The EquineFlow CODE OF ETHICS
Introduction to the EquineFlow Code of Ethics
As Certified EquineFlow Practitioners, we are entrusted with upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and care in our equine-assisted coaching practices. The EquineFlow Code of Ethics serves as a guiding framework, ensuring that all Certified EquineFlow Practitioners adhere to principles of respect, transparency, and ethical responsibility, both to clients and the animals involved. By following these guidelines, we contribute to the growth and credibility of this emerging field, fostering trust and positive outcomes in all aspects of our work.
Part One: The EquineFlow Philosophy
EquineFlow adheres to a form of learning that honors the client as the expert in his/her life and work and believes that every client has the capacity to be creative, resourceful, and whole. Standing on this foundation, the practitioner’s responsibility is to:
Part Two: The EquineFlow Definition of Practice
The EquineFlow Approach for Equine Assisted Coaching and Horse Guided Human Development is a trauma-conscious, ongoing professional relationship between client, practitioner and horse that enables clients to maximize self-determined personal and professional potential through a self-actualized, self-governed process, guided by a science backed, multi modality model for growth that includes trans consciousness work.
Through the process of the EquineFlow Approach, Certified Equineflow Practitioners support clients to mobilize forward motion, restore confidence and optimize well being in their lives, by integrating their whole sense of self.
In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the practitioner listens and contributes observations and questions. This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. TEA accelerates the client's progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. TEA concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future. Results are a matter of the client's intentions, choices and actions, supported by the practitioner’s efforts and application of the process.
The EquineFlow Approach is not psychotherapy, counseling, advice giving, mental healthcare, or treatment for substance abuse or any addictive behavior. Certified EquineFlow Practitioners are not licensed mental health professionals, psychotherapists or counselors, and do not present or act as such. The EquineFlow Approch is not intended or suitable as a replacement for counseling, psychiatric interventions, treatment for mental illness, professional medical advice, financial assistance, legal counsel, or other professional services. Certified EquineFlow Practitioners only work with clients who are able to self-regulate their nervous system. The EquineFlow Approach does not include assessments, diagnostics, treatment or medication.
Part Three: The EquineFlow Standards of Ethical Conduct
Professional Conduct At Large
As a Certified EquineFlow Practitioner:
1) I will conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively upon the horse guided human development profession and I will refrain from engaging in conduct or making statements that may negatively impact the public's understanding or acceptance of horse guided human development as a profession.
2) I will not knowingly make any public statements that are untrue or misleading, or make false claims in any written documents relating to the horse guided human development profession.
3) I will respect different approaches to horse guided human development. I will honor the efforts and contributions of others and not misrepresent them as my own.
4) I will be aware of any issues that may potentially lead to the misuse of my influence by recognizing the nature of horse guided human development and the way in which it may affect the lives of others.
5) I will at all times strive to recognize personal issues that may impair, conflict or interfere with my horse guided human development performance or my professional relationships. Whenever the facts and circumstances necessitate, I will promptly seek professional assistance and determine the action to be taken, including whether it is appropriate to suspend or terminate my professional relationship(s).
6) As a trainer or supervisor of current and potential horse guided human development, I will conduct myself in accordance with the EquineFlow Code of Ethics in all training and supervisory situations.
7) I will conduct and report research with competence, honesty and within recognized scientific standards. My research will be carried out with the necessary approval or consent from those involved, and with an approach that will reasonably protect participants from any potential harm. All research efforts will be performed in a manner that complies with the laws of the country in which the research is conducted.
8) I will accurately create, maintain, store and dispose of any records of work done in relation to the practice of coaching in a way that promotes confidentiality and complies with any applicable laws.
9) I will use EquineFlow member contact information (email addresses, telephone numbers, etc.) only in the manner and to the extent authorized by EquineFlow.
Professional Conduct With Clients
10) I will be responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern any physical contact that I may have with my clients.
11) I will not become sexually involved with any of my clients.
12) I will construct clear agreements with my clients, and will honor all agreements made in the context of professional horse guided human development relationships.
13) I will ensure that, prior to or at the initial session, my client understands the nature of horse guided human development, the bounds of confidentiality, the scope of coaching in contrast with counseling and psychotherapy, financial arrangements and other terms of the horse guided human development agreement.
14) I will accurately identify my qualifications, expertise and experience as a EquineFlow coach/practitioner.
15) I will not intentionally mislead or make false claims about what my client will receive from the horse guided human development process or from me as their coach/practitioner, and I will not misrepresent my education, licensing, or/or skills.
16) I will not give my clients or prospective clients information or advice I know or believe to be misleading.
17) I will not knowingly exploit any aspect of the horse guided human development-client relationship for my personal, professional or monetary advantage or benefit.
18) I will respect the client's right to terminate horse guided human development at any point during the process. I will be alert to indications that the client is no longer benefiting from our professional relationship.
19) If I believe the client would be better served by another coach/practitioner, or by another resource, I will encourage the client to make a change.
