Equine Therapy

Equine Facilitated Therapy & Wellness

Horses as Healers

The collaboration with animals in therapy is known to have positive, long-lasting effects for people struggling with a number of concerns. Horses are sentient beings, and have the ability to sense emotions in humans. This intuition allows horses to react to and teach us about ourselves in a manner that is very impactful and meaningful. A large part of this work is respecting horses as partners and collaborators in therapy.

Some of the concerns that can be addressed in Equine Facilitated Wellness sessions include:

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Anxiety

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Depression

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Trauma

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Addictions

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Relationship issues

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Boundaries

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Self-esteem

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Grief and loss

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Emotional regulation

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Family conflict

The learning that can occur in an Equine Facilitated Wellness session is different from a regular counselling session in an office setting. Being in nature, without the sounds of traffic or the busyness of the city can be very therapeutic. If you like horses, nature, and the peacefulness of being out of the city, then Equine Therapy is for you.

At times, I will work with an equine professional during sessions, to ensure safety for everyone.

I am certified with the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness, which has developed the ethics and certification programs for working with equines in Canada.

Questions on Counselling

How do I know if I need counselling?

Sometimes we need to seek help from a trained professional to work through problems that we are encountering. You may need counselling if:

  • you are feeling overwhelmed, and your problems do not seem to improve despite your best efforts
  • you are having difficulties in your relationships
  • it is difficult to carry out your daily routine, performance at work is affected, relationships are strained, or you are not feeling like you are coping effectively
  • You are using alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, or other means that are negatively affecting your life
  • You feel unhappy or hopeless
What can I expect in a first session?

During the first session, paperwork is completed as well as a functional assessment. I will ask about your concerns and what has brought you to therapy. Once all information has been gathered, goals for therapy and a treatment plan can be discussed.

How do I know if it’s the right fit for me?

You should feel comfortable with your psychologist and be able to discuss personal information. It is important to have a good rapport with your psychologist and feel at ease with him/her.

In order to determine if we are a good fit for each other, I offer a free 20 minute consultation.

How long are sessions?

Sessions are 60 minutes in length, which includes admin time (i.e. payment, booking next appointments, etc). Longer sessions may be arranged in 15 minute segments.

How many sessions are required?

Therapy is individual to each person and the amount of time required is dependant on several factors. Some of these factors include the nature of the concerns brought to therapy, complexity of the issues, amount of work completed outside of sessions, and motivation to change.

What is the cost?

The Fee Schedule recommended by the Psychologists’ Association of Alberta is a guideline for setting fees for services. My fees are set using this schedule as a guideline. You can access this fee schedule on the Psychologists’ Association website at www.psychologistsassociation.ab.ca.

My fee for individual sessions is $220/hour.

Alberta Health Care does not cover the cost of psychological services. However, I will issue a receipt for fees paid, and if you have an insurance plan, this may be submitted to your insurance company for full or partial re-imbursement.

Live Your Best Life

I can support you in finding the path to health and healing.