Business Consulting & Supervision
Hourly Business Consulting
$150.00 Per hour
From the very beginning of my licensed career, I have integrated horses into the counseling process. I bring extensive training and hands-on experience across a range of settings, including community-based services, in-home therapy, schools, crisis response, and outpatient care. These diverse experiences inform the supervision and consultation services I offer today, in addition to leading Horse & Soul Counseling.
In the first year, I laid a foundation by billing health insurance, offering free groups and sliding-scale services, and rescuing three horses from auction. By year four, our efforts had grown into multiple private agency contracts, the creation of a nonprofit in collaboration with our Equine Specialist, and successful negotiations with insurance companies to better support the specialized services we provide. By year eight, we expanded our farm, increased our staff, added office space, and grew our herd to better serve our community.
The journey is not without challenges, and it’s easy to become discouraged. But above all, it’s essential to stay true to God’s calling. With faith, dedication, and perseverance, it is possible to create a mission-driven, financially sustainable program that makes a meaningful impact.
Supervision Opportunities at Horse & Soul Counseling
Supervision is offered under the direction of Tara E. Higgins, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor and Virginia Board-Approved Supervisor. Individuals who have completed a Master’s degree and meet the supervision requirements outlined by the Virginia Board of Counseling are eligible to participate in our program. We offer the following supervision options:
Free On-Site Supervision
Supervision is provided at no cost for individuals who commit to working on-site with Horse & Soul Counseling clients for a minimum of 18 months. If you begin employment and leave before completing the 18-month commitment, a flat fee of $7,800 will be charged. This fee reflects the cost of one hour of supervision per week over the course of 12 months (52 weeks).Individual Off-Site Supervision
For those working at another counseling agency within the state of Virginia, individual supervision is available.
Cost: $150 per hourGroup Off-Site Supervision
Group supervision is offered virtually and is available to individuals employed at other counseling agencies within Virginia. To qualify, you must have an on-site supervisor at your current workplace, or you must also participate in individual supervision with Horse & Soul Counseling.
Cost: $75 per hour
LEgal documents and forms
Cost: $500.00
Free 15-Minute Consultation with Tara E. Higgins, MA, LPC
Considering starting your own Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) program? Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation with Tara E. Higgins, MA, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Board-Approved Supervisor. During this session, you can explore your goals, ask questions, and receive expert guidance on taking the first steps toward building a successful and ethical EAP practice.
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Starter Forms Package
To support your journey, you also have the option to purchase a comprehensive set of professionally developed documents essential for launching your EAP program. This package includes:
Safety Plans and Emergency Protocols
A customizable Policy & Procedures Manual
Informed Consent for Services
Client Registration and Intake Forms
HIPAA Compliance Guidelines
Liability and Risk Acknowledgment Forms
Session Documentation Templates
Staff and Volunteer Guidelines
And more
These resources are designed to help you establish a safe, structured, and legally sound foundation for your program, allowing you to focus on delivering meaningful therapeutic experiences with confidence.
A Supervisors manual to train staff to conduct equine therapy
Cost: $75.00
This manual is designed to provide supervisors with a structured, practical approach to training and mentoring future helping professionals. While it is specifically tailored for those working in animal-assisted psychotherapeutic settings, the skills and frameworks outlined within are broadly applicable across all mental health disciplines and adaptable to various forms of animal-assisted therapy.
The role of a supervisor is both rewarding and demanding. You are tasked with fostering ethical and competent care in your supervisees, all while managing your own caseload, navigating administrative responsibilities, and guarding against compassion fatigue. This manual aims to support you in that balance—offering tools that not only enhance your effectiveness as a supervisor but also prioritize your own wellness and sustainability in the field.
Bonus: Receive a free 15-minute consultation with Tara E. Higgins, MA, LPC, when you purchase the manual. This session provides an opportunity to discuss implementation strategies, supervision challenges, or any questions specific to your practice setting.
In Person Training & consultation day
Cost: $750
Equine-Assisted Therapy Business Immersion Experience
Spend six hours on-site at our farm with Tara E. Higgins, MA, LPC, founder and owner of Horse & Soul Counseling. This immersive experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of a thriving equine-assisted psychotherapy practice.
During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Meet with staff and hear firsthand about their experiences working in a high-demand equine therapy setting
Ask questions about business operations, clinical processes, and team dynamics
Learn practical strategies for billing insurance, documenting equine involvement in therapy, and maintaining ethical and effective care for both clients and horses
Explore systems we use to support staff well-being and manage the emotional demands of this unique work
This is your chance to bring all your questions about launching and running your own equine-assisted therapy business. You’ll leave with actionable insights and proven strategies that have helped make Horse & Soul Counseling a sustainable and impactful practice.