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Do I have to have prior experience with horses?
Absolutely not! Whether you've only seen horses on TV or you own one yourself, our workshops are appropriate for your comfort level.
Are private sessions available?
YES. See our Private Sessions page for more infomation.
Can I request a custom workshop theme for my group?
YES. Call Carol Roush at 520-455-5058, or email carol@medicinhorseranch.com, and describe your interests.
What is EEL or EFEL?
EEL is an educational model, and the Epona Approach employs the emotional message chart, the false self/authentic self paradigm, the body scan, the boundary handout and other tools to assist clients in their personal awareness of feeling states, body sensations, boundaries and intrusive, destructive thoughts. At both the Epona Center and Medicine Horse Ranch, individuals are taught, through the Way of the Horse, to take their experiences home and make changes in their lives, if they choose. Our hope is that our clients can use these tools and experiences to change irrational thoughts and dysfunctional patterns, which have kept them stuck in a survival mentality, and help them shift them to move into a thriving place for more creative and productive lives.
Who attends EFEL workshops?
A variety of people attend our workshops, from individuals just looking to change an old behavior pattern to empty-nesters to hospice nurses to mother-daughter pairs and couples. The only requirement is that you have a sincere desire to connect with yourself, your source, and the horses.
Where shall I stay during my workshop?
Contact Carol Roush at 520-455-5058, or email carol@medicinehorseranch.com, for more information.
Are there books I can read if I want to learn more about EFEL?
The best place to start is The Tao of Equus by Linda Kohanov, but there are others out there.
How can I find an Epona Approved instructor in my region?
Take a look at the list of Epona Approved Instructors for one near you.
What's the cancellation/refund policy for workshops?
No refunds will be granted within 30 days of the workshop start date.
How much riding of horses is done during EFEL workshops?
Generally, no riding is done during EFEL workshops. Understanding your emotional guidance sytem and your connection with our horses is more easily done from the ground..
What's required to become a EFEL instructor/facilitator?
See our Facilitator Training page for more information.
In November 2003, ten apprentices completed the first Epona Apprenticeship Program to become Epona Approved Instructors. During a span of just over a year, a group of twelve carefully chosen professionals attend five one-week-long seminars to learn the theories and practices relevant to Equine Facilitated Experiential Learning (EFEL) and to participate in other activities where horses help humans reach a greater state of physical, emotional and spiritual balance.
Between seminars, apprentices have assignments to complete and phone consultations to attend. The entire program is designed to assist participants in discovering their unique gifts, honing their powers of adaptability and innovation, sharpening equestrian and facilitation skills, improving written and spoken communication skills, and carving out their own niche in this fast-growing, multi-faceted field.
Only apprenticeship program graduates who are qualified Mental Health Workers according to the regulations of the state where they will practice will qualify to integrate EFEL principles with their therapeutic or counseling approach. However, it is essential to distinguish between EFEL and mental health models, particularly the area of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP).
Psychotherapy is a long-term process involving one-on-one therapeutic sessions with a client and the therapist. It requires an intimate connection and at least weekly sessions. While qualified therapists apprenticing at Epona are assisted in examining how to integrate EFEL principles into an EFP Practice, psychotherapy is not taught in Epona programs.
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