Would you like to enhance your growth, learning and wellness through partnering with equines? Then you might be ready to become a Certified Equine Facilitated Wellness Professional!
Pro-EFW Professional Designations
Please note that regardless of professional and personal backgrounds, there is a need for specialized training and certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness for everyone.
Equine Facilitated Wellness Professionals Can Be Certified In The Following:
Mental Health Professionals (MHP) have credentials and experience in the mental health/human services field, and are members of a professional association. They have training and experience in the field of EFW, as well as cross-training in equine behaviour and safety. MH Professionals may partner with Equine Professionals (EP) when engaging in EFW work. However, depending on their Scope of Practice and Levels of Expertise in working with equines, Mental Health Professionals may work one-on-one with clients.
The Role of The Mental Health Professional:
● To infuse and integrate Pro-EFW Principles and Ethics into your Mental Health practice, working with equines as co-facilitators.
● To be an informed voice and advocate in the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness, regarding a relational way of being with equines and each other, by incorporating and advocating the use of Pro-EFW Principles and Ethics of mutual respect, building trust and safety.
● To be a co-facilitator with an Equine Professional. Depending on the make-up of your team and the goals of your clients, your sessions could come from a psychotherapeutic perspective or could be more focused on the dynamics of building the equine-human relationship.
● To be a co-facilitator with a Learning Professional working in the realm of Equine Facilitated Wellness. Again, depending on your team and the goals of your clients, you may be focusing the EFW session with more of a psycho-therapeutic focus or from a Learning/coaching perspective.
● To be a Peer Expert offering the practice of active listening, communication skills, facilitation skills, human development, mindfulness, resiliency and/or group dynamics for EP and/or LP candidates in their Cross Training requirements.
Learning Professionals (LP) have credentials and experience in areas such as education, human services, nursing, life coaching, team building, business coaching, leadership training, literacy training, etc., and may be members of a professional association (if applicable). They have training and experience in the field of EFW, as well as cross-training in equine behaviour and safety. Learning Professionals may partner with an EP when engaging in EFW work. However, depending on their Scope of Practice and Levels of Expertise in working with equines, Learning Professionals may work one-on-one with clients.
The Role of The Learning Professional:
● To infuse and integrate the Pro-EFW Principles and Ethics into your coaching, education, personal growth, business development and/or life skills practice, working with equines as co-facilitators.
● To be an informed voice and advocate in the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness, regarding a relational way of being with equines and each other, by incorporating and advocating the use of Pro-EFW Principles and Ethics of mutual respect, building trust and safety.
● To be a co-facilitator with an Equine Professional; Depending on the make-up of your team and the goals of your clients, your sessions could come from a coaching, educational, personal growth or business development perspective or be more focused on the dynamics of building the equine-human relationship.
● To be a co-facilitator with a Mental Health Professional working in the realm of Equine Facilitated Wellness. Again, depending on your team and the goals of your clients, you may be focusing the EFW session more from a Learning perspective or possibly with a psychotherapeutic focus.
● Offering practice of coaching, group dynamics, leadership, motivational techniques, teaching skills, business development, organizational and/or communication skills to MHP and LP candidates in their Cross Training requirements.
Equine Professional (EP) have credentials and experience related to working with equines are required, as well as having garnered cross-training in the mental health/human services and/or education fields. EFW training is considered to be an adjunct to your existing professional background with equines, not a stand-alone training. Equine Professionals may work in a variety of ways with a range of clients depending on their Scope of Practice and Levels of Expertise.
The Role of The Learning Professional:
● To infuse EFW principles and ethics into horsemanship and riding activities
● Be an informed voice and advocate in the equine community educating about a relational way of being with equines by incorporating and advocating the use of EFW principles and ethics.
● To be a co-facilitator with a Mental Health Professional (MHP) working in the realm of equine facilitated mental health and related issues.These sessions may have a psychotherapeutic focus.
● To be a co-facilitator with a Learning Professional (LP) working in the realm of equine facilitated learning.
● Be a Peer Expert offering groundwork and horsemanship lessons for MHP and LP candidates in their Cross Training requirements.
● If you are going to offer mounted work you must have the appropriate qualifications or be assisted by a Riding Instructor who has riding within their Scope of Practice.
Dually Certified EFW professionals are those who meet EFW certification requirements for both the MHP and EP, or LP and EP designations.
Tri Certified EFW professionals are those who have achieved certification in all three designations. Dually and tri certified practitioners are fully qualified to ensure the safety and well-being of both clients and equines in equine facilitated activities, and they are able to work with clients within the limits defined by their scope of practice without having another professional present. However, if they want to go beyond their scope of practice, they must partner with another EFW professional who complements their knowledge, experience and skills.
Pro-EFW Certification Outline
Thank you for your interest in Pro-EFW certification. We are proud of our certification which maintains high standards for the practice of Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW). The association was formed by a group of independent professionals across Canada, who came together to develop the philosophy and principles that guide safe practice for our equines and the public. One of the first distinctions of the approach is that the equine is understood as a sentient being.
