Explorations: Learning, Leading and Counselling with Nature

Online 2022 dates TBD

Whether you want to work with horses, pigs, or trees, humanity is being called to return to the wisdom of nature. The elements and rhythms of nature are essential to our well being bringing balance back into our ecosystems internally, communally and globally. 

Explorations: Learning, Leading and Counselling with Nature is the first step in learning how to foster deep transformational relationships with equines and the natural world. Whether you share it forward as a counsellor, coach, team leader or parent, you are invited to join us online for this 5 week journey into the field ….. of learning, leading and counselling with nature. 

Online Training Dates: TBD

Online Classroom: We will meet in an online portal where you can interact in discussion forums, view videos, read research articles and receive weekly assignments.

Lecture Format: Weekly Live Seminars are interactive sessions delivered via Zoom.

Registration Fee: $650 CAN +gst

Looking for certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness?  This training is your first step towards becoming certified with Pro-EFW. 

Join us for this in depth journey which may be used toward national certification in Equine Facilitated Wellness with the Professional Association For Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro-EFW). Sandra is a certified trainer and mentor with Pro-EFW. Sharolyn and Carla are recognized mentors. We include components of nature based and animal assisted explorations in this Level 1 training to broaden your perspectives and program possibilities.


Join us for an exploration into wonder...

To Where Nature Nurtures

  • Live Video Interactions

    You will be fully supported throughout your journey with us with videos, live lectures and interactive engagement sessions.

  • Team of Instructors

    You will receive the benefit of expertise from multiple human facilitators sharing a range of experiences with nature including 3 herds of horses, dogs, cats, chickens, pigs, sheep and more!

  • Inclusive All Species

    The beauty in what we have developed is the inclusion of other animals that you would love to partner with so you do not need to have your own horse to join us for this exceptional and inspiring experience.

  • Curiosity

    The pandemic has reminded us it is time to do things in a different way. Join us and develop your curiosity and resiliency.

Learning Objectives

Join us online to ...

  • Enhance your understanding of Equine Facilitated Wellness with additional explorations into Natured Based and Animal Assisted practices.

  • Bring awareness to the history and foundational principles for EFW and other AAT/NGW approaches.

  • Appreciate the importance of balancing ECO and EGO when working with, and in, Nature.

  • Develop an increased understanding of, and sensitivity to, the perspective that horses and all animals are sentient beings.

  • The safety and risk management considerations in EFW and associated practices.

  • An introduction to how EFW and AAT/NGW can be applied with different clients, populations and needs.

  • An overview of the Pro-EFW training, mentoring and certification model and how this applies to candidates interested in EFW certification.

  • The importance of working within your professional scope of practice.

  • Developing your personalized next steps for exploring the EFW/AAT/NGW field.

  • Ideas of what you can do after completing the Explorations training.

Bonus materials

Mentorship, group coaching and more!

  • Motivational Mentoring

    A Motivational Mentoring group call after program is complete is included to inspire and inform your next step in your Nature Guided Journey as coach, counsellor or facilitator.

  • Mindful Manifesto Mastermind

    *Surprise* Expressive Art Experience

  • Business Building Blueprint

    A Business Building Blueprint is included with your program. This will help you get clear on the next steps so you can make a plan to bring your dreams to life.

Learn from Nature

Explorations Training: Learning, Leading and Counselling with Nature.

Register Now

FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

We look forward to hearing from you...

  • Do I need to be currently working in the field of Equine Facilitated Wellness or Animal Assisted Therapy?

    No. The beauty of this program is that it will serve as a beginning step in completing a professional high level of training designed for those participants entering the field. Explorations is also suitable for those currently working in the field who wish to expand their practices and/or work on certification with Pro-EFW (Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness) .

  • Do I have to have horses to join the Explorations: Learning, Leading and Counselling with Nature training program?

    Students interested in continuing their studies and obtaining certification with the national certification body (Pro-EFW: Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness) will need access to horses for this program. Students interested in partnering with other animals will need access to animals other than equines. Students interested in partnering with nature do not need to have access to animals but an ability to access nature in some form is necessary to complete exercises and assignments.

  • Do I need a computer?

    Participants will be required to have access to the internet through a computer or other electronic device (such as a smartphone or ipad). Easy internet access will help make learning optimal so you can view the online classroom, join the live zoom presentations, watch videos, and connect with others in the discussion board as well as submitting assignments via email. The online classroom will be open for one month following course completion.

  • Are there prerequisites for this online training in Explorations: Learning, Leading and Counselling with Nature?

    No. There are no prerequisites prior to joining Explorations. We welcome students taking part in other training programs and facilitators already practicing in the field to join us to dig deeper into Learning, Leading and Counselling with Nature.

  • Do I need to attend class in person? What if I miss a class?

    Attendance in all lives zoom calls is required however we recognize that life happens. Should extenuating circumstances arise please get in touch with us.

  • How many hours a week will I be spending in the Explorations Training program?

    Participants should set aside 3-5 hours a week to dedicate to the course. Each week you will be in the online classroom (2 hours) of live lectures plus weekly readings and assignments.

  • Is this for me? Is this course intended for professional training or personal healing?

    Both! Explorations is designed to inspire and connect us with the sentient nature of animals and the consciousness that resides in all nature.The program will create a deeper sense of awareness as we explore our own personal and/or professional development. The natural byproduct of taking this training is personal evolution however the training is not designed as group therapy.

  • Can I become a certified professional in Equine Facilitated Wellness?

    Yes! Explorations is the necessary first step in becoming certified in partnering with horses in Equine Facilitated Wellness through the Professional Association for Equine Facilitated Wellness.

  • Can I become certified in Animal Assisted Interactions/Nature Guided Wellness?

    All students will receive a certificate of completion. We are continually developing further training and reviewing certification pathways in AAI or Nature Guided Wellness. So let's talk!

Why Get Certified?

Email us to set up a complementary call to see which training is right for you!

Leading Your Nature Guided Explorations are...

Sandra (Chiron's Way), Carla (Empowered By Horses), Sharolyn (Ears Forward Coaching)

Sandra Wallin

Sandra grew up in the rainforests of British Columbia, riding bareback through ancient cedars and mountain streams. There with the horses, and in nature’s classroom, she learned another way to listen and to lead; a way she’s been teaching in schools and organizations for over 30 years. As a lifelong learner, Sandra has earned Bachelor’s Degrees in Science and Education, a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology, and is currently working toward her Doctorate in Ecopsychology. Though she has studied with many incredible people, Sandra says her most influential teachers have been horses - potent allies and guides for those who are ready to move beyond the status quo to thrive personally, professionally and planetarily.

Carla Webb

Carla is an Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW) Professional, EFW Mentor and Wellness Coach. Her heart-centered philosophy of kindness and enhanced empathy and compassion for all beings is the cornerstone of her therapeutic work. Carla, and her team of four and two-legged co-facilitators (horses, pigs, sheep, chickens and humans), are at the core of her three successful eco-businesses: Unbridled Potential, Empowered By Horses and Standing Six. From children and youth to First Responders, it is Carla’s passion to support healing by building positive relationships and mindful interactions between humans and the natural world.

Sharolyn Wandzura

Sharolyn has been facilitating for over 10 years and one of Sandra’s first students in Equine Facilitated Wellness. Sharolyn offers exceptional liberty horsemanship skills and enjoys digging deep to explore relational development between species. With Sharolyn's 25 years of web design and user experience on board you will feel well supported with her expertise and technical touch!