Rosemary Baughman, LCSW, CCS, CADC, owns Courageous Hearts LLC in Delaware, where she combines her passion for equine-assisted psychotherapy with her extensive expertise in social work. Rosemary earned a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from West Chester University and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Delaware State University, equipping her with over 25 years of experience in the behavioral health field. She is committed to making alternative therapeutic opportunities accessible to everyone and empowering individuals to heal and grow through innovative approaches.
Rosemary is expertly trained in various evidence-based modalities and has extensive experience providing services in multiple settings, including Veterans Affairs, crisis intervention, substance use disorders, and community services. She is a certified clinical supervisor, trainer, and the creator of "Legacies: A Clinical Approach to EAP." Her professional focus emphasizes integrating traditional clinical methods with experiential therapies to address diverse needs effectively.
Rosemary is pursuing a doctorate in Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Her capstone project focuses on the use of equine-assisted psychotherapy for individuals recovering from substance use disorders. This work demonstrates her strong commitment to innovative approaches that tackle the complex challenges of mental health and substance use disorders.
Rosemary attributes Courageous Hearts' success to her outstanding team, whose creativity and dedication embody her vision for transformative care. Outside of work, she enjoys camping with her husband, Jeff, visiting their five children and nine grandchildren, exploring nature, and expanding her knowledge of holistic healing.
DSW Showcase Student Presentation
Rosemary Baughman
BSW, MSW, DSW candidate May 2025
Harnessing Healing: Exploring the Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Addressing Substance Use Disorder Among Women
Concentration - Administrative Leadership
- Monday, April 28, 2025 -
- 10:30 am
Abstract
This presentation, “Harnessing Healing: Exploring the Efficacy of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Addressing Substance Use Disorder Among Women,” delves into the unique challenges faced by women with substance use disorders (SUD) and how integrating equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) can offer a transformative approach to recovery.
Women in recovery from SUD often face compounded difficulties, including unresolved trauma, societal stigma, and limited access to supportive resources. Trauma, which is highly prevalent in this population, can significantly impede recovery efforts, creating barriers to trust, emotional regulation, and self-efficacy. Traditional therapeutic models often fall short in addressing these multifaceted needs, particularly for women navigating recovery alongside histories of abuse or mental health challenges.
Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a holistic intervention by fostering emotional resilience, building self-awareness, and enhancing recovery capital. As intuitive and non-judgmental partners, horses create a safe space for clients to explore emotions, build trust, and engage in experiential learning that promotes healing.
This presentation explores current research on EAP and its potential as an effective complement to traditional SUD treatments for women. Addressing the challenges in the field and the promising outcomes of integrating EAP into recovery plans provides a pathway for practitioners to consider innovative, client-centered approaches that align with the unique needs of women in recovery.