Advance your career with the Crossfields Institute Level 5 Diploma in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy: The LEAP Method (EFP), accredited by the OFQUAL-regulated Crossfields Institute. This comprehensive qualification equips you with advanced skills in the LEAP Method, elevates your existing practice, and supports significant personal growth. Designed for mental health professionals, it offers a blend of transformative equine therapy techniques with rigorous ethical and professional standards, preparing you for success in this emerging field.
In Spring 2017, we launched the Level 5, OFQUAL Regulated Diploma. We created this in collaboration with Crossfields Institute, to bring professional standards into an emerging and as yet unregulated field. The qualification emphasises the development of maturity, self-management, authenticity and safe practice.
The first to be specifically designed for qualified mental health professionals who wish to expand their area of expertise into Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy and consists of guided learning (taught Modules) and also independent study, total qualification time 790 hours.
It entails a commitment from yourself of at least 3 - 6 hours a week. The course has 8 modules taught online and in person over a 14 month period of independent study, assignments, observational assessment, presentations, supervised practice, mentoring and independent learning between the blocks. The programme is designed for those who intend to have EFP skills as an addition to their practice.
To study this qualification, you need to demonstrate to the centre that you have:
A formally recognised mental health qualification with a clinical application (for example, counselling, psychotherapy, counselling psychology, clinical psychology or mental health nursing) and are recognised by their governing body as qualified for private practice, for example BACP or BPS. We will consider applications from those in the final phase of training where the applicant is experienced in working one-to-one in private practice or equivalent.
Minimum age of learner is 23
If English is not the first language, proof of spoken and written English at a level equivalent to IELTS 5 will be required.
Learners must have previously experienced the LEAP Method from a client perspective through attending a LEAP Introductory workshop, a one to one workshop with one of the LEAP Training team or attending an online session. Please contact the office to find out more about an online session.
Learners must have a working knowledge of standard equestrian safety practices, as well as basic horsemanship and horse care skills.
Learners must demonstrate a potential for self-reflection, self-directed learning, emotional resilience, and the ability to hold and process the emotional content of others.
Online Training Material, webinars, research articles and much more
Live weekly or fortnightly zoom calls, depending on the module
Workbook
LEAP Care Cards
Symbology Language Cards
A beginners list of Clean Language/ Coaching questions to ask clients
Access to the ENTIRE Training Library including research articles
Access to the private members area
1 year membership to LEAP Practitioner Members Area after graduation
1 years access to Bi-Monthly InterVision with our tutors after graduation
MODULE ONE
Build a successful EFP practice with our comprehensive module! Learn essential skills for setting up and managing your practice, including Health and Safety, Insurance, Data Protection, Contracting, Ethics, Marketing, and Pricing. Emphasising ongoing professional growth, this module also fosters self-reflection to continually enhance your role as an EFP provider.
MODULE TWO
Put the horse at the heart of your practice with this essential module! Learn how to manage and support a therapeutic herd, build strong partnerships with your equine partners, and understand how horses handle emotional work. This module covers effective therapies, energy tools, and holistic herd management for optimal results.
MODULE THREE
Enhance your skills in collaborative horse work with this module! Learn to negotiate boundaries with horses and apply these experiences to client sessions. Develop expertise in energetic fields, resonance, cardiac coherence, and limbic systems, while increasing your awareness of your own energy fields.
MODULE FOUR
Explore the role of somatic work in EFP with this module. Discover tools to enhance your ability to develop interoception for self-regulation and understand the importance of somatic awareness for your own wellbeing and when supporting clients.
MODULE FIVE
Learn how to apply the LEAP method of EFP with young people. This module covers safeguarding and child protection, risk assessment and referral processes, and guides you in managing risks effectively.
MODULE SIX
Explore the LEAP method of EFP in trauma work with this module. Learn key theories on providing a relational home for trauma survivors and insights from animals in trauma management. Discover how Symbology Cards® can help clients express their emotions and experiences. Focus on meeting clients' needs with an emphasis on stabilisation, support, intervention, and ensuring physical and psychological safety.
MODULE SEVEN
Develop your skills in building a trusting relationship between horse and human using LEAP Method techniques. Focus on creating connections based on compassion, understanding, and gentle leadership, and learn to guide clients in adopting a relational approach.
MODULE EIGHT
Enhance your skills in facilitating LEAP Method techniques with clients. This module will help you demonstrate your growth as an EFP Practitioner and integrate LEAP techniques into your therapeutic approach. Learn to use LEAP Method techniques and flow charts to effectively manage client sessions and refine your practice.
CONCLUSION
The qualification promotes excellence in the field of EFP and consists of guided learning (taught Modules) and also independent study, total qualification time 790 hours. It entails a commitment from yourself of at least 3 -6 hours a week. The course has 8 modules taught online and in person over a 14 month period of independent study, assignments, observational assessment, presentations, supervised practice, mentoring and independent learning between the blocks. The programme is designed for those who intend to have EFP skills as an addition to their practice.
BONUS #1
1 year free membership after graduation with LEAP
BONUS #2
In graduation you will receive branded clothing
BONUS #3
An online monthly call to discuss treatment and EFL/P work within a team besides supervision, peer supervision and case discussions. It is an interactive learning method in a group of EFL/P practitioners who are engaged in client work. A great place to come and listen and learn from those who are doing the work on a daily basis.
