Our Mission: Educating, Promoting, and Supporting Excellence in Ecotherapy and Authentic Equine-Assisted Work
Our goal is to empower professionals at all levels—beginners, intermediates, and advanced practitioners—to become highly skilled in the transformative practices of ecotherapy and authentic equine-assisted therapy. We strive to provide comprehensive education and ongoing support that fosters a deep understanding of these modalities, equipping you to create meaningful change in both personal and professional settings.
Through this work, we honor and integrate the profound natural intelligence that both humans and horses bring to the therapeutic process. Horses, serving as co-therapists, offer unique perspectives and intuitive guidance, helping individuals unlock personal growth, overcome challenges, and step into their best selves. Their ability to reflect human emotions and behaviors creates a dynamic environment for healing and self-discovery.
By learning to work authentically with horses, professionals gain valuable tools to carry the lessons and insights from equine-assisted sessions into other areas of ecotherapy. This integration enriches session work, enabling practitioners to create a holistic approach that combines the wisdom of nature, the power of experiential learning, and the transformative potential of therapeutic relationships.
Level One Ecotherapy Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) Certification
Five-Day Class | $2,000.00
This certification class explores the principles of Ecotherapy and its integration with Equine Assisted Learning (EAL), offering a comprehensive, experiential approach to client growth and development.
What is Ecotherapy?
Ecotherapy encompasses a variety of experiential therapeutic modalities, including:
- Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy
- Somatic Ecotherapy
- EcoArt Therapy
- Energy Psychology Therapy
- Outdoor Wilderness and Adventure Therapy
Understanding Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)
EAL leverages experiential learning through interaction with horses, fostering client growth in areas such as:
- Personal Development: Helping clients take meaningful steps in life or work.
- Professional Growth: Utilizing EAL techniques to support clients in achieving their goals.
Sample Applications for EAL:
- Starting a business
- Transitioning from college to adulthood
- Developing successful relationships
- Embracing risk and fostering personal growth
- Addressing specific challenges such as:
- Feeling stuck
- Enhancing communication skills
- Collaborating effectively to achieve goals
From the Horse's Viewpoint
Whether you're new to working with horses or have years of experience, understanding the horse's role in sessions is critical. Horses communicate through body language and energy, offering unique insights into the client’s experience.
Key Skills:
- Interpreting what horses are telling you during sessions.
- Learning to communicate effectively with horses for a complete understanding of the session dynamics.
Session Evaluation and Practice
Gain hands-on experience both as a participant and an observer to enhance your understanding of:
- Horse Communication: Learn to interpret body language and energy.
- Arena Dynamics: Evaluate the entire situation to move clients toward their goals.
- Session Debriefing: Reflect on personal learnings and observations from others’ sessions.
This certification provides practical tools and insights to deepen your skills in Ecotherapy and EAL, empowering both clients and practitioners to achieve growth and transformation.
Ecotherapy & EAL Certification Level Two
Five-Day Class | $2,000.00
This advanced certification builds on the foundations of Level One, focusing on refining your skills, addressing challenges, and expanding your practice across multiple modalities of Ecotherapy.
Course Overview
- Review of Level One: Reflect on your journey so far, including challenges encountered and successes achieved.
- Practical Application: Hands-on session practice in the arena, with guidance on integrating these experiences into other areas of Ecotherapy.
Expanded Ecotherapy Modalities
Level Two dives deeper into experiential approaches, providing practice and insight in the following areas:
- Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy
- Daily sessions with horses in the arena and fields as a primary focus.
- Practice incorporating therapy dogs and farm animals into session work.
- Somatic Ecotherapy
- Explore somatic movement therapy in natural settings and the dance studio.
- EcoArt Therapy
- Engage in art therapy sessions both outdoors in nature and indoors in the art studio.
- Energy Psychology Therapy
- Participate in energy therapy sessions in nature and in the healing room.
- Outdoor Wilderness and Adventure Therapy
- Experience wilderness-based Ecotherapy tailored to the season.
- Learn how to incorporate elements of the Gateways Wilderness Program (winter, spring, summer, and fall activities) into your practice.
Integrating Ecotherapy Practices
Learn how to weave arena-based sessions with horses into broader Ecotherapy programs, creating cohesive and effective experiences for clients. Develop strategies for structuring successful individual or group sessions that maximize therapeutic outcomes.
This Level Two certification provides a deeper understanding of Ecotherapy practices, empowering you to enhance your skills and expand your impact as a practitioner.
Level Three: Master Program
Five-Day Ecotherapy (EAL) Certification Program | $2,000.00
This program integrates all previous levels, focusing on:
- Business Development: Learn how to establish and manage a successful Ecotherapy and Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) practice.
- Holistic Practice Integration: Apply Ecotherapy and EAL techniques cohesively within your professional framework.
Ongoing Education:
Internship at Rites of Passage Ecotherapy Facility | $2,000.00 per month
Gain hands-on experience working with clients in real-world settings, including:
- Rites of Passage LLC Residential Program
- Gateways to Transformation LLC Programs
Internship Features:
- Comprehensive practice across all areas of the Ecotherapy program.
- Participation in the Worldwide Community Program:
- Travel and collaborate with global practitioners to exchange perspectives and enhance the collective impact of Ecotherapy on a global scale.
Community Projects
Join a community of Ecotherapy practitioners to develop and implement initiatives that promote:
- Social Activism: Addressing societal issues through Ecotherapy practices.
- Environmental Activism: Collaborating on projects that make a positive impact on the planet.
Start Your Journey with Level One
Level One certification is open for enrollment year-round, with activities tailored to the season. Begin your foundational Ecotherapy work in harmony with nature's changing rhythms.