EAGALA stands for the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, and their website can be found here:
Fresh Steps EAP is not only an EAGALA Distinguished Program Member, but has always promoted and adhered to the EAGALA code of ethics. This includes having both a Licensed Mental Health Professional and and Equine Specialist. (See earlier blogs). This isn't about being on a 'high-horse' about what EAP should be, rather, it is about protecting the public. It is common sense that you would go to a specialist in the medical field, and this is no different. You should look for someone who is licensed (or license eligible under the supervision of a licensed professional) any time you need mental health services.
Certainly, only a licensed professional can bill you insurance, but it isn't just about funding. Licensing exists to provide an avenue for lodging complaints if a licensee is not providing ethical care. Without a license, if you are unhappy or worse, hurt in some way, it is just too bad. Sorry, no refunds, no recourse. Just learn to live with it.
Therapist work hard to acquire their licenses, and are very proud to have it. If they decide to move away, their license is often transferable to another state, because the standards are often the same. The same is true for credentialing in such a specialty as Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. When you hire someone to guide you through this amazing process, you want to know that your team is certified and knows what they are doing! An Equine Specialist not only has specialized training with communicating with horses and interpreting behaviors, but also to use this information in mental health.
Both human members of the team invest in themselves to be trained through EAGALA, and maintain continuing education requirements and pay for their membership to the organization. If they do not adhere to the ethics of EAP, a complaint could be lodged against them, and they could not only lose their membership, but also their credential. This is a huge investment in both time and money, and would not be taken lightly! Continuing education is provided by EAGALA who also approves of seminars by members for members. I can't say enough about how important continuing education is. It makes sure that your providers are giving you the best possible care with the most up-to-date treatment methods available. Since EAP is so new, this is even more important.
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