Frequently-Asked Questions

What is EMDR Therapy?

Unprocessed experiences contribute to clients getting triggered in the present and ‘show up’ as the cluster of disturbing symptoms, behaviors, and thinking patterns that will bring clients into therapy. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a comprehensive, evidence-based approach that helps clients heal from trauma and other distressing life experiences. EMDR therapy understands that experiences that have not yet been fully processed can continue to shape how a person feels, thinks, responds, and relates in the present. Through its eight phases and three-pronged approach, EMDR therapy supports clients in safely accessing and processing these experiences so the past can become more fully recognized as past.

The American Psychiatric Association, the American Psychological Association, the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, National Alliance on Mental Illness, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the U.K. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs/Dept. of Defense, The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and the World Health Organization among many other national and international organizations recognize EMDR therapy as an effective treatment.

What is Equine-Assisted EMDR Therapy (EA-EMDR)?

Created by Sarah Jenkins in 2011, EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol®—also known as EquiLateral®—pioneered the clinical integration known as Equine-Assisted EMDR (EA-EMDR). It was the first manualized, phase-based protocol developed specifically to integrate equine-assisted interactions throughout EMDR therapy, and its training is the first Equine-Assisted EMDR training approved by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA).

EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol®—offers an experiential, equine-assisted approach to EMDR therapy. It remains EMDR therapy, with equine-assisted interactions thoughtfully woven throughout the process to provide Equine-Assisted EMDR (EA-EMDR). Practitioners trained in the protocol learn to thoughtfully partner with horses throughout all eight phases and the three-pronged approach of standard EMDR therapy. Each interaction is considered in relation to the purpose of the phase, the needs of the client, and the well-being of the horses we partner with. A foundational principle of EquiLateral® is that practitioners are always doing EMDR therapy. EquiLateral® is a comprehensive therapy protocol—not simply an intervention or model—and supports EMDR therapists who are dually qualified to work independently, as well as those who collaborate with a qualified Equine Specialist.

Why Learn EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol?

Many clients seeking trauma treatment live with the effects of chronic traumatization and complex dissociation. Without a thoughtful, phased approach, equine-assisted interactions can bring clients too close to traumatic material before they have enough support to remain present, increasing distress or deepening dissociative responses. The horses we partner with can also experience pressure and distress when their needs, choices, and well-being are not carefully considered. EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol®—also known as EquiLateral®—was created to offer a conscious, phase-based approach to working with complex trauma, including structural dissociation. Grounded in EMDR therapy as an established, evidence-based approach to trauma treatment, the protocol teaches practitioners to partner with horses as sentient beings and to integrate equine-assisted interactions with appropriate training, professional qualifications, ethical practice, and care for the well-being of both clients and the horses we partner with.

Who Can Attend the EA-EMDR Training?

To ensure that Equine-Assisted EMDR (EA-EMDR) remains grounded in standard EMDR therapy, the EMDR therapist must have completed an EMDRIA-approved EMDR Basic Training in its entirety. Applicants are asked to provide their final certificate of completion, confirming completion of the full 50-hour EMDR training—including Part 1, Part 2, and 10 hours of consultation. Participants may come to this work with different forms of equine-related education, training, qualifications, and experience. Those trained to practice in both EMDR therapy and equine-assisted mental health may attend as dually qualified practitioners. EMDR therapists who do not have this background may attend and practice alongside a qualified Equine Specialist. Each pathway supports thoughtful collaboration, ethical practice, and care for both clients and the horses we partner with.

Is EA-EMDR a One or Two Person Approach?

There are a wide range of foundational trainings and qualifications in providing equine interactions for mental health that have their own requirements, standards, and expectations, especially regarding working alone, or in partnership, as well as guidelines regarding non-mounted or ground-based work. It is the student’s responsibility to attend in a manner that enables them to maintain compliance with their chosen foundational training in providing equine interactions in mental health.

Is EA-EMDR Ground Based or Ridden?

EquiLateral: The Equine-Assisted EMDR Protocol® is grounded in work with horses where approximately 95% of the interactions take place without riding. Because EA-EMDR was created to support the treatment of complex trauma, including structural dissociation, careful attention is given to presence, time orientation, and dual attention. Simply being on a horse does not necessarily mean that a client is fully present, centered, or oriented to the here and now—particularly when dissociation is part of their experience. Ground-based interactions offer many thoughtful ways to support clients in remaining connected to themselves, the horse, and the present moment, while also honoring the horse’s comfort, choice, and well-being throughout the work.

What If I am an EMDR Therapist and Don't Work With an ES?

EMDR therapists who wish to attend without an Equine Specialist must provide verification of relevant education, training, credentials, or qualifications in providing equine-assisted interactions within mental health practice. Those whose training is limited to EMDR therapy attend and practice in partnership with a qualified Equine Specialist.

What if I am an EMDR Therapist Attending W/ES (Equine Specialist)?

When an EMDR therapist works in partnership with an Equine Specialist, they attend the training together. Both develop a shared understanding of EMDR therapy, the EquiLateral® framework, and their distinct yet collaborative roles in providing clinically sound Equine-Assisted EMDR (EA-EMDR). The Equine Specialist must have relevant education, training, credentials, or qualifications in providing equine-assisted interactions within mental health practice.

What If I am an ES and not EMDR Trained?

Equine Specialists may attend in partnership with an EMDR therapist or may attend independently if they are also fully trained as an EMDR therapist. During registration, Equine Specialists, if attending with an EMDR therapist, will identify their EMDR therapist partner, in addition to the required verification of the foundational education, training, credentials, or qualifications in providing equine-assisted interactions within mental health practice.

Questions?

Send Sarah an email, or reach out on social media.