The Embodied Awareness in Action™ Practitioner Training & Certification
An Immersive & Personal Learning Journey with Leif Hallberg
“Don’t expect this training to be like anything else. It is greater than the sum of its parts – far more demanding than an online course and infinitely more satisfying than a face-to-face workshop.”
“I did not expect this course to be so transformational. As I look back to what my life was like almost a year ago, I am not even sure I would recognize myself on the street. This has been a personally challenging course, and I am a better person for it.”
"The most life-changing, attitude-shifting, I’ll-never-be-the-same part of this learning experience has been the in-between. Listening to words not spoken, seeing things unseen, feeling a connection to horses, other people, myself and the natural world that I’ve never heard, seen or connected to before. Finding my tribe and my path to allow me to be truly me."
"This course changed my life. I gained insight into myself as a horseman and a capable EAL facilitator. The journey challenged me and was emotional and inspiring. Leif is an insightful presenter who puts part of her in everything we did. I have a new career, new outlook and a fresh look at the way horses and nature can be part of my business. My business has become more successful and able to support a broader range of clients."
"I think this course is fantastic. Every topic/resource presented was informative and interesting. It is a must for anyone wanting to have a respected equine-assisted practice. If you love horses I believe it is your duty to do this course."
Don't Wait!
Embark on a transformative journey with the Embodied Awareness in Action™ Practitioner Training & Certification Process. This is truly a not-to-be missed opportunity to study, learn, and grow with Leif Hallberg, a “master” of experiential therapy and learning! Gain a dynamic skill set applicable in clinical practice and diverse learning/coaching/wellness environments, both with and without horses.
This training is an intimate, powerful, and PERSONAL learning experience. It is about a dedication to self-study, to life-long learning, to increasing competency, to raising the bar, to investing in your own personal and professional growth, and to doing it together – in community. As Leif says, this isn’t a spectator sport! Prepare to go deep and authentically explore your relationships with self, other, and the natural world!
The Embodied Awareness in Action™ Practitioner Training brings together Leif’s 25+ years of learning, study, research, teaching, and practice and combines her deep understanding of biophilic connections with mindfulness practices, principles of somatic (or embodied) awareness, and experiential learning – all within the context of safe, respectful, and relationally-oriented equine interactions.
This 200+ hour training is an immersive self-directed personal and professional development experience delivered through a hybrid of in-person, synchronous (online in-person), and asynchronous (on your own) learning, group process, and 1:1 support over approximately 8 months. The class integrates sound clinical or educational skills with self-awareness training, mindfulness and somatic practices, facilitation training, and equine knowledge — all the while deepening connections to self, others, and the natural world.
Aligned with the American Counseling Association’s Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counseling Competencies, this course provides a strong foundation of education, practice, and supervision plus a framework to continually assess skill levels in the various areas of competency required to safely and ethically provide interactions that include animals in learning or therapy services.
To join this growing community of dedicated learners you don’t need to be an expert or bring years of experience. Participants come to this course with all levels of experience and knowledge and this is why the “magic” happens. We learn together — from each other and with each other. We are committed to the process of learning and seek to share a challenging, rewarding, and safe personal and professional growth experience with other like-minded and passionate individuals.
Core Teachings
The Embodied Awareness in Action™ Practitioner Training is delivered in seven learning modules over approximately eight months of study via 20+ LIVE group calls facilitated by Leif and a private online learning platform with hundreds of hours of specially-curated resources including articles, videos, and activities.
The Practitioner as Person & Professional
During the first two modules we take a deep and personal dive into topics designed to increase awareness around how we show up in the world and how we engage and interact with self and others. As Leif says, "how we do one thing is how we do all things" and this module gently invites learners to see, feel, and experience themselves and the world around them with greater clarity.
As we travel into the second module, you will learn about the professional competencies associated with including equines (or other animals), nature, and embodied mindfulness in mental health and learning. You be invited to explore your skills, knowledge, and attitudes through a process of non-judgmental and authentic self-assessment, self-evaluation, and self-reflection.
As we travel into the second module, you will learn about the professional competencies associated with including equines (or other animals), nature, and embodied mindfulness in mental health and learning. You be invited to explore your skills, knowledge, and attitudes through a process of non-judgmental and authentic self-assessment, self-evaluation, and self-reflection.
Understanding, Respecting, Tending To, and Partnering with Our Equine Colleagues
Understanding our equine colleagues as individuals and as a species, and knowing how to foster respectful, safe, and collegial relationships is a critical component of ethical practice. During the next two modules you will be introduced to the basics of equine ethology, and learn about the ethological characteristics of equines including how equines communicate, react, and respond, and discuss how ethology informs care, handling, and welfare practices. We will also carefully consider the ethics of appropriating another species for the wellbeing of humans and how we can work in respectful partnership with our equine colleagues.
The Embodied Awareness in Action™ Framework & Model
During this module learners are introduced to the conceptual framework of Leif’s Embodied Awareness in Action™ model. Learners investigate the healing power of nature, explore experiential learning theory, and get up close and personal with concepts of embodied awareness, somatic experiencing, and mindfulness practices.
The Business of Embodied Awareness in Action™
This is where the rubber hits the road! During this module learners will be guided through the critical aspects needed to successfully implement a business or bring the Embodied Awareness in Action ™ model into an already existing practice.
