F.A.Q.s About coaching and equine assisted services

No, I can't bill insurance for trauma recovery coaching services.

We are located in Independence Oregon. Ten minute drive west of Salem, one hour south of the Portland area, one hour North (just off 99w) of Eugene area. Albany, Stayton, and Keizer are all within a thirty minute drive time too. I do not give out the specific address until I book and in person session with a client for privacy purposes. 

We will schedule a free 30-minute discovery Zoom call. This is not a coaching session, rather, we will talk briefly about what struggles you are currently experiencing, and I'll explain what trauma recovery coaching is and what I can do for you. If we decide to move forward after 30 minutes, you will then select what coaching package would be right for you and fill out the required forms.

For the most part I work with clients over the age of 18. In some cases, I can work with minors between the ages of 14-17 as long as both parents are on board with their child's involvement in trauma recovery coaching sessions and both give written consent. 

It can be similar in some ways, but it is different in a lot of ways. Trauma recovery coaching is facilitated by a coach trained and certified by the IAOTRC. As a coach we help clients identify how trauma is affecting them today and help them set recovery goals to move toward the future they desire. We create a big picture view of our client's story by mapping out a framework from their past experiences, but our focus is in the now. We do not prescribe medication or diagnose mental/medical disorders. You could think of a coach a really good friend, who listens closely, who really gets you, who happens to be highly trauma trained and can help teach you and guide you. 

There are similarities and skill overlap but these two types of coaches are also very different. Life coaches focus on setting goals and motivating clients to reach those goals by holding them accountable. Trauma recovery coaches also help clients set goals but these goals usually pertain to recovering from trauma, connecting to emotions/sensations, healing relationships, examining generational trauma, and psychoeducation. We create an attuned relationship with our clients to walk along side them in their personal healing journey. We encourage, validate, connect and educate our clients to gently motivate them in moving toward their goals rather than holding them accountable. 

Clients must have a device that can connect to Zoom and good enough internet connection to have both audio and video turned on at all times. Clients must also be focused on their session and be in a "public appropriate" state. Pajamas welcome, but please, refrain from using the restroom, showering, driving, or purely focusing on other tasks.

Clients will first need to go through the initial intake sessions online. Usually this is about 3-4 sessions. Then, as your coach, I will determine if this modality is appropriate/safe for this specific client. Attending all intake sessions does not entitle clients to in person sessions. There are some clothing requirements, such as solid shoes. Clients must also be able to walk out to where the horses are, not all areas are wheelchair accessible due to the nature of the work we do here. I would be happy to give referrals to the clients who are in need of a facility that can accommodate their needs.

No, our work is ground based. I find it to be more inclusive of the clients who fit into my scope of practice. I think it puts clients in a better position to experience an authentic way of building a relationship with their equine partner. I also have found it to be lower pressure on the horses and clients.

No, for the safety of all we do not allow for unsupervised time with the horses. We do however have independent contractor positions open from time to time, but this typically revolves around other care for the horses such as cleaning stalls, stacking hay and cleaning up brush.

Sessions are 60 minutes long, 50 face to face minutes and 10 minutes for note taking. We typically see clients once a week or once every other week. Some clients need to have two sessions a week depending on their situation. Some clients see the same coach for years and some only need 12 or so sessions. It really depends on the clients specific needs.