BrainLab’s equine-assisted therapy is provided by a Registered Social Worker at a partner equine facility near Cornwall. Sessions are entirely ground-based; riding is not part of the service.
Experiential therapy
Sessions use interaction, observation and guided reflection rather than riding. The horse and the environment provide opportunities to notice reactions and patterns in the moment. The approach may be considered for work around anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma-related concerns, confidence, trust and relationships.
Who this may suit
Some people find an experiential, outdoor setting more engaging than office-based conversation alone. Children, adolescents and adults can all be considered. Suitability is reviewed individually based on the person’s concerns, goals and participation needs.
What happens next
Share the reason for contact and why equine-assisted therapy is being considered.
The reason for contact, individual suitability, practical participation needs and current availability are considered.
BrainLab explains the treating professional’s role, format, location, consent process, fees and practical expectations before care begins.
Location
Sessions take place at a partner equine facility in North Lunenburg, near Cornwall and less than an hour’s drive from Ottawa. BrainLab provides directions and arrival information when the service is arranged.
No previous experience with horses is required. Sessions are typically 60 minutes.
Fees and coverage
The treating clinician is an NIHB mental health counselling provider. NIHB mental health counselling coverage may be available for eligible clients and can be confirmed before services begin.
$175
60-minute appointment
$100
60-minute appointment
Current availability
New clients can generally be seen within 1–2 weeks, depending on availability. Fit and timing are confirmed after the inquiry or referral is reviewed.
For referring professionals
Use BrainLab’s Professional Referral form and select Equine therapy. Include the referral question, client age group and location, and whether the client has agreed to be contacted. Do not send records or detailed clinical histories through the website. BrainLab will provide secure instructions if records are needed.
With the client’s consent, equine-assisted therapy may complement work with an existing therapist. Roles, information sharing and any co-care communication are agreed before information is exchanged.
Office-based and experiential care
Equine-assisted therapy uses the relationship, environment and present-moment experience as part of therapeutic reflection. Office-based therapy more often relies on conversation in a consulting room or virtual setting. Neither format is inherently better; suitability depends on the person and goals.
It is an experiential mental-health service in which structured interaction with horses and guided reflection form part of a therapeutic process. At BrainLab, it is provided by a Registered Social Worker.
Sessions may involve observation, interaction and therapeutic reflection. They are entirely ground-based.
Children, adolescents or adults may be considered when an experiential approach fits the person’s concerns, goals and practical needs.
No previous experience with horses is required.
No. Sessions are entirely ground-based and do not involve riding.
Sessions take place at a partner equine facility in North Lunenburg in the Cornwall area, less than an hour’s drive from Ottawa.
Sessions are typically 60 minutes. Individual sessions are $175 and group sessions are $100.
The treating clinician is an NIHB mental health counselling provider. NIHB mental health counselling coverage may be available for eligible clients and can be confirmed before services begin.
BrainLab is accepting referrals and can generally see new clients within 1–2 weeks, depending on availability and individual suitability.
It uses the environment and real-time interaction as part of therapeutic reflection. Office-based care more often relies on conversation in a consulting room or online.
Clients and families can book a consultation through Jane or submit the Therapy & Specialized Services Inquiry. Professionals can use BrainLab’s Professional Referral form and select Equine therapy.
No. BrainLab’s website and inquiry routes are not monitored for emergencies. Call 9-1-1 for immediate danger, or call or text 9-8-8 for suicide crisis support in Canada.
Next step
Clients and families can book an Equine Therapy consultation through Jane or send an inquiry. Referring professionals can use the Professional Referral form.
