WHATS A SCOPE OF PRACTICE?
A personal scope of practice defines the parameters and boundaries within which an individual can safely, ethically and competently practice in the field of equine facilitated wellness. It clearly indicates the level of Pro-EFW certification met or exceeded by the individual, as well as what that person is NOT qualified to do within the field of equine facilitated wellness. A broad range of human services professions (ex. social worker, teacher etc.), training and experience can be considered and included in determining an individual’s personal scope of practice.
Each individual will need to consider and define his/her personal scope of practice in the following three key areas:
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in working with people
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in working with equines
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in equine facilitated wellness.
All approved Pro-EFW Trainings will give you the confidence and ability you will need to practice Equine Facilitated Wellness within your own individual scope of practice and showcase to your clients and fellow practitioners the highest standard of code of ethics & principles in the Equine Facilitated Industry today!
The Role of the Equine
Do you desire to belong to a community that values what equines have to teach us and treats them as equal partners?
The equine is a sentient being, partner and co-facilitator in the equine facilitated relationship and process. The term “equine” is meant to include horses, donkeys and mules, as all of these animals have gifts to offer in the field of equine facilitated wellness. Equines have their own perceptions and emotions, and can also attune themselves to the presence and feelings of others. Through their remarkable sensitivity, perceptiveness, and intuition equines are able to offer valuable feedback and information to clients. It is crucial that they are able to express themselves spontaneously and freely through their actions and reactions when working with clients.
In order to support their equine partners in this field, it is incumbent upon human facilitators to be aware of the impact that this work may have on equines, and safeguard their physical, mental and emotional well-being at all times. They must ensure that their equine partners are treated respectfully and ethically, both within and outside of client sessions. Human partners need to understand that their equine partners are completely dependent upon their stewardship, and do their utmost to meet their psychological and physical needs.
Through their remarkable sensitivity, perceptiveness, and intuition equine support is able to offer valuable feedback and information to clients.
The Role of the Equine Facilitated Wellness Professional
In many situations it is desirable and even necessary for equine facilitated wellness practitioners to work together in a partnership. The role of the EFW team is to create a safe space in which clients are able to learn, experience, explore, and express themselves. In order for this to happen, it is important that the professionals complement one another’s knowledge, experience and skills, and that their relationship is based on mutual respect. It is also crucial that they have a shared understanding of equine facilitated wellness principles, ethics and values.
Working as a team allows practitioners greater freedom and flexibility in terms of the diversity of clients they may work with and the nature of services provided. For example, teams may be able to offer group sessions and workshops, as opposed to strictly working on a one-to-one basis with clients. The Scope of Practice statements and Levels of Expertise documents available on the website are useful documents to help the team determine the parameters of their combined services.
Pro-EFW Code of Ethics & Principles
This Code of Ethics is intended to be used as a guide by Pro-EFW members to assist them in providing equine facilitated wellness services that reflect the highest standards of ethical practice, professionalism and integrity. This Code is intended to be used in addition to other applicable professional codes (counselling, social work, nursing, etc.). The Code of Ethics is based on four principles that are fundamental to the practice of equine facilitated wellness.
There are four main principles that are fundamental to Pro-EFW philosophy and approach to working with equines and humans in equine facilitated wellness (EFW) activities.
These principles emphasize the importance of treating human and equine participants with respect, dignity, honesty and integrity. They also underscore the need to ensure the safety and well-being of human and equine participants in all EFW activities.
These principles form the foundation of Pro-EFW Code of Ethics, and are explored in greater detail in our Pro-EFW PDF Information Package.
Principle 1: Respect for the rights and dignity of all individuals – both human and equine – and the promotion of well-being for all participants
Principle 2: Professional Competence and sound judgment in the service of responsible caring for human and equine participants
Principle 3: Integrity and Honesty in relationships with human and equine participants
Principle 4: Responsibility to society and the equine facilitated wellness profession
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR THE CARE AND HANDLING OF EQUINES IN CANADA
This comprehensive new code was created over two years by the collaborative work from 18 horse industry representatives from across Canada. Pro-EFW supports the guidelines created and encourages all members to familiarize themselves with the material. The Equine Code will become a part of training beginning in 2014.
Go the website http://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/equine to download your complete copy.
IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION OR AN PRO-EFW TRAINER, MENTOR OR PROFESSIONAL, PLEASE PRINT OFF OUR PDF COMPLAINT FORM BELOW, EXPLAIN YOUR CONCERNS & MAIL OR EMAIL IT TO PRO-EFW HEAD OFFICE.
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.
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