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Find answers to common questions about our training programs, certification, and next steps in your career. If you need further clarification, we’re here to help every step of the way.
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Can I train with you if I am not a registered Counsellor, Psychologist, Social Worker or other mental health professional?
Yes, you train as an Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner, offering social emotional learning programs, personal development or professional development programs (such as team building and leadership) with horses. Find out more here.
How do I apply?
Head to our Apply Now page and enter your details, plus the name of the program you are interested in. We will then email you an Application Form to complete and return to us.
Once you have emailed your completed form to us, we will confirm your place in the training. You then will receive a Welcome Letter with further information regarding the training, location, etc.
Can the EAP Foundation Training be utilised as accrued CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points?
Yes! The ACA, PACFA, AASW and APS accept the training as CPD.
I have completed a Certificate II, III or IV in equine studies, mental health, or community services, can I train as an equine therapist?
You need to be a registered mental healthcare professional. You need to have a Diploma in Counselling with current registration with ACA (or similar) or a degree or Masters level qualification and current registration as a counsellor, psychotherapist, social worker, psychologist, psychiatrist, credentialed mental health nurse or MH occupational therapist, in order to train in our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy training.
If you are not trained and registered as above, you can train as an Equine Assisted Learning practitioner, offering social emotional learning, personal development, and professional development programs with horses, not, therapy with horses.
I am an experienced MH Practitioner (e.g. psychologist, social worker, psychotherapist), do I have to complete the entire 15 days or 40 online classes foundation program, or can I apply for credits or RPL (recognised prior learning)?
The Foundation Training Program is a specialist and unique psychotherapy model, and all practitioners need to learn the theory, principles, practices and unique ethics regarding EAP.
No previous training will teach you what the EPI Model Training teaches you. Hence, there are no applications for RPL and all students complete all the foundation training and supervision components.
When and Where do you run your next EAP/EAT/EAL Training Program?
Check out the Training Calendar to find out when the training you are interested is running in Australia and Internationally, or online.
If you do not find a program or dates you are looking for, just email the Institute and ask about upcoming training in your state/country.
You can also sign up for our training updates email.
Are you an RTO?
The Institute is not a registered training organisation. We are an independent specialist training centre delivering specialist training in EAP (EAT/ EAMH) and EAL for over 13 years. Our focus is on helping students develop the foundation skills and core competencies required to offer safe, professional, ethical and inspirational EAP and EAL and AAP (AATx) and AAL (AAE) services.
The Institute trainers are experienced mental health practitioners with a wealth of professionalism and experience in human healthcare, equine studies, animal studies and an ambassador for animal rights, welfare, and animal wellbeing.
Becoming an RTO does not guarantee an experienced and sophisticated curriculum or training experience for students. Integrity, experience, professionalism and ethics supports best practice training programs.
PACFA has accredited our training in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and promote it as an Advanced Specialist training. Advanced Specialist training is for PACFA members who are already registered (and meet the PACFA registration requirements (which is degree-level qualification, in counselling and/or psychotherapy from approved universities and training centres). Visit here for further information – https://www.pacfa.org.au/
The Institute is also a proud member of IAHAIO.
How can I stay in Contact with the Institute and hear about upcoming Training Programs?
If you wish to updates about our upcoming events, trainings, and any news, please subscribe to our email list.
How can I learn more about the Institute Model before committing to the Training Program?
1 Day Intro Course
Attend our 1 Day “Introduction to Equine Assisted Therapy” which is delivered throughout the year in Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.
This is the best way to learn more about the field of EAP and EAL practice, and the EPI Model. Find out more on our 1 Day Workshops.
Text Book
You can also purchase Meggin Kirby’s textbook – “An Introduction to Equine Assisted Psychotherapy: principles, theory and practice of the Equine Psychotherapy Institute model.”
You can buy it as a paperback or eBook at most online book retailers, including:
How can I find out more?
You are welcome to email or call the Institute on 0437 882 600 to find out more.
You may also like to check out the Testimonials we have received from students.
Why do EAL’s learn alongside EAP’s and learn psychotherapy principles and practices?
EAL Practitioners are trained in a psychotherapy model to:
- Ensure client safety (emotional and physical safety). If clients are triggered into deeper psychological processes, the EAL Practitioner is skilled in basic counselling and psychotherapy skills, trauma sensitive practice and skills to resource, ground and re-focus sessions back within the clients’ ‘window of tolerance’.
- Ensure practitioners begin their Personal Work. EAL’s begin deeper personal development in the training and have the opportunity to know their personal patterns well (counter-transference issues) that impact on client safety and professionalism if left unconscious or un-aware. That way EAL’s have an opportunity to be aware and skilful practitioners.
- So EAL’s have the exposure to clinical practice and psychotherapy practice which can provide an opportunity (for those inclined) to choose to further develop their skills and qualifications, via pursuing further education and registration as a Counsellor, Psychotherapist, Social Worker or Psychologist, for example.
Ask us!
Call us on 0437 882 600 or email and ask questions!
Once I have completed the training, can I still access support from the Institute?
We value connection, so once you are trained, you will be a part of our community of practitioners across Australia, NZ and internationally.