20) I will suggest that my clients seek the services of other professionals when deemed appropriate or necessary.
21) I will take all reasonable steps to notify the appropriate authorities in the event a client discloses an intention to endanger self or others.
Professional Conduct With Horses
22) I will respect the rights of the horses that are used in horse coaching sessions by providing the horse the 5 Freedoms; (The Five Freedoms are globally recognized as the gold standard in animal welfare, encompassing both the mental and physical well-being of animals; including : freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, and disease; freedom to express normal and natural behavior; freedom from fear and distress.)
Confidentiality/Privacy
23) I will respect the confidentiality of my client's information, except as otherwise authorized by my client, or as required by law.
24) I will obtain agreement from my clients before releasing their names as clients or references, or any other client identifying information.
25) I will obtain agreement from my clients before releasing information to another person compensating me.
Conflicts of Interest
26) I will seek to avoid conflicts between my interests and the interests of my clients.
27) Whenever any actual conflict of interest or the potential for a conflict of interest arises, I will openly disclose it and fully discuss with my client how to deal with it in whatever way best serves my client.
28) I will disclose to my client all anticipated compensation from third parties that I may receive for referrals of that client.
29) I will only barter for services, goods or other non-monetary remuneration when it will not impair the horse guided human development relationship.
Part Four: The EquineFlow Pledge of Ethics
As a Certified EquineFlow Practitioner, I acknowledge and agree to honor my ethical obligations to my clients and colleagues and to the public at large. I pledge to comply with the EquineFlow Code of Ethics, to treat people and horses with dignity as independent and equal beings, and to model these standards with those whom I coach. If I breach this Pledge of Ethics or any part of the EquineFlow Code of Ethics, I agree that my clients and EquineFlow in its sole discretion may hold me accountable for doing so.
I further agree that my accountability to the EquineFlow for any breach may include loss of my EquineFlow membership and/or my EquineFlow credentials.
Conclusion of the EquineFlow Code of Ethics
Adhering to the EquineFlow Code of Ethics is essential in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of our EquineFlow community. As Certified EquineFlow Practitioners, we play a pivotal role in shaping the future of equine-assisted coaching. By embracing these ethical principles, we ensure that clients, colleagues, and animals are treated with respect, compassion, and care. Together, we can continue to build a trusted and credible practice that fosters growth, healing, and positive change in the world. We are grateful for our fellow Certified EquineFlow Practitioners for their commitment to upholding these standards in our work.
As Certified EquineFlow Practitioners, we are entrusted with upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and care in our equine-assisted coaching practices. The EquineFlow Code of Ethics serves as a guiding framework, ensuring that all Certified EquineFlow Practitioners adhere to principles of respect, transparency, and ethical responsibility, both to clients and the animals involved. By following these guidelines, we contribute to the growth and credibility of this emerging field, fostering trust and positive outcomes in all aspects of our work.
Part One: The EquineFlow Philosophy
EquineFlow adheres to a form of learning that honors the client as the expert in his/her life and work and believes that every client has the capacity to be creative, resourceful, and whole. Standing on this foundation, the practitioner’s responsibility is to:
- Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve
- Encourage client self-discovery
- Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies
Part Two: The EquineFlow Definition of Practice
The EquineFlow Approach for Equine Assisted Coaching and Horse Guided Human Development is a trauma-conscious, ongoing professional relationship between client, practitioner and horse that enables clients to maximize self-determined personal and professional potential through a self-actualized, self-governed process, guided by a science backed, multi modality model for growth that includes trans consciousness work.
Through the process of the EquineFlow Approach, Certified Equineflow Practitioners support clients to mobilize forward motion, restore confidence and optimize well being in their lives, by integrating their whole sense of self.
In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the practitioner listens and contributes observations and questions. This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. TEA accelerates the client's progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. TEA concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future. Results are a matter of the client's intentions, choices and actions, supported by the practitioner’s efforts and application of the process.
The EquineFlow Approach is not psychotherapy, counseling, advice giving, mental healthcare, or treatment for substance abuse or any addictive behavior. Certified EquineFlow Practitioners are not licensed mental health professionals, psychotherapists or counselors, and do not present or act as such. The EquineFlow Approch is not intended or suitable as a replacement for counseling, psychiatric interventions, treatment for mental illness, professional medical advice, financial assistance, legal counsel, or other professional services. Certified EquineFlow Practitioners only work with clients who are able to self-regulate their nervous system. The EquineFlow Approach does not include assessments, diagnostics, treatment or medication.
Part Three: The EquineFlow Standards of Ethical Conduct
Professional Conduct At Large
As a Certified EquineFlow Practitioner:
1) I will conduct myself in a manner that reflects positively upon the horse guided human development profession and I will refrain from engaging in conduct or making statements that may negatively impact the public's understanding or acceptance of horse guided human development as a profession.
2) I will not knowingly make any public statements that are untrue or misleading, or make false claims in any written documents relating to the horse guided human development profession.