The certification may seem rigorous, it prepares professionals for high-quality competent practice, either as a Pro-EFW Equine Professional, Mental Health Professional or Learning Professional depending on your area of practice and expertise.
The Pro-EFW certification process offers:
Flexibility of time -The certification process is a journey that will take a minimum of 2 years, with spaces in between your training for integration and practice. There is no time limit to complete the Pro-EFW certification process.
Possibility of seeing clients while completing your certification.
The ability to work alone with clients when your scope of practice supports your area of expertise.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites can be completed concurrently with certification process. The certification is an adjunct training process that complements and expands your existing profession. You must have training and experience in one of the streams of EP, LP or MHP either when entering the certification process or by the time you apply for certification.
Learn more…
Click the drop downs of each designation below.
Equine Professional
Credentialing: Diploma / Portfolio – Can be completed concurrently with certification process
Applied Professions: Equestrian Canada, CanTRA, Centered Riding, etc.; OR completion of a portfolio detailing one’s experience, including supporting documentation from two professionals in the equine industry.
Experience: 2500 Hours
Professional Association Membership: If applicable
Professional Liability Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is mandatory when practicing
Learning Professional
Credentialing: Diploma/Degree/ Portfolio – Can be completed concurrently with certification process
Applied Professions: Teacher, Educational Assistant, Nurse, Life Coach, Addictions Counsellor, Social Worker, Child and Youth Care or a related field of coaching, teaching or leadership.
Experience: 2500 Hours
Professional Association Membership: If applicable
Professional Liability Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is mandatory when practicing
Mental Health Professional
Credentialing: A a master’s degree minimum and being an approved member of a recognized professional regulatory body or a provincial/territorial college, that oversees professional conduct of its members with regard to the scope of the practice of the member in the area of mental health. You may be asked to provide written confirmation from your professional regulatory body or a provincial/territorial college that supports your scope of practice as a mental health professional within that organization.
Applied Professions:
- Clinical Counsellor
- Psychotherapist
- Clinical Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Art Therapist
- Music Therapist
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Medical Doctor with Psychotherapy training
- Clinical Social Worker
- Child and Youth Care Professional
For professionals who have a bachelor’s degree and are currently practicing in the field of mental health:
Pro-EFW is following the jurisdiction of professional regulatory bodies and provincial colleges to determine the qualifications of Mental Health Professionals. If you are an Addictions Counsellor, Social Worker or Child and Youth Worker practicing with a BA and you are an approved member of a professional regulatory body or a provincial/territorial college that oversees professional conduct of its members, with regard to the scope of the practice of the member in the area of mental health, you may consider applying for Mental Health Professional. You will need to provide written confirmation from your professional regulatory body or a provincial/territorial college that supports your scope of practice as a mental health professional within that organization.
Our prerequisites are not meant to exclude people but to ensure the highest quality and accountability in the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness.
Experience: 2500 Hours
Professional Association Membership: Required
Professional Liability Insurance: Comprehensive insurance is mandatory when practicing
Pro-EFW Trainings
Pro-EFW Trainers are independent and set their own prices for mentoring. You can review all Pro-EFW Trainers at: www.equinefacilitatedwellness.org/training
Explorations
Duration: 30 hours approx. $650 + tax
Intention
- Offer an introduction to the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW)
Covers topics such as
✓ Pro-EFW philosophy, principles and ethics;
✓ role of the equine as a sentient being;
✓ safety considerations when working with equines and humans.
This training may be offered as a combination of distance learning (on-line) and on-site training
Foundations
Duration: 30 hours approx. $1600 +tax
Intention
- Teach core EFW concepts, principles, ethics and safety considerations.
- Provide opportunities to engage in experiential exercises, interactions with equines and practice sessions.
- Create an initial individualized Scope of Practice statement outlining what can and cannot be incorporated into candidates EFW practice.
It is optimal for candidates to allow themselves enough time to absorb, integrate and begin practicing the concepts and approaches learned in the training before attending Focus Training.
At this point participants must apply for certification if they wish to work towards their Pro-EFW Certification and be considered candidates as opposed to participating in Focus Training for their own personal growth.
Focus
DURATION: 35 hours approx. $1600 +tax
Intention
- Further develops and explores EFW concepts, principles, ethics and safety considerations.
- Includes practice sessions and hands-on opportunities.
- Candidates outline the areas where additional experience and/or training is needed to meet identified training and education goals in their Certification Progress Plan.
- Candidates identify their appropriate Levels of Expertise.
Pre Requisites:
- Submit Personal Progress Plan 2 weeks prior to Focus Training
Complete1 hour of mentorship prior to Focus Training with your Pro-EFW Trainer
Integration
Duration: 35 hours approx. $1500 +tax
Intention
- Provides candidates the opportunity to integrate their EFW knowledge, experience and skills into their particular area of expertise.
