FAQS

Services

What are the steps to schedule an initial assessment?

1) Contact Windstone Counseling, LLC one of three ways:

2) Create a new user account on the client portal and complete the required electronic intake forms. For additional information about practice policies, agreements, and treatment consent forms, please refer to the below documents:

3) Schedule an appointment for the initial assessment at a time that is convenient for you.

What will happen during my first session?

The first session will be spent getting to know one another, review intake documentation, discuss your treatment needs, and create a collaborative treatment plan with individualized objectives.

How often are sessions?

It is recommended that at the beginning of treatment, sessions are held weekly. As treatment progresses and clients demonstrate progress as outlined in their treatment plan, sessions can gradually taper down to biweekly, monthly and then on an as-needed basis.

What does a typical session look like?

Every session is different based on the need of the client but carefully planned and individualized depending on the learning objective for that session. Following the completion of the therapeutic activity with the horse(s), the team debriefs with the client about what happened over the course of their interaction with the horse(s) and processes through applicable symbolic/metaphoric lessons.

What kinds of things do you treat?

  • Addiction
  • Anxiety
  • Attachment
  • Attention Difficulties
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Body Image
  • Communication Deficits
  • Depression
  • Self-Esteem
  • Trauma

What are your fees?

Please refer to our services link for an outline of our fees.

What payment options are available?

Payment is due at the time services are rendered. We accept all major credit cards, HSA, flex, checks and cash. We are able to provide third party billing (e.g., benefactor, church or other organizational assistance program); however, this arrangement must be made in advance and a signed contract between the three parties must be on file. Ultimately, the client remains responsible for any unpaid balance.

Do you accept insurance?

Currently, Windstone Counseling, LLC is applying to be a contracted provider on multiple insurance panels. Please inquire directly if we accept your specific medical insurance company. If we do not accept your insurance, we will provide you with a superbill which is a detailed, itemized receipt with insurance codes for the services you received. It is recommended that you check with your insurance company directly prior to receiving services to verify what your policy specifically covers and if you are eligible for partial or complete reimbursement to you for out-of-network services. Most insurance companies do not cover services for equine-assisted therapies; however, almost all accept and reimburse claims for mental health services such as individual, family, and group therapy, as well as couples counseling.

What is your cancellation policy?

A 24-hour notice is required prior to your scheduled session to cancel or reschedule. If a cancellation or rescheduling request is made with less than 24 hours notice of your session, you will be billed the full amount for that session.

What happens if there is inclement weather?

Indoor facilities are available; therefore, if you have not heard from us to cancel your appointment, your session is still scheduled. However, while every attempt will be made to hold all scheduled sessions, it may be necessary to reschedule if the weather proves unsuitable to maintain therapeutic benefit. All clients will be informed with as much advanced notice as possible and clients will not be charged a rescheduling fee.

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a unique hands on and brief solution-oriented approach to treatment wherein clients of all ages address behavioral, emotional, spiritual, and relational issues using horses as an intervention tool to elicit change and gain deeper self-awareness. As opposed to talk therapy, EAP is an experiential therapy — you learn by doing. Under the guidance of a licensed mental health practitioner and an equine specialist, clients are given an opportunity to symbolically and metaphorically externalize their problems and work on finding solutions by engaging in specific learning objectives with horses.

Why horses?

Like humans, horses are social animals with defined roles within their herd. They are constantly looking for ways to form bonds and relationships as a means for survival. Horses are also regarded as a divine mirror, reflecting back what they experience within their environment. This natural form of feedback supplies clients with rich opportunities to practice nonverbal communication, calming skills, and build a relationship based upon mutual trust and respect. Furthermore, horses also have distinct personalities, attitudes and moods; therefore, an approach that works with one horse won’t necessarily work with another.

