to develop a more attuned and compassionate partnership with your horse and yourself consider hosting a training at your barn or stable. Contact Megan