FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Announcing a NEW PROGRAM in need of Sponsors
War Veterans, Horses And Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: A New Approach
13 April, 2011 Rocky Mountain House, AB
CAN PRAXIS, a new program for Canadian Forces Veterans, is based near Rocky Mountain House, AB. It offers practical opportunities for veterans to "recharge, regain and renew" their lives after experiencing traumatic stress, for example, in Afghanistan. It compliments existing therapeutic programs by offering two components: conflict-reducing communication training with Steve Critchley, who has 28 years of service with the Canadian Forces and who is now an international mediator. The second component is Equine-Assisted Learning with Jim Marland, who has worked as a psychologist for the federal government and maintains a horse-based practice. Steve and Jim take a simple, practical and profound approach. Veterans learn how to reduce stress and increase coping skills. Using horses allows veterans to learn more about themselves. Veterans’ families are welcome and become effective participants in the healing process, thereby improving the quality of life for the whole family.
Steve Critchley is a practicing mediator with international experience. He bases his work on his military experience in the Bosnian war where he witnessed dire human conflict. His experiences include negotiating with armed belligerents and establishing small local areas of trust and cooperation. Steve developed a belief that people can work together to achieve realistic and positive results. He was decorated with the Canadian Forces Decoration (CD). His academic preparation, in association with Dr. Nancy Love and Dr. Daniel Dana, has enabled him to teach the PULSE program in the UK, Italy, South Africa, Nigeria and Ghana. He contributes a sound theoretical foundation and his own vivid experience to the conflict-reducing conversations.
Jim Marland worked with the ten largest UK companies, offering communication and leadership training using mountains and lakes as a classroom. Before moving to Canada, he spent time mountaineering in the UK, Norway, Greece, Kenya, Nepal, Australia and New Zealand; sailing on the North Sea and Atlantic Ocean; cycling from the UK to Afghanistan and hitch-hiking through Africa. He is a Registered Psychologist (NT), Registered Social Worker (AB), Professional Speaker (CAPS), a Kepner Tregoe Process Consultant, a Certified Equine-Assisted Learning Facilitator and he holds the Advanced Certificate of Adventure Education. Jim has a deep understanding of human nature, human needs and human behavior.
Why use horses? As participants walk alongside a horse, the horse responds to the person’s body language. The horse’s response increases the participant’s self-awareness. As participants gain more insight into the way they think and behave, they are able to relax and moderate their response to stress. They increase the quality of their lives and the lives of their families. CAN PRAXIS participants take part in the first nationally recognized, certified Equine-Assisted Learning Building Block TM Program Series© used across Canada and currently being studied by the Universities of Saskatchewan, Regina and Calgary.
Arlene Krivoshein, LLB, a Certified Mediator and Negotiator said: “Some books are a ‘must read’, some films are a ‘must see’ but your Equine-Assisted Learning is a ‘must do’. Thank you; you provided an experience I will never forget and practical, insightful lessons I will always use.”
CAN PRAXIS is looking for individuals or companies who will assist by providing sponsorship, as a realistic way of supporting our troops and acknowledging their efforts.
For more information contact Steve Critchley at steve@versatilitygroup.com 403 631 2489 or Jim Marland at jim@deepreflections.ca 403 844 4090.
Steve Critchley
Versatility Group
403.631.2489
