Your Questions, Thoughtfully Answered

It depends on the goals. Typically sessions are 50-53 minutes.

I only use a relationship, trauma-informed approach to training horses using clicker training and cooperative care. This lens is consistent with how I treat and interact with humans, and is based on choice to participate in our sessions. I believe in the five freedoms and I have been educated in ethical principles of animal assisted interventions. 

This lens is consistent with how I treat and interact with humans, and is based on clicker training/ positive reinforcement with Shawna Karrasch and Jessie Hillegas, and also Lindsey Partidge's Harmony Horsemanship Academy. I continue learning weekly with and from my horses with Samantha Rubio and Dr. Anna Boger at Misty Step Stables.

AAT in a therapeutic modality in which a mental health provider pursues additional rigorous training in species specific animal behaviors, animal training, additional training and supervision to integrate an animal in psychotherapy to benefit the client in achieving their clinical goals. Dr. Marcus has pursued the Animal Assisted Play Therapy training with Dr. Rise VanFleet.

It is an umbrella term used in many settings incorporating equine assisted interventions that may or may not include a trained therapeutic professional in them. Looking for an equine therapy program? Ensure that they are trained and accredited to offer the type of services they offer. Credible programs have professionals trained in disciplines such as physical, occupational or mental health therapy in addition to equine assisted therapy training.

EAP is a therapeutic modality where a mental health provider (masters or PhD level) offers psychotherapy/ counseling and pursues additional training and certification to successfully integrate this experiential approach with their clients. Dr. Ioana Marcus is primarily trained as a counselor/ therapist and pursued a post-graduate 2 year training with the Gestalt Equine Institute of the Rockies, Natural Lifemanship and EquiLateral (EA-EMDR) to provide her clients with the best outcomes.

Sessions may involve talking about concerns, similarly with traditional talk therapy, and will involve interacting and building a relationship with the horses in the here and now. Occasionally they may involve mounted work or riding if therapeutically relevant.

Session cost may vary depending on length but typical sessions are 53 minutes in length and cost $250. 

Lastly but not least, I believe in the value of giving back to the communities we live in, so I created HEART Space Fund (Human Equine Relational and Attachment Therapy) to support youth and families with a refugee or immigrant background ,or currently in the foster care system. I believe this allows us to support communities with less access to horses, nature and trauma-informed work.

While I don't accept insurance I will provide you with Superbills (including CPT codes and ICD 10 codes) to submit to your insurance for reimbursement as often as you choose.