Q: “Can I participate in sessions if I am suffering with an active mental health crisis that needs therapeutic attention?”
It is very important that clients understand that our programs are to be incorporated as a preventative to crisis and/or a maintenance practice to support wellness; NOT as therapy during crisis. For the sake of your welfare and others, I will always refer a client out of my scope and toward a recommended mental health specialist or psychotherapy program as needed AND/OR reserve the right to pause, delay, or refuse services if I observe concerning behaviors that may potentially pose a risk to the mental, emotional, or physical safety of myself or others.
Q: “Do I need to know anything about horses in order to participate?”
Absolutely not! We will help you to navigate every step of the way. Participants can engage in connection with the horse without knowledge about horsemanship. Connection happens in the heart, mind and spirit, which only requires your presence.
Q: “Is it ok if I am afraid of horses?”
YES. Having a fear of such a large and powerful animal is perfectly normal and common. There are so many ways to engage in sessions without compromising your personal sense of safety. Participants always have the freedom of choice in how far to push themselves through fear.
Q: “How do I pay for sessions?”
You may pay by the session upon arrival (just be sure you have RSVP’d or registered prior so we know to save a seat for you in group events.) Participants who prefer to pay on more of an ongoing basis for frequent attendance have the option of bundling sessions for a 5% discount. Otherwise, we accept cash, check, credit card and some electronic transactions via mobile app (TBD).
Q: “What is a typical session like?”
Typically for a one-hour session, participants begin with a brief grounding exercise and safety message followed by a period of herd observation from outside the paddock. At this point, the flow of remaining time depends on personal choices made by the participant. Sometimes an entire session occurs outside of the fence, while other times a participant is eager to have hands-on connection with the animals in the paddock. Oftentimes, participants choose to ease into the horse’s space and gently stand within the paddock but quietly existing at more of a distance. Those magical AHA moments are not something scripted, which is the whole point of the experience. Generally, after 40 minutes with the animals, we debrief the experience with casual dialogue in the barn before acknowledging your “take-aways” and intentions for follow-up.
Q: “What should I wear to a session?”
Participants should dress for comfort according to the weather for that day, keeping in mind the duration of time they will be on-site. Closed-toe shoes such as athletic shoes or boots are required. No bare feet, sandals, slides, Crocs, or flip-flops will be allowed in session. Typically if the grounds are muddy or holding water from recent rains, you will be notified prior and reminded to wear waterproof gear for your session time.
Q: “What should I bring to a session?”
Some participants prefer to bring a journal and pen for private reflection time before or after sessions, which is fine. You may want to bring a snack and water for after your session. We provide bug repellent, basic OTC meds and First Aid remedies as needed, but please bring whatever items necessary to otherwise accommodate personal needs.
Q: “Can I bring my children to my session and have them wait somewhere until I am finished?”
I’m sorry but no children are allowed on the premises during sessions unless they are registered participants/clients. As much as we love kiddos, we simply cannot take on the risks involved with having unsupervised minors present. We also value the potential experience of each session and guard the serenity and space for you to focus without distraction during your time.
Q: “It’s so peaceful out there; can I bring a guest to just enjoy the grounds while I’m in session?”
Again, I’m sorry but no additional guests are allowed on the premises during sessions unless they are registered participants/clients (for pretty much all the same reasons as stated above and more).
Q: “I notice that you have a personal background of Catholic Christian faith, but I do not share the same religious beliefs. May I participate in this program without facilitation guided from a faith-based perspective?”
Absolutely! Please rest assured that I consider it my professional responsibility to practice awareness, acceptance, and consideration with each client according to whatever background they are coming from. Out of respect for client individuality and overall best practices, spiritual-based content is reserved for retreats and intensive services upon request only. As a fair and unbiased practitioner, it is my job to remain unassuming and objective while fully engaged in each client’s participation, regardless of how my spirituality personally enhances my well-being. It is my belief that we each have our own story, and it is not my place to scribble on anyone else’s, as we are all simply a work in progress.
**Disclosure of Non Discrimination: We have a zero tolerance policy for participants who, at any time in our company as a practice, threaten, attack, or cause mental, emotional or physical harm to others for one’s personal beliefs regarding religion, race, economic status, or any other marginalizing factor that one may use to discredit a fellow participant, employee, guest, etc.**
Beyond Reins 