We don’t want “insiders” and “outsiders”.  

While we do need to be accurate and ethical in our description of services and qualifications, it is our sincerest desire that you feel welcomed, that you feel you belong here, and that you can find your way around. It is also of utmost importance to us that our clients and consumers have the same experience when seeking a professional. 

At The Natural Lifemanship Institute, we believe that how we talk about what we do matters.  The language we choose to use reflects our intentions, based on our values of connected, healthy relationships.    

In order to help you orient not only to the field of equine assisted services at large, but to how Natural Lifemanship specifically speaks about these services, we have created this table. Below you will find the terminology NL uses and our recommendations for how you use this terminology in your practice as you grow with us.

The following diagram explains the collective term of TI-EAS, as well as the more specific modalities of TI-EAT, TF-EAP, and TI-EAL.  

TI-EAS is the unifying term we use for all the modalities we certify professionals to practice through Natural Lifemanship.  TI-EAS stands for Trauma-Informed Equine Assisted Services and encompasses all the myriad ways professionals can partner with horses in healing or learning environments.   This is a collective term––so there are subsets when we get into the specifics of scope of practice and skill sets of the individual professionals guiding the sessions.  

Scope of Practice is one’s own limit of skills, knowledge, and professional experience––made up by the activities routinely performed within one’s professional role.  One’s scope of practice evolves as new knowledge and experience is acquired through continuing education.  

This means that within the umbrella term of TI-EAS, there are a few options for how you would describe your work, and these descriptions are entirely dependent upon your other skills that you bring outside of your training with NL.  Natural Lifemanship training alone does not prepare you for doing ethical work with people – it is a perspective and an approach that supports you in being trauma-informed for both humans and horses (and other animals) as you provide the services your other skill sets allow you to provide.  

For example, an equine professional can become a Trauma-Informed equine professional (aka Natural Lifemanship certified equine professional) through our training, and will be prepared to assist a therapist, coach, educator, etc in bringing horses into healing/learning sessions with people – or the equine professional can obtain additional training in coaching/education/therapy/etc to provide services solely on their own.  Natural Lifemanship training will not prepare an equine professional to become a coach, therapist, or other kind of educator. Visit our certification page to dig deeper into the different paths offered.

A certification with NL does provide a trauma-informed lens for partnering with humans and horses, and pairs with any number of other professions (examples are in the table above) to offer healing/learning sessions to humans.

We use the term “Trauma-Informed” no matter the scope of the professional we train, because our expectations of trauma competency do not change from one practice to the other–– it is our belief that being trauma informed (the details of which you will learn throughout your training with us) is a basic requirement for providing competent and ethical care to anyone.  A foundation of knowledge in the science and research that has created trauma informed practices are essential to effective and ethical healing work – therefore our approach to equine assisted services is always trauma informed, no matter who is conducting the session. 

How you specifically apply your learning with NL (whether it be therapy, coaching, learning, etc) is largely addressed through practice and consultation, as well as discussion with mentors and supervisors during and after training.  Throughout your certification process you will be supported in applying your learning to your specific skill set and scope of practice.  The knowledge needed and taught during our trainings will be the same for everyone; the applications of what is learned will be unique to you.

All this terminology can be a little dizzying.  Ultimately, it is our hope that this evolution of language in our field will help you find your place here in Natural Lifemanship – one that is relational, ethical, and clear. 

We will walk with you every step of the way.

The post Natural Lifemanship Terminology appeared first on Natural Lifemanship.

We have found that most people fall into one of three categories: 

#1  I’m all in!  

This is my home, these are my peeps – no doubt I’m all in!  Certification?  YES!  Conferences?  I’ll be there!  NL Products to support my practice?  Sign me up!  Webinars, youtube, free stuff?  I’m watching all of it!

#2  I’m all in! BUT I need to take it slow.

I believe in NL, want to be a part of this community, and want to keep learning.  #1 is just a bit too “ALL IN” for me.  😉  

#3  I’m not quite sure if NL is right for me OR my resources are really limited right now.  

I really enjoyed my training, but I’m still deciding if I want to delve deeper with NL.  Or I definitely enjoyed my training, but currently my ability to invest time and money is limited.   

I’M ALL IN!

First of all, WELCOME! 

I’m a bit biased, but I think our community is the best!  We’re passionate!  We’re committed to our personal growth and our professional practice!  Together we’re creating a world where connection and the value of healthy relationships is seen and felt in everything we do!  What more can I say? 

So, here’s what you need to do next:

#1  Register for the upcoming NL Intensive training.  The NL Intensive is our NEWEST OFFERING and I couldn’t be more excited.  It’s the most thorough training we have ever put out there.  It’s a 15-week online course with in-person options.  Check it out and sign up here. 

