160 Bahns Mill Rd. Red Lion Pa. 17356 patti@peacellc.org/ www.peacellc.org
EQUINE ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) sessions are scheduled on an ongoing basis. Each session lasts fifty minutes. All regularly scheduled sessions are the responsibility of the client. Either the therapist or the client may end the therapy relationship. If at any time the client feels that their needs are not being met, a discussion with the client and the therapist will take place and adjustments to the therapy treatment plan will be made. Teamwork and success of therapy depend on it.
The licensed therapists for Peace protect the confidentiality of the communications with clients. Information will only be released with written permission or be requested by the court system through a court order. There are some situations that may arise which would require
PEACE to be legally obligated to breach confidentiality in order to protect others from harm.
There are limits to confidentiality. Some are required by law, and others are required or implied by professional ethics. In general, the law protects the confidentiality of all communication between clients and therapist and information is only released about the work with the client’s written permission. However, there are some exceptions to this.
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If information is brought to our attention that indicates a child is being abused, PEACE must report that to the appropriate Maryland/ Pennsylvania state agency.
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If a client is an imminent risk to him/her or makes threats of imminent violence against another person or animal, protective actions will take place.
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PEACE is legally required to take protective action and reveal some information about the client if required by the appropriate Maryland/Pennsylvania state agency.
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In most judicial (legal) proceedings, the client has the right to prevent the therapist from providing any information about treatment. However, in some circumstances such as child custody proceedings ( and proceedings in which the client’s mental health is an important element) a judge may require the therapists testimony.
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If the client brings on a malpractice action against the therapist, information may be disclosed to the court as necessary to defend such action.
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Occasionally, the therapist may find it helpful to consult with other professionals about a therapy situation. The identity of any identifying characteristic are never revealed.
These situations rarely occur, but if such a situation does occur, PEACE will make every effort to discuss it with the client before taking action.
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES /DISCLOSURE STATEMENT
Effective January, 2014
Welcome to PEACE, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) Program. The following is some information to help our clients understand how therapy works. Please take time to read it carefully. If you have any questions, please make a point to discuss them at the introductory meeting.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy is not easy to describe. Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) incorporates horses experientially for emotional growth and learning. It is a collaborative effort between a licensed therapist and a horse professional/equine specialist working with the clients and horses to address treatment goals. Because of its intensity and effectiveness, it is considered short term or “brief” approach.
Not all programs or individuals who use horses practice EAP. For one, licensed clinical professionals need to be involved for it to be considered “psychotherapy”. The focus of EAP is not riding or horsemanship. The focus of EAP involves setting up ground activities involving the horses which will require the client or group to apply certain skills. Non-verbal communication, assertiveness, creative thinking and problem solving, leadership, work, taking responsibility, teamwork and relationships, confidence, and attitude are several examples of the tools utilized and developed by EAP.
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EAP is a powerful and effective therapeutic approach that has an incredible impact on individuals, youth, families, and groups. EAP addresses a variety of mental health and human development needs including behavioral issues, attention deficit disorder, substance abuse, eating disorders, abuse issues, depression, anxiety, relationship problems and communication needs.
Benefits associated with EAP
Psychotherapy often leads to a significant reduction of distress, increased understanding of one’s self and others, improves relationships and conflict resolution. Our goal at PEACE is to gain a better communication, have better success handing difficult issues and a greater sense of confidence and self worth.
Risks associated with EAP
The risks of EAP include feelings of frustration, fear, anger, pain, and sadness as with most therapy. The client may have to talk about issues that are difficult to discuss. Therapy may involve recalling unpleasant aspects of the client’s life and life history.
Limitations of Services
Since equine assisted psychotherapy is not an exact science and requires considerable effort and motivation in order to effect change, there can be no guarantees about what the client will experience and what the outcome will be. Alternative services include those offered by another therapist, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist or other mental health professional or agency, day treatment services, or partial hospitalization programs.
Starting Therapy
As shown by research, the most important predictor of therapy success is a good working relationship between the client, mental health professional and equine specialist. In the first few sessions, we need to collaborate and find ways to work together well. Our mental health professionals at PEACE will show you their style of therapy and answer any questions or concerns the client may have.
The client will receive an initial impression of what therapy will include and initial goals will be set for what the clients wants to accomplish. Written materials describing the approach to therapy will be provided. Please let our mental health professional know what makes you comfortable and uncomfortable. In order to work together as a team, a good relationship must be established- just as in any good relationship.
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Since therapy involves a substantial commitment of time, money, and energy these are important tasks to do well. Our therapists can help best if the client is:
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Able to plan and keep consistent appointments
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Willing and able to set their own agendas for therapy sessions.
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Willing to acknowledge the therapists contribution to the difficulties in their life and relationships.
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Willing to make changes in the way they talk and the things the therapist does.
 Willing to do recommended “homework”.
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Willing to discuss decisions in therapy before taking independent action.
Making the most of Appointment Times
PEACE asks our clients to be prompt for scheduled appointments. Please make allowances for traffic, weather, etc. If the client is running late, please feel free to call (Patti) 717-873-1836.
If there is an immediate concern, please let our team know before the scheduled session is to begin.
Cancellations and Rescheduling
When the client or the therapist needs to reschedule an appointment, an agreement is made to give as much notice as possible. If the client misses an appointment, a no show fee of 50% will be charged for missed appointments. The only exception is if there are extenuating circumstances such as immediate medical attention or a death in the family.
Fees and Payments
The client is involved and expected to pay to $150 for family therapy/60 minutes and $125/ 60 minutes for individual therapy per session at the time of the service, unless another arrangement has been made in advance. If the client has insurance that covers psychotherapy; a monthly statement will be sent to the client so that the client can submit to their insurance company for reimbursement. This statement will have all the necessary codes and information the insurance company requires for consideration of claim.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality of the therapeutic relationship is an important quality of effective therapy.
Laws and ethical codes are written to protect individuals and to safeguard the information that individuals share with that context. Disclosures and communications are considered privileged
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and confidential. If the client wants PEACE to release information about the client’s therapy, written permission must be provided. Information disclosed on a minor must be authorized by the legal custodian.
Ending Equine Assisted Psychotherapy
When the client feels the need to end EAP therapy, our therapist would like to be notified before the session starts. This session will be used to terminate therapy and discuss with the client their reason as to why they feel the session should be ended. At this session, our therapist will talk with the client about remaining concerns, plans for continuing their progress, and similar matters.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Support
When the client decides to end therapy, the file is closed after the last session. All account balances need to be paid in full or arrangements to do so must be agreed upon. If the client feels they need to contact the therapist, or touch base from time to time, an agreement can be made to arrange it if needed.
Professional Records
PEACE will maintain the client’s treatment records in a secure location and may be accessed by the attending therapist. If the client wants the treatment records released, a written authorization will be required. Because these treatment records are professional records, they can be misinterpreted and might possibly be upsetting so it recommended that the client review their treatment record with the therapist and any questions/concerns will be discussed.
Dress for the Weather
Remember we work outside in the elements
Dress in layers, long pants/jeans is suitable all year round
Closed toed shoes are a MUST
Expect to encounter mud, dirt, bugs and other critters!
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Acknowledgement:
The client will sign below indicating they have read the information in this document and agree to abide by these guidelines for a professional relationship. If there is any disagreement with this document, the client questions and or concerns will be discussed prior to starting EAP.
Name______________________________________Date_______________________
Signature______________________________________________________________
Please return a copy of this last page, with your signature, when you arrive for you intake.
Thank-you!
Insurances accepted:
Cigna, Aetna and Highmark
* Please verify benefit for outpatient counseling, co-pay and deductible
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