Episode 3: Dr. Blair McKissock
- 1:11:04
- April 21, 2023
- 162.66M
On today’s episode of “Let’s Talk Horses,” Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss sits down with Dr. Blair McKissock, PhD, PATH Intl CTRI & ESMHL, CTRS, an author, recreation therapist, adaptive riding instructor, experiential educator, equine-assisted learning (EAL) coach, and recreation therapist at Strides to Success, (https://stridestosuccess.org), who strives in evaluating and facilitating leadership, personal growth, and therapeutic experiences through the lens of equine-learning activities. Dr. Blair McKissock’s specialty in equine-assisted learning (EAL), recreation therapy, leadership development, coaching, corporate training, curriculum development, workshop building, and mounted yoga brings a variety of expertise to this discussion. Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss and Dr. Blair McKissock discuss their experience in equine-assisted learning, the power of a horse, growth in the field and spiritual development. Next, Dr. Blair McKissock provides a detailed learning experience surrounding the physiological response, such as trauma or chronic stress, may have on individuals, and the role equine-assisted learning plays in this experience. Dr. Blair McKissock’s dedication to personal and professional development and eclectic background brings forth an authentic and powerful podcast. Plus, Blair McKissock discusses international collaboration with equine specialists, evidence-based research and the development of Breath Body Brain technique. Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss and Dr. Blair McKissock close out the podcast by discussing how to reach out, become involved, and ways to contact–they would love to hear from you!
Guest Bio:
Blair McKissock Ph.D., CTRS began as a Recreation Therapist 25 years ago specializing in adventure therapy and animal-assisted therapy in mental health. Equine-assisted learning quickly became her preferred intervention. She earned certifications as a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and Equine Specialist (ESMHL) while training with many specialists in the field of equine-assisted services. She holds a Master’s in Education and Ph.D. in Applied EcoPsychology studying the impact of equine-assisted work on those with trauma. She also holds certifications as a yoga teacher trainer, wellness coach, and a trauma specialist that all contribute to her practice and Breath Body Brain. Blair currently serves as the Director of Education at Strides to Success where she partners with Debbie Anderson to provide consulting, professional education workshops, online courses, and resources in equine-assisted learning and therapeutic riding. Also, her research has been published in peer-reviewed publications and textbooks supporting the efficacy of equine-assisted work as a mainstream intervention option for learning and therapy. She is a passionate international speaker and advocate for the benefits of the human connection with nature, specifically equine interaction. She is very active with PATH Int’l supporting the development of professional competencies and educational opportunities in equine-assisted learning.
Blair McKissock has been in the field of human-animal interaction and experiential education for over 20 years. is a PATH registered instructor, certified equine specialist, EAGALA Level 1 and certified WellCoach. She is the chair of the equine facilitated learning (EAL) community for PATH and works nationally to establish standards in EAL.
Dr. Blair’s Contact Info:
Email: equinecoach@gmail.com
Website: https://stridestosuccess.org
Show Notes
- 0:47 Dr. Blair McKissock Introduction and Welcome
- 04:00 Dr. Blair McKissock shares information about herself, her background, and what ultimately drew her to the population she works with today
- 08:40 Dr. Blair McKissock discusses human-animal interaction and bond, specifically these interactions resulting in motivating individuals, capturing their attention and generating curiosity
- 10:08 Dr. Blair McKissock shares the impact coaching psychology, coaching methodology and positive psychology has on her profession
- 16:38 Dr. Blair McKissock defines equine-assisted learning as an “experiential learning approach that promotes the development of life skills applicable to educational, professional, and personal goals through equine-assisted activities
- 22:32 Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss poses the question, “what areas of equine-assisted learning are you working on or towards as a professional
- 22:43 Dr. Blair McKissock discusses biohacking–heart rate variability, vagus-nerve and vagal-toning
- 26:14 Dr. Blair McKissock discusses social genomics– when we interact with the horse it has the possibility to turn on and off our genes
- 30:46 Dr. Blair McKissock shares her interests in how we define, physiologically, what is happening in the body and the brain, and what is happening to the breath–heart rate variability, while also capturing the participants perspective
- 39:44 Dr. Blair McKissock discusses her collaboration with other professionals in the field, and contact information (BreathBodyBrain.net and equinecoach@gmail.com).
- 42:16 Dr. Blair McKissock offers a 10% discount code to all listeners, just use code DRREBECCA when signing up at BreathBodyBrain.net.
- 44:08 Dr. Blair McKissock shares information surrounding curriculum training and workshops offered through stridestosuccess.org
- 45:10 Dr. Blair McKissock provides information to listeners on her book titled, “Equiyo” – a book on mounted yoga, practicing yoga with your horse and achieving the sense of BreathBodyBrain
- 47:31 Dr. Blair McKissock discusses her expectations for opportunities, growth and next steps of equine human services and assisted learning
- 50:42 Dr. Blair McKissock asks Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss her expectations for opportunities, growth and next steps of equine human services and assisted learning
- 1:00:40 Dr. Rebecca Wara-Goss closes out the podcast by posing the question, “Why horses?"