The next course starts August 23rd!  Keep in mind that spaces are limited, so if you know for sure you want in please sign up soon. 

#2  If you haven’t already, sign up for NL Professional membership where you can access HOURS and HOURS of videos and courses. . . RICH online learning until your heart’s content!  Our videos were created with you and your clients in mind – fill learning gaps, lean into the nuance of this work, get CE credits, and begin to specialize!  NL members also gain access to a private FB group and other free offerings to connect in community and continue learning. Learn about the many benefits of membership and sign up here. 

#3  Sign up for Natural Lifemanship Professional Certification. No matter your profession or background, Natural Lifemanship certification offers a self-paced and self-organized path for individuals and teams looking to dig deep and transform their work.  Trainings, consult calls, and video submissions can be done at your pace, in flexible order.  At NL, we prioritize principle-based thinking and personal growth – meaning our certification process is a relationship between you and our wonderful trainers…not a list of tasks to check off.  

If you are ready to commit to this process, we will support you every step of the way! 

After you sign up you will get access to a “certification course” in your student dashboard so you can start tracking your progress. You will also receive a PDF document with very clear direction about certification paths and requirements.  Sign up here!  

#4  Watch the recording of a webinar in which I walked folks through the nuts and bolts of the certification process.  Certification is certainly a process – it is a journey we go on WITH you.  It may feel a little daunting at first, but I promise that this feeling doesn’t last – before you know it you’ll be gaining ground and feeling more and more confident and competent in the work you do to make the world a better place!  Watch the recording here.

I’m all in, but I need to take it slow. . .

First of all, thank you for listening to yourself and responding to what you need.  🙂

During the webinar recording I mentioned above in #4, I spoke with the “I’m all in” group to make sure they pace themselves and allow time for learning.  This model is a way of being in the world.  Which requires a pause.  A breath.  Movement.  And more pauses and breaths.  Embodiment takes time.

Those of you in this category have many options, but I would recommend you choose one of the following two options:

#1  Register for the upcoming NL Intensive training. This training really allows you the time and pace needed to deeply embody this work.  It’s the most thorough training we have ever developed — a 15-week online course with in-person options.  Check it out and sign up here. 

We’re pretty excited about this NEW offering!

#2  OR sign up for Basic or Professional Membership for learning that is 100% self-paced and brings you into a community that grows and learns together.  You will gain access to HOURS of videos and courses.  Our videos were created with you and your clients in mind – fill learning gaps, lean into the nuance, and begin to specialize!  NL members also gain access to a private FB group and other free offerings to connect and continue learning. Learn about the many benefits of membership and sign up here.

Additionally, our previously recorded webinar might be informative for you.  I went over the nuts and bolts of the certification process, so you can begin to think about when/if you might want to start the certification process with NL.  It’s a big commitment, so, of course, take your time.  Watch the recording here.

I’m still deciding if NL is right for me 

OR I have limited time and financial resources right now

First of all, thank you for engaging with us! 

There are many amazing training opportunities in this field.  Over ten years ago when we started NL there were significantly fewer options, so it was easier to make a decision.  But with diversity this field has grown and IMPROVED.  It’s such an exciting time!  We offer many low to no-cost options so you can get to know us before jumping in! 

Additionally, we are committed to equipping you for success so you can effectively implement your training for the purpose of supporting others in their healing journeys.  

We offer many low to no-cost options so you can continue your learning with us.    

#1  Take some of our courses.  We offer many low cost, single purchase courses and videos for those just wanting to get an idea of what’s out there.  Many of our courses offer CE credits through NBCC and NAADAC.  Many courses are also part of NL Membership or can be purchased by members at steep discounts.  Check out our courses here.

#2 Follow along for FREE!  We offer an array of free content online through webinars, blogs, and videos – you can do any or all of the following to stay connected and up to date on NL happenings!

1. Visit our website www.naturallifemanship.com to explore blogs and other content.  Seriously, so much can be gleaned from our blogs! 
2. Sign up for a free introductory membership and gain access to educational videos and a new free video each month. 
3.  Subscribe to our newsletter to be notified of news, blogs, trainings, etc.
4. Like and Follow our Facebook page and Instagram – we share videos, pictures, articles, and engage in thoughtful discussions.
5. The Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Networking Group on Facebook is also a valuable resource.  This group is managed by NL trainers, but is open to ALL.  Such great conversations happen in this group!
6. Follow our YouTube Channel for free video content! This is a great place to begin understanding how the relationship between horse and person progresses, organically and over time, utilizing NL principles.  Watch this video first and then follow the progress made with Annie and Abilene.   

No matter your level of engagement with us we are honored to walk alongside you as you grow, learn, transform, and take YOU into the world and into ALL of your relationships!

The post So, I’ve Taken the Fundamentals of NL. . . Now What? appeared first on Natural Lifemanship.