Additional costs: £150 (excl vat) application and processing fee is non-refundable
£340 (excl vat) Crossfields Institute registration fee
Crossfields Institute Level 5 Diploma in Facilitated Psychotherapy: The LEAP Method
PAYMENT PLAN
£768/mo (excl vat)*
*10 payments of £962.40 (includes Crossfields registration fee & vat) billed every month. Application fee paid separately.
ONE TIME PAYMENT
£7100 (excl vat)*
* Single payment: £8928 (includes Crossfields registration fee & vat). Application fee paid separately.
Introductory Zoom Call: 2 November 2024 10am
In-Person Training Dates:
Additional Zoom Sessions: Weekly or fortnightly, depending on the module.
I have grown so much through this course, I am now planning my EFP business and building my dream… this stuff works
(2018 Graduate)
he blocks of learning and practical teaching were packed with hands on exercises, experiential learning and constant supervision and assistance. I would say the course is life changing if you give yourself fully to the exercise
(2019 Graduate)
I wasn’t expecting the training to be as supportive as it was; or how much you really needed to know and understand about yourself to be able to do the work at your best.
(2020 Graduate)
Register with HMRC.
Within three months of starting trading, you must register with HMRC. You will be responsible for paying any tax liabilities and you will be liable for paying National Insurance Contributions (Class 2 and Class 4). We advise you seek professional advice from an accountant who can take note of your particular liabilities that are likely to be affected by other factors. For example, your work history, business structure, planned or actual turn over, any other income source etc.
When you register you will need to provide the following information: address, NI number, date of birth, telephone number, email address, the nature of your business, start date of self-employment, business address, business telephone number, your Unique Tax Reference (UTR) (only if you have done self-assessment previously), the business UTR (unless it’s a new business) and also the same information for any business partners you may have.
It is unlikely that your turnover will be sufficiently large for you to need to register for VAT if in doubt your accountant can advise.
Keep financial records
You must keep up to date and accurate records of all your transactions- who pays you what, what you pay and for what. Some people prefer to do this in a physical book, others use spreadsheets, or your accountant may offer an online system so you can each keep track of the accounts on a day-by-day basis. An online system will allow you to see your balance sheet, cash flow and profit and loss you’re making. The important thing is to keep accurate information that will keep HMRC happy and will make things easier for you to run your business.
There are advantages and disadvantages to any business structure and for this reason we suggest you speak to an accountant before deciding so you can make a fully informed decision. Within the EFL field you may consider being a Community Interest Company (CIC) or have aspirations to set up as a charity. A CIC is also a limited company that existed to benefit its community rather than private shareholders.
Most of us start out as a sole trader or limited company when we first start out, if we consider the difference of the two structures in terms of liability, flexibility, registration paperwork and expense of business operation.
We are often asked about insurance requirements of running an EFL Practise. There is not clear answer we can give as everyone is working in a slightly different way. We of course can recognise several risks involved in running an EFL Practice but the variant of how practitioners work; some work from home, other from a livery yard/riding school, some are employed or working out of a field, make it impossible for LEAP to provide a definitive answer. We have outlined below the different types of insurance available and advise you speak to an insurance specialist about your individual situation and business set up to get a bespoke quote for you.
While there is no legal requirement for you to have professional liability insurance, there are two compelling reasons. Firstly, LEAP and other professional organisations, for example ACCPH require you to demonstrate that you have such insurance if you are to become or remain one of their members. Most credible supervisors would require you to have such insurance before agreeing to supervise your work. Most referring organisations would require you demonstrate that you have such insurance before offering you work.
Secondly, the cost of not having might lead into bankruptcy or severe financial hardship. The cost of mounting a legal defence if sued, then paying financial compensation if you lost the case, could easily run into hundreds of thousands of pounds. While this rarely happens, there is a risk it might. Even if allegations of inadequate or harmful service are proved to be unfounded, defence costs are still likely to be significant.
Or third-party cover, this covers you against bodily injury to a third party or damage to a third parties property as a direct result of your negligence. The cover is normally offered with choices on the limit of indemnity usually £1/2 or 5 million.
This provides cover for any bodily injury, sickness or disease sustained by your employees because of the business’s negligence. Employers’ liability is a requirement under the Employers Liability Act 1969 and should be in place for anyone working on your behalf whether full time, part time, voluntarily or in training. It is often a requirement to also take out public liability cover.
This provides cover against the death and/accidental injury to horses/ponies that are in your care, custody or control in respect to a claim that is made against you by the owner. This is typically liveries, but you may use other people’s horses as part of your EFL Practise. A benefit will be paid for veterinary fees and/or the current market value, up to the limit of indemnity in the event of an accident, disease or mortality of the horse.
This provides cover for death, theft and straying, legal liability, vet fee cover, personal accident, saddlery and tack depending on your individual policy. Policies often cover your horse being used for leisure activities so you may need to advise your provider of a change of use and speak to an insurance specialist to understand the best cover for you.
All insurers require that you comply with current Health & Safety Guidelines as well as ensuring that you have appropriate risk assessments in place. While LEAP cannot provide any risk management advise, it may be useful to look as the following sites which can act as reference points and contain information on risk assessments along with good practice advice for general equestrian businesses:
For some Practitioners the idea of working from home is the last thing that want to do for others it may initially seem like a good idea and an easy option and certainly it seems less risk financially if you already have your horses at home. In some ways it is more convenient; you don’t have to travel and if a client fails to turn up you can simply carry on with your normal day, maybe even sneak some quality horse time in for yourself!
Despite the initial attraction there are some important things to consider before making that choice.
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