- Ensures that candidate’s professional requirements (eg. confidentiality, compliance with relevant ethical codes, record keeping, etc.) are being met.
- Helps candidates update Scope of Practice and Personal Progress Plan, outlining the areas where additional experience and/or training is needed to meet identified training and education goals.
Pre Requisites:
- Submit Scope of Practice draft, 2 weeks prior to Integration Training
- Submit Personal Progress Plan, 2 weeks prior to Integration Training
- Complete hour 2 of mentorship prior to Integration Training with your Pro-EFW Trainer
Complete 15 hours of practice in EFW
With Mentor Guidance
click the drop downs below to learn more
Mentoring Sessions
10 hrs – cost $80 to $150 /hour at the discretion pf the trainer/mentor
- Minimum 10 hours of mentoring with a Pro-EFW Trainer or Mentor to discuss: session evaluations, case consultations, discussing difficult clients and/or reviewing your Scope of Practice, completion of EFW Skills documents and practice hours, etc.
- At the request of the certification candidate or at the discretion of the Pro-EFW Trainer/Mentor, more than 10 mentoring hours may be required.
- Minimum of 4 of the 10 mentorship hours must be with your Pro-EFW Trainer.
- 4 session evaluations must be submitted to your Pro-EFW Trainer or Mentor.
- Mentorship hours with your Pro-EFW Trainer/Mentor may be completed in person, by phone, or video conference and can be supported with email contact.
- After Foundations Training, certification candidates are expected to practice under the supervision of a Pro-EFW Trainer or Mentor.
Each Pro-EFW Trainer and/or Mentor charges an hourly fee for the mentorship hours and sets their own fee, please confirm this fee with your Pro-EFW Trainer/Mentor.
EFW Skills Checklist
- Outlines skills needed to safely and ethically practice EFW, such as safety, horsemanship, EFW and forms / procedures.
- Short written and video submissions required to demonstrate competence.
- The skills required will vary depending on what designation you are seeking: MHP, LP, or EP.
Practice Hours
85 hours
Practice hours may include:
- Maximum of 20 hours assisting a Pro-EFW Professional with group facilitation during workshops or training. (NB: Only time spent facilitating may be counted).
- Maximum of 15 hours in practice sessions with other Pro-EFW certification candidates or Peer Experts.
- Must be direct client contact in EFW sessions, either individual or group. Does not include planning, debriefing or note taking.
- 15 practice hours must be completed prior to Integration
- Pro-EFW Trainer/Mentor does not have to be present during sessions
Certification candidates are expected to work under the supervision of an approved Pro-EFW Trainer/Mentor.
Scope of Practice
Defines your credentials and experience
- working with people
- working with equines
- working in the field of EFW
Identifies
- EP’s Level of Expertise working with people or MHP/LP’s Level Expertise working with equines
- Areas NOT qualified to provide services and referral procedure
- Informed consent
- Professional liability and /commercial or comprehensive insurance
Your Scope of Practice will evolve after subsequent training, education, experience and practice.
Additional Requirements
Current Standard First Aid
Pro-EFW membership in good standing
You can become a Pro-EFW member and support our community Here
Agreement to abide by Pro-EFW Code of Ethics
You can read more about Pro-EFW Ethics and Principles Here
Professional and/Comprehensive or Commercial Liability Insurance
Certification Candidates are eligible to apply for insurance after Foundations Training.
Appropriate insurance is required in order to practice.
Recommendation for Certification as a Pro-EFW Professional
Once you have completed all of the required training and requirements, your Pro-EFW Trainer/Mentor will make an attestation and recommendation for your certification to be submitted with your Final Certification package to review.
Maintaining Certification
- Participate in 20 hours of education related to EFW every 3 years and submit records of content and attendance.
- Maintain a signed agreement to indicate you will continue to abide by Pro-EFW’s Code of Ethics.
- Update Scope of Practice Agreements as changes occur, or at a minimum of every two years.
- Renew your Pro-EFW certification yearly (includes Pro-EFW membership).
- Maintain Professional credentials and memberships as applicable.
- Demonstrate ongoing proof of insurance.
- Maintain your Standard First Aid Certification.
Certified Pro-EFW Professionals must maintain the above requirements and renew their certification yearly to maintain membership and remain on the Pro-EFW website.
Our Pro-EFW Membership and Certification Renewal Year is from April 1 to March 31.
If you would like to be a general member and supporter of Pro-EFW, click here.
Certification candidates must renew their $40 Pro-EFW Membership yearly as they work through the certification process. Click here to become a member and/or to renew.
To apply for certification click here and you will be prompted to pay both the certification application fee and your Pro-EFW membership.
You must renew your certification annually. The $40 Pro-EFW Membership is included in your renewal fee, which will vary depending on your certification.
Click here to renew your certification.
The Certification Portal is accessable to Pro-EFW Members who have previously purchased their certification application and are working through the Pro-EFW Certification Process click the button below to access the portal.
To purchase the certification application
click here.
