Equine Facilitated Counselling

Be with a horse quietly, and they will show you their heart. Be with them honestly, and they will show you yours.

  • Horse nuzzling a person's outstretched hand.

    Overview

    Equine Facilitated Counselling supports emotional, psychological, behavioral, and relational growth through guided, experiential interactions with horses. These sessions are rooted in evidence-informed practices and tailored to meet each individual's unique needs. Working with horses offers a dynamic, non-judgmental environment where therapeutic insights arise naturally through connection, presence, and authentic response. All interventions are grounded in established therapeutic approaches, creating a safe and effective space for healing and personal development.

  • Young girl hugging a white spotted horse in a sunny outdoor setting.

    Sessions

    In Equine Facilitated Counselling sessions, I gently guide clients through ground-based interactions with horses—such as grooming, leading, and observing herd behavior. These unmounted activities offer a powerful, immediate mirror to our internal emotional and psychological patterns. Horses respond authentically to our presence, revealing unconscious beliefs, relational dynamics, and emotional states without judgment.

    As these patterns emerge through your interactions with the horses, we work together to bring awareness to them—then explore how they can shift. When internal dynamics begin to change, the horses reflect that transformation back to you in real time, offering profound insight and a sense of emotional congruence. This experiential process can lead to greater self-awareness, healing, and personal growth.

    Each session is 90 minutes in length and takes place on my farm near the town of Hafford, SK.

  • Horses grazing in a snowy field under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds and sunlight.

    Benefits

    Equine Facilitated Counselling (EFC) can be powerful for individuals of all ages—children, teens, and adults. EFC has shown effectiveness in supporting individuals experiencing a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, grief, low self-esteem, and relational difficulties.

    Research suggests that EFC can improve emotional resilience, increase self-awareness, and foster healthier relational patterns. The experiential, trauma-informed nature of EFC makes it especially beneficial for individuals who may feel stuck or dysregulated in traditional talk therapy settings.

  • White horse with speckled coat looking directly at the camera against a white background.

    FAQ's

    Question: What certification do you have?

    Answer: I am currently completing my full certification as a Human Services Specialist with the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro-EFW). This means I am qualified to offer Equine Facilitated Counselling (EFC) services to individuals and families using ground-based interventions. I also continue to seek mentorship as I work toward full certification.
    For more information about the Pro-EFW, please visit:
    equinefacilitatedwellness.org

    Question: Is EFC covered by insurance?

    Answer: As a registered psychologist, most of my services are typically covered by many health insurance providers. However, I encourage you to verify your coverage with your provider before beginning.

    Question: Do I need to have prior experience with horses?

    Answer: Not at all. Many clients are complete beginners—and that’s part of what makes the experience so meaningful. No prior horse experience is necessary.

    Question: I’m interested…where do I begin?

    Answer: Because Equine Facilitated Counselling is not suitable for everyone, all new EFC clients begin with an intake session—either virtually or in person at my Saskatoon office. This helps determine if the service is a good fit before any sessions with the horses begin.

    Question: How do I get more information?

    Answer: I know people often have a lot of questions about this service. I’m happy to offer a free 15-minute consultation call to help you explore whether this is right for you.
    Click the Book Now link below to get started.