Baltimore Professor Helps Children Through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
Edward Pecukonis, MSW, Ph.D. is an associate professor and director of maternal and child health training at the University Of Maryland School Of Social Work. He is also co-director of Le Chevel Stable in Howard County, Maryland, where, together with his wife, they bring equine assisted therapeutic services to the local area.
Dr. Pecukonis received his undergraduate degree from Towson University, his masters in social work from Smith College, and his Ph.D from the University of Maryland School of Social Work.
What inspired you to enter social services and then to offer equine assisted therapy?
"I have worked at the University of Maryland for the past 33 years in a number of different capacities, including in the Departments of Psychiatry, Family Medicine and the School of Social Work. In each, I have had varying roles, but I have always had a small private practice seeing children and families. We also always had horses, so as the fields of therapeutic riding and equine assisted psychotherapy have grown, it was a natural process to merge my therapy practice and our interest in horses. What a difference we saw! Children, normally withdrawn, found and expressed powerful and deep emotions in mere sessions rather than weeks or months."
How does your educational background relate to your current role?
"My education as a master-level social worker has developed many opportunities. Using a horse as a co-therapist is just one great example of where the animal serves as a healing bridge for someone who has a trauma history or developmental issues."
How has your education helped to further your career and contributed to your success?
"I feel education is the great liberator. My education has taught me how to think, to work through problems, and to see opportunities, such as how social work and equine assisted psychotherapy is a perfect fit."
What is some advice you can offer others looking to go into equine assisted psychotherapy?
"Volunteer at a local program to see if it is a fit for you Here are some helpful links:
- Maryland Council of Equestrian Therapies - lists licensed programs in the Maryland area.
- The Professional Association for Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH International) - licensure for therapeutic riding instructors and equine specialists in mental health and learning.
- Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) - learning and workshops"
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.