3) I will respect different approaches to horse guided human development. I will honor the efforts and contributions of others and not misrepresent them as my own.
4) I will be aware of any issues that may potentially lead to the misuse of my influence by recognizing the nature of horse guided human development and the way in which it may affect the lives of others.
5) I will at all times strive to recognize personal issues that may impair, conflict or interfere with my horse guided human development performance or my professional relationships. Whenever the facts and circumstances necessitate, I will promptly seek professional assistance and determine the action to be taken, including whether it is appropriate to suspend or terminate my professional relationship(s).
6) As a trainer or supervisor of current and potential horse guided human development, I will conduct myself in accordance with the EquineFlow Code of Ethics in all training and supervisory situations.
7) I will conduct and report research with competence, honesty and within recognized scientific standards. My research will be carried out with the necessary approval or consent from those involved, and with an approach that will reasonably protect participants from any potential harm. All research efforts will be performed in a manner that complies with the laws of the country in which the research is conducted.
8) I will accurately create, maintain, store and dispose of any records of work done in relation to the practice of coaching in a way that promotes confidentiality and complies with any applicable laws.
9) I will use EquineFlow member contact information (email addresses, telephone numbers, etc.) only in the manner and to the extent authorized by EquineFlow.
Professional Conduct With Clients
10) I will be responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries that govern any physical contact that I may have with my clients.
11) I will not become sexually involved with any of my clients.
12) I will construct clear agreements with my clients, and will honor all agreements made in the context of professional horse guided human development relationships.
13) I will ensure that, prior to or at the initial session, my client understands the nature of horse guided human development, the bounds of confidentiality, the scope of coaching in contrast with counseling and psychotherapy, financial arrangements and other terms of the horse guided human development agreement.
14) I will accurately identify my qualifications, expertise and experience as a EquineFlow coach/practitioner.
15) I will not intentionally mislead or make false claims about what my client will receive from the horse guided human development process or from me as their coach/practitioner, and I will not misrepresent my education, licensing, or/or skills.
16) I will not give my clients or prospective clients information or advice I know or believe to be misleading.
17) I will not knowingly exploit any aspect of the horse guided human development-client relationship for my personal, professional or monetary advantage or benefit.
18) I will respect the client's right to terminate horse guided human development at any point during the process. I will be alert to indications that the client is no longer benefiting from our professional relationship.
19) If I believe the client would be better served by another coach/practitioner, or by another resource, I will encourage the client to make a change.
20) I will suggest that my clients seek the services of other professionals when deemed appropriate or necessary.
21) I will take all reasonable steps to notify the appropriate authorities in the event a client discloses an intention to endanger self or others.
Professional Conduct With Horses
22) I will respect the rights of the horses that are used in horse coaching sessions by providing the horse the 5 Freedoms; (The Five Freedoms are globally recognized as the gold standard in animal welfare, encompassing both the mental and physical well-being of animals; including : freedom from hunger and thirst; freedom from discomfort; freedom from pain, injury, and disease; freedom to express normal and natural behavior; freedom from fear and distress.)
Confidentiality/Privacy
23) I will respect the confidentiality of my client's information, except as otherwise authorized by my client, or as required by law.
24) I will obtain agreement from my clients before releasing their names as clients or references, or any other client identifying information.
25) I will obtain agreement from my clients before releasing information to another person compensating me.
Conflicts of Interest
26) I will seek to avoid conflicts between my interests and the interests of my clients.
27) Whenever any actual conflict of interest or the potential for a conflict of interest arises, I will openly disclose it and fully discuss with my client how to deal with it in whatever way best serves my client.
28) I will disclose to my client all anticipated compensation from third parties that I may receive for referrals of that client.
29) I will only barter for services, goods or other non-monetary remuneration when it will not impair the horse guided human development relationship.
Part Four: The EquineFlow Pledge of Ethics
As a Certified EquineFlow Practitioner, I acknowledge and agree to honor my ethical obligations to my clients and colleagues and to the public at large. I pledge to comply with the EquineFlow Code of Ethics, to treat people and horses with dignity as independent and equal beings, and to model these standards with those whom I coach. If I breach this Pledge of Ethics or any part of the EquineFlow Code of Ethics, I agree that my clients and EquineFlow in its sole discretion may hold me accountable for doing so.
I further agree that my accountability to the EquineFlow for any breach may include loss of my EquineFlow membership and/or my EquineFlow credentials.
Conclusion of the EquineFlow Code of Ethics
Adhering to the EquineFlow Code of Ethics is essential in maintaining the integrity and professionalism of our EquineFlow community. As Certified EquineFlow Practitioners, we play a pivotal role in shaping the future of equine-assisted coaching. By embracing these ethical principles, we ensure that clients, colleagues, and animals are treated with respect, compassion, and care. Together, we can continue to build a trusted and credible practice that fosters growth, healing, and positive change in the world. We are grateful for our fellow Certified EquineFlow Practitioners for their commitment to upholding these standards in our work.