Are you ready to take the next step in your learning journey?

The Embodied Awareness in Action™ Practitioner Certification process is designed to guide students from applied, supervised learning all the way through independent practice.

Leif’s goal for the past 20+ years has been to help raise the bar in terms of what it means to be “competent” in the delivery of equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted mental health. Practitioners who attain this certification are helping to make this goal a reality by committing to a process that will result in an increasing mastery of the skills, abilities, and attitudes required for the safe and ethical provision of equine-assisted learning or equine-assisted mental health.

Practitioner certification in Embodied Awareness in Action™ is based on an accumulated number of client contact hours, hours of supervision, demonstration of equine skills and knowledge, facilitation skills, business acumen, and personal/professional development.

Like all of Leif’s offerings, the certification process requires a depth of self-study, self-reflection, and personal growth. It is a powerful journey that will certainly touch all aspects of your life!

Requirements for Certification

The certification process is divided into two phases for ease of delivery. Both phases must be completed to be considered “certified” in the Embodied Awareness in Action™ model.

Phase One Requirements

Note: It is recommended that learners start Phase One concurrently with the facilitation module of the required Embodied Awareness in Action™ Foundations Course.

1. Successfully complete the Masterclass with Leif Hallberg.
2. Participate in 3 EAMH or EAL sessions and document the experience.
3. Develop treatment or learning plans and design 8 session plans utilizing the established goals and learning objectives.
4. Conduct 25 hours of practical facilitation experience using the Embodied Awareness in Action ™ model and document the outcomes of the sessions.
5. Attend 12 1:1 or group supervision sessions with Leif (frequency of supervision sessions is dependent upon the delivery of practical facilitation)
6. Submit 3 video recordings of your facilitation (each 15-30 min in length).
7. Have access to a horse partner who you can work with at least 1-2 times per week outside of session facilitation. You will be required to keep a log of your equine interactions.
8. Successfully complete the Horse Skills Assessment* (either at a designated assessment site or via video) OR submit an equivalent approved qualification.

*This can be completed in Phase Two depending upon level of horse skills.

Phase Two Requirements

Note: Some of these items can be done concurrently with Phase One while others (hours of client contact and supervision) need to occur after the completion of Phase One.

1. Document 150 hours of client contact utilizing the Embodied Awareness in Action™ model.
2. Attend 1 hour of supervision with Leif or another approved supervisor for every 10 hours of client contact. Note: this metric may be adjusted based on need, experience level, and service/client type.
3. Attend 1 in-person training with Leif (trainings that are accepted for this requirement will be identified).
4. Successfully complete the “About Business” on-line module or sign up for business consultation support as needed.
5. Complete all items on the EAL or EAMH Business Checklist.
6. Continued documented horse experience with specific learning requirements developed on an individual basis.

Benefits of Certification

Certification indicates a specific status or level of achievement within an industry or specialty area of practice. There are many benefits to becoming certified in a specific model or area of practice. Some of these benefits include:

• The external validation of skills and experience
• Increased personal confidence
• Enhanced professional credibility
• Increased respect from peers and professionals
• Increased consumer confidence
• A measurable way of demonstrating the attainment of increasingly advanced levels of competency, skills, and knowledge.
• Liability insurance approvals and other practice benefits

Certification also attests to the type (and amount) of training and education, contact hours (providing services to clients), and supervision required for certification. In some cases, certification also requires passing exams or skills assessments.

It is important to remember that obtaining a “certification” does not permit you to provide services that require an accredited or advanced degree and/or licensure (registration).

Professional Designations

The Embodied Awareness in Action™ certification indicates professional type by the designation “Embodied Awareness in Action™ EAL Practitioner” or “Embodied Awareness in Action™ EAMH Practitioner”. Here is how these professional designations are defined:

An EAL Practitioner is a competent horse person who intends to use the Embodied Awareness in Action ™ model for non-therapy skills-based equine services that focus on teaching life skills, social skills, communication skills, academic skills, or leadership skills while facilitating personal growth and increased self-awareness through both mounted and non-mounted interactions with horses. EAL practitioners can include educators, health and wellness coaches, mental health support staff, horse professionals, and life/personal development/business coaches.

An EAMH Practitioner is someone who already holds an advanced degree in counseling, social work, or psychology and is licensed or registered to provide mental health services in their country/state of origin and who wishes to include horses and the farm milieu as a specialty area within their clinical practice. 

Solo Practitioner Status

Depending upon the outcome of the horse skills assessment, a determination is made as to whether or not the practitioner is awarded “solo practitioner” status. Those who are considered solo practitioners have passed the horse skills assessment or have achieved another comparable qualification. This status attests to the practitioners understanding of equine ethology, communication, and behavior, and their skills and abilities related to keeping both horses and humans safe during an EAL or EAMH session.

Fees Associated with Certification

Each individual’s path through certification looks differently, and you will work directly with Leif to come up with a package that fits your unique learning plan.