Scope of Practice
Chantal Russell, E-RYT, RHN, ACC
I am certified with the Professional Association of Equine Facilitated Wellness (Pro-EFW) in the Learning Professional stream.
Personal Scope of Practice in Human Services
With twenty years of experience in holistic health, my passion lies in helping individuals enhance their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. My current roles include:
- Associate Certified Life Coach (ICF) at Rhodes Wellness College
- Yoga Teacher Trainer and Director of Yoga Teacher Training at the Vancouver School of Healing Arts
- Director of Professional Integrative Nutrition at Rhodes Wellness College
As a trauma-informed facilitator, I strive to create a supportive space that fosters self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and healing.
Personal Scope of Practice in Working with Equines
As a dedicated horse owner, I oversee the daily care of three horses, including feeding, mucking stalls, handling, hand walking, riding, and coordinating veterinary and farrier appointments.
I began riding at age eight and transitioned to competitive show jumping by age twelve. Since then, I have ridden and cared for multiple horses and am currently rehabilitating my OTTB while providing a nurturing environment for our two senior horses. They enjoy a natural lifestyle with 24-hour turnout, herd living, and access to shelter and forage, prioritizing their well-being.
Personal Scope of Practice in Equine Facilitated Wellness (EFW)
Equine Facilitated Wellness is open to individuals of all ages seeking to slow down, heal, ease anxiety, eliminate burnout, and reconnect with their body, emotions, and soul.
The EFW services I offer include:
- One-on-one sessions or small group experiences (up to 2 people) with one or two horses in a safe environment.
As an Equine Facilitated Learning Professional, I create programs that integrate life coaching, holistic wellness, and personal empowerment, allowing adults and youth (ages 12+) to deepen their connection to nature, themselves, and the horses. My approach is informed by integrative and somatic therapies, neuroscience, mindfulness, yoga, emotional horsemanship, and nature-based practices.
Benefits of EFW may include:
- Greater self-awareness
- Improved communication skills
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Enhanced overall well-being
I engage in monthly mentoring and supervision with experienced professionals, including Deborah Marshall, Kate Burns, and Jodine Buydens.
Areas in Which I Am NOT Qualified to Provide Services
As a Human Services Professional, I do not provide counselling services. While I am trauma-informed, my focus is on helping clients ground themselves, honor their nervous system, and focus on the present and their desired future, rather than exploring past traumas.
As an Equine Professional, I limit my practice to working with a maximum of two equines and two people. I seek supervision for clients dealing with trauma or mental health issues and refer individuals wanting to process past events to