Here is how we can support you once you have finished foundation training:
- Invitation to attend an EPI Network Meeting free of charge
- Join our closed EPI Facebook group, where we share all things health wellbeing, horses, EAT/EAP/EAL/EFL
- EPI Conferences
- Advanced Trainings (i.e. Trauma, Working with Children, Addictions and much more)
- Supervision and Mentoring
We are open to suggestions from our community of practitioners about what they want and need to stay connected.
Do you accept Payment Plans?
The Institute is committed to supporting people to receive professional and ethical training in the fields of equine assisted learning and equine assisted psychotherapy, so always do our best to work with you and your budgeting.
You are welcome to email us to request a payment plan. We will consider all requests.
Want more information?
If you have any questions, contact us to find out more.
What are the theoretical underpinnings of your EAP/EAL/AAP/AAL Foundation training?
EAAPI/ Meg Kirby offers a unique integration of the following theoretical perspectives and approaches
- Humanistic psychotherapy pillars include phenomenology and phenomenological method
- I Thou Relationship & I-Thou Dialogue
- Trauma-informed theory & practice
- Gestalt Therapy
- Mindfulness Psychotherapy
- Buddhist Psychotherapy including radical kindness and compassion practices
- Somatic Experiencing and Somatic Psychotherapy
- Horse Wisdom, Animal Wisdom and Nature Wisdom – Meg Kirby / EAAPI IP
- Theory of Horse / Animals as Change Agent – Meg Kirby / EAAPI IP
- Research on Animal Assisted Services, Equine Assisted Services
- Human-Animal Bond, Animal Studies, Animal Welfare & Enrichment
- Relational Psychotherapy Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
- And more!
Do I have to adopt the Theory of Change and practice methodology to train and complete with the Institute?
For example, if I am a life coach, would I have to learn a new methodology? If I am a psychoanalyst, will I have to adopt another methodology? If I am a DBT specialist, will I have to adopt another methodology?
The short answer is yes – we will teach you how to add another arm to your service provision and to your business, so that you can meet more of your clients’ needs and offer our relationally-focused, trauma-informed, ethical and science based approach.
Can I train if I don’t have my own horse or horses?
Yes, you can! You need to build a safe relationship with appropriate horses over your training journey. That might include horses who live with your colleagues, friends, neighbours, community members, agistment centres and so forth. Your supervisor will support you in this journey as needed, and the education material will guide and support your choices moving forward.
Do you have payment plan?
The Institute is committed to supporting people to receive professional and ethical training in the fields of equine and animal assisted learning, and, equine and animal assisted psychotherapy, so always do our best to work with you and your budgeting.
You are welcome to email us to suggest a payment plan. We will consider all requests.
Our Foundation Training fees are $6,600 (inc GST). We offer three instalments of $2,200 (inc GST). If you wish to liaise around a payment plan, please enquire, and we will do our best to see what is possible given your circumstances. Our self-paced (online on-demand) training cannot accommodate payment plans.
Are my 6 Education Support and Supervision sessions included in the course fees?
Yes, your Education Support and Supervision (ESS) sessions are included in our course fees.
Can I train if I live overseas, or interstate, and not near the Institute?
Yes! We have lots of online solutions for you, including our online live interactive class format, and our online self-paced, on-demand format. Some students fly in and train in Australia for three weeks to attend our in-person immersion training. We have options for everyone.
Is accommodation included in the immersion training fees?
Accommodation is not included in education, training and supervision fees. We provide a comprehensive list of accommodation options around Daylesford and the Hepburn Shire, to meet your needs for budget-friendly, medium and luxury accommodation options. Daylesford is a picturesque town, renowned for a variety of accommodations, eateries, boutiques, walks and mineral spa opportunities.
I trained with you between 2011 and 2024. Can I complete my training with you and receive a completion certificate?
Yes! We have a ‘Late Completion’ policy that supports students to complete. In a nutshell, this includes 6 submissions, demonstrating your practice, and 6 supervision sessions. The policy and your elected supervisor will support you through the submission requirements.
I am an enrolled student, and I don’t know what to do for my submissions and supervision, my ESS! Can you help me?
Head to the learning portal and review the page titled ‘ESS, Submission & Self-Reflection pack in the Module 1,2 and 3. Email us when you are ready with the submission requirements for Session 1 and you will be matched with a EAAPI Faculty for supervision and real-time feedback on your submission and guidance for future submissions.
Can I choose my Supervisor?
We will take your preferences into consideration and do our best to match you with the faculty member you prefer, however, this is not always possible. Have a look at the “Our Story” page on the website to meet the faculty, and their special interests, qualification and experience.
Who are EAAPI Supervisors and ESS providers?
Education Support and Supervision sessions are provided by EAAPI faculty. You can take a look at their bios here.
I completed my training with you as an EAL, and have now obtained a counselling / social work / psychology / allied health qualification. What do I need to do to receive my EAP certificate from you?
Congratulations! The important thing that you need to do is email the Institute proof of your membership / registration with the relevant peak professional body AND complete our ‘EAL to EAP transition policy’ requirements . In a nutshell, this includes completing a further 6 ESS Education Support Supervision Sessions with faculty supervisor (includes 6 video practical submissions) demonstrating EAP practical skills. Please email admin@equinepsychotherapy.net.