Additionally, horses are prey animals and humans are predators. Prey animals lives instinctively depend on reading the intention of predators, and their innate nature means they pick up on the subtle reactions and body language of others. Naturally intimidating to many, horses are large and powerful. This creates an authentic opportunity for some to persevere in spite of fear, develop confidence, and enhance one’s sense of hope. Working alongside a horse within this dynamic provides wonderful insight when dealing with other intimidating and challenging situations in life. Horses require us to work, whether in caring for them or working with them. In an era when immediate gratification and the easy way are the norm, horses require people to be engaged in physical and mental work to be successful — a valuable lesson in all aspects of life. (EAGALA, 2017)

What are the benefits of EAP?

While the use of animals in treatment has been practiced for centuries, empirically supported research demonstrating the benefits of Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is relatively new. Anecdotal evidence and case studies document many benefits including: increased confidence, distress tolerance, trust, empathy, problem solving skills, self awareness, mental flexibility, improved life satisfaction, impulse control, communication, emotion regulation, coping, enhanced creative thinking, and deeper relationships.

Can I ride the horses?

No. Personnel from Windstone Counseling, LLC are certified through EAGALA (Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association, Inc.) to provide Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. The EAGALA treatment model restricts riding; rather, it promotes interacting with the horses from the ground. If you are interested in taking riding lessons, you may contact trainers at either Melville Stables, Oak Hills Stables or a facility of your liking.

If we are not riding the horses, then what do we do?

The therapeutic dynamic used within EAGALA’s treatment model is called groundwork; meaning, interactions with the horses are done without being mounted on top of the horses. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is a solution-oriented brief therapy wherein problems faced outside of session can be symbolically and metaphorically externalized onto or with the horse(s). As outlined in the treatment plan, the client will be given various activities and props to use with the horse(s) for each learning objective. Together with your therapist and equine specialist, interactions with the horse(s) are examined and the client can experientially problem-solve by practicing adaptive intra and interpersonal solutions both in and out of the arena.

Do the horses undergo any special training?

Not exactly; however, horses are chosen to participate in sessions based upon their therapeutic demeanor and who consistently demonstrate safe interactions with people and other horses.

Is there equipment used during sessions?

Clients are given specific learning objectives and will have equipment and props available to them to perform various tasks. Examples of equipment may include: cones, hula-hoops, halter, lead rope, grooming supplies, buckets, poles, blanket, swim noodles, balls, etc.

Do I need to have any prior experience with horses?

No previous experience or horsemanship skills are required to work alongside the horses. You will be taught skills and given tasks with the horses within the scope that maintains your physical and emotional safety.

Why is there a licensed mental health professional AND an equine specialist involved with each session?

The equine specialist takes primary responsibility for the physical safety of the clients and horse(s) during the session and will work with your licensed mental health professional to carefully balance your needs with the needs of the horse(s). While it is possible for a licensed therapist with significant horse knowledge to facilitate equine-assisted psychotherapy sessions solo, it is not optimal for observation, objectivity, safety, and support.

What should I wear to session?

For your protection, it is required that you wear closed toe shoes. It is recommended that you wear comfortable clothes appropriate to weather conditions that are machine washable as it is highly likely that you will get a little dirty. We also suggest you to bring water, sunscreen, and bug spray in the summer months. Layers, hats and gloves are strongly encouraged during winter months.

What safety precautions do you take?

Windstone Counseling, LLC makes every effort to maximize the safety of our clients, personnel and horses. We require closed toe shoes and helmets are available upon request. The equine specialist is specially trained to read and respond to equine behavior in an effort to safeguard client interactions with the horse(s). The licensed mental health professional is also specifically trained and certified in first aid by the American Red Cross. However, despite all the specialized training, horses are still animals and can be unpredictable.

Do you work with children?

Yes, we work with children as young as 10 years of age.

Are parents required to attend the session with their child?

Yes. There may be times when parents will be invited to participate in the session, while other times they may observe from a distance; however, all parents are required to remain onsite for all children under 14 years of age.

Will you provide me with an update on my child’s progress?

Yes, parents and legal guardians may request updates on their child’s engagement and progress in treatment.