Facilitating the Embodied Awareness in Action™ Model
Facilitation is a life-long practice. This module invites learners to step in wherever they are along that path with the gentle reminder that there will always be more to learn, practice, and refine. During this module we will consider the attributes, qualities, and skills of the experiential facilitator while discussing how to screen and select participants, how to write S.M.A.R.T. goals and session plans, and how to design sessions using the Embodied Awareness in Action™ framework.
What's Included in This Training?
This training is not like a typical online course. It is EMBODIED, immersive learning meticulously curated and facilitated by Leif.
You will be interacting directly with Leif and with your cohort of fellow students on a weekly basis for 8+ months.
This is real. This is powerful. This is an adventure of lifetime.
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20+ LIVE weekly 2-hour instructional classes and process-oriented groups facilitated by Leif.
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3-day IN-PERSON immersion workshop (travel expenses, lodging, and meals are not included).
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Access to a private on-line learning platform with hundreds of thoughtfully curated articles, videos, resources, and activities specially designed to increase your knowledge, skills, and competency.
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Access to detailed session plans, business forms and business planning guides, budget templates, sample risk management policies and procedures, and so much more!
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1 year of FREE membership to the Worldwide Embodied Awareness in Action ™ Community.
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Open “office hours” during which you can ask questions and receive support, guidance, and feedback from Leif.
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Discounted 1:1 mentoring and supervision calls during the course and for 1 year after the course.
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Opportunity to become certified in the Embodied Awareness in Action™ model!
What is Required for Certification?
Certification in the Embodied Awareness in Action™ model is rigorous and designed to support ethical, safe, and effective practices. Foundation Level Certificated Practitioners must meet the following requirements:
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Successfully complete the Embodied Awareness in Action™ practitioner training.
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Agree and adhere to the Embodied Awareness in Action™ Guidelines for Practice.
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Meet the requirements for providing practice client sessions (liability insurance obtained, necessary forms prepared, facility, animals, and any needed volunteers prepared, session plans approved).
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Document 20 hours of client contact utilizing the Embodied Awareness in Action™ model.
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Document 5 hours of individual supervision while providing the 20 hours of client contact. Note: This ratio supports seeing 1-5 client hours per week. If the supervisee is seeing more than 5 clients per week the hours of supervision increase.
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Attend one in-person immersive workshop. Note: There are alternatives available for international students.
What To Expect
Leif’s approach to learning is deeply personal and this training is no exception. Expect to dig deep, to explore your relationships with self, other, and the natural world, to challenge long-held beliefs, and to embark on a journey of personal and professional self-discovery.
This is fast-paced, self-directed, community-based, experiential learning IN PRACTICE. Taking responsibility for yourself (including your own mental health), and showing up as an active, engaged, and self-aware member of the group is essential to the learning process and is an expectation of this training. Here are a couple of important things to know:
- Experiential learning isn’t anything like conventional education. Expect to be challenged to explore old patterns, beliefs, and attitudes.
- Each student is valued for his/her/their own experiences, knowledge, and expertise, and students are invited (perhaps even expected) to share their unique wisdom and information with the group as this is what helps to form the rich tapestry of the learning environment.
- Know that you will receive feedback throughout this training and be prepared to maturely handle the feedback process.
- In this course expect that you will get activated (or triggered). This is big stuff we are covering and you will be given lots of opportunities to practice the very skills you will be learning to teach others!
Who Is This Training & Certification For?
Due to the nature of this experience, people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life find this personal and professional development opportunity applicable, and find connection while forming deep, long-lasting relationships!
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Professionals already providing services that include horses who want to enhance their skills and increase their competency.
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Healthcare professionals, educators, coaches, horse professionals, students, or anyone else who interested in bringing this powerful approach to treatment and learning into their own practices.
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Anyone interested in horses, facilitation, mindfulness, or personal development, and seeking a supportive community in which to learn more about themselves, others, and the natural world.
FAQS
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About how many hours per week should I plan to dedicate to this training?
Zoom calls are 1.5 to 2 hours per week. Most learners report spending between 3-5 additional hours digesting the online content and doing assignments. Note: This does not include the hours spent towards achieving certification.
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Do I have to attend all zoom calls?
The zoom calls are an essential component of the training. These calls are group oriented with hands-on experiencing, discussion, and sharing. The time we spend together during the calls creates the rich tapestry that makes this training so special. Students should only miss a call in the case of an emergency or if they have arranged with Leif to skip a call.
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Where is the in-person immersion workshop held?
The location of the immersion workshop changes depending upon the time of year it falls.
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What are the technology and logistical requirements?
Most importantly, you will need access to Zoom with a strong internet connection, a working camera, and a microphone on a computer and on a phone or iPad.
You will also need a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, and Powerpoint.
If you want to volunteer for a hands-on day at your facility you will need a location that has a good WiFi signal. -
Will I be certified upon completion of this training?
It depends! Many people choose to combine the requirements for certification with the training while others choose to work towards achieving the requirements after completion of the training.
Payment Options
Please note that international exchange rates and transfer fees are not included in the cost of tuition.
Also note that the cost of tuition does not include individual supervision sessions for certification or travel expenses, lodging, or food for the in-person practicum.
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Pay In Full Discounted Rate (INCLUDES 3-Day In-Person Workshop): $3500.00 USD
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Pay in Full Discounted Rate (NOT including 3-Day In-Person Workshop): $2500.00
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Payment plans are available! Options are on the application or reach out to Leif to learn more.