Frequently Asked Questions
Please thoroughly read through these questions prior to contacting my practice. It often saves all of us a great deal of confusion.
Do you give riding lessons?
The answer to this is yes and no. EAP and EAL are NOT riding lessons in the traditional sense. We realize that riding lessons in Los Alamos County are difficult to find, but we are not a "riding school" and we don't have a "lesson program". Equine Assisted Learning can very much be similar to what many people believe that riding lessons are. On a weekly basis a client would have the opportunity to interact with a horse on the ground and (if safety appropriate) in the saddle. If you want more information about this opportunity, please reach out to us directly phone, text, or email. You may find additional information about this service HERE.
Can I use my own horse for this service?
No. My equine partners are chosen specifically for their personalities, abilities, background, temperament, and my knowledge of them and their comfort zones. The previously established relationships between myself and my horses allows me to keep my clients as safe as possible. While you and your horse WILL benefit with skills gained through EAP or EAL, I am not able to offer services with anything other than my own herd at this time.
Do I get to choose the horse I work with?
My choice of horse for your session is not random. Each horse is an individual with unique things to teach you. Falling in love with an online photo and bio is a bit like online dating. In the end, you're much better off being matched by a set of character traits, values, and goals.
What age(s) of client do you work with?
I work only with clients ages 13 and up. I see clients for individual counseling. I do not offer family therapy, couples therapy, or team building exercises at this time.
Do you work with special needs clients?
Due to the treatment team necessary to provide for the safety of clients with Autism, Cerebral Palsy or other special needs diagnoses, I am able to offer services to these clients on a case by case basis depending upon the scope of care necessary to maintain client safety. I often refer clients to New Mexico Center for Therapeutic Riding for services outside my scope of practice. Please feel free to contact them here.
More FAQs
Do you take health insurance?
I am considered an "out of network" provider for most insurance companies, meaning that I do not accept insurance payments for my services. Sessions are cash pay only. Some insurance providers will reimburse you for my services. Any information regarding coverage, claims submission, or other questions regarding your health insurance must be obtained through your insurance company by calling the number on your insurance card. If you intend to apply for reimbursement, please ask me for the appropriate superbill receipt at the time of service and I will email one to you.
What should I wear to my session?
Clients are asked to wear closed toe, sturdy shoes or boots with a low heel, and long pants to their sessions. Shirts should be modest and include a sleeve of some sort to protect at least the shoulders and upper arms. Helmets MUST be worn at ALL times while working on the ground or on horseback. If you do not own a ASTM/SEI helmet, you will be provided with one. Non equestrian helmets are not approved for interaction with horses and will not be permitted.
What if the weather is bad?
New Mexico has notoriously unpredictable weather. If I must cancel for weather, I will make the effort to reschedule in the same week. If you do not hear from me regarding weather, dress appropriately in layers and expect to be outside.
Can I visit your barn to check it out?
I'm sorry, but no. When not working, the horses need their down time. In addition, therapy sessions are confidential and protected by HIPAA. Random visits to the club facility where sessions take place are strictly prohibited. All visits must be scheduled. We occasionally host open house or "Open Barn" events in conjunction with planned stable community activities or other events.
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The privacy of my clients is of the utmost importance to me. While I protect my clients' verbal communication, personal health information, and clinical notes as outlined by HIPAA regulations, a client's visual privacy cannot be guaranteed. Sessions take place at a club owned, private facility and there could be other club members and/or other arriving or departing clients who may or may not see you there. Please assist in respecting others' privacy by only visiting the facility for your sessions.
Can I "try out" your program to see if I like it?
Equine Assisted Therapy services are like any other counseling service. If you are uncertain if this method or this clinician will be a fit for you, please contact me in order to schedule an intake appointment in order to check it out.
I am a long time equestrian. Would these services be appropriate for me?
The success of any therapeutic modality is never certain. Much of whether or not a client feels the therapy is "working" has to do with attitude and a willingness to be open minded. The best way to discover the answer is to schedule an intake appointment and discover for yourself.
My family would like to see what this is about. Can they come with me and watch?
While I understand the curiosity, client sessions are for working in the therapeutic environment. I must ask that only the client be present for these sessions. We occasionally host open house style events in coordination with Los Alamos County Stables events such as Stroll the Stables or the Luminaria Walk. If your family would like to visit during a public event, they are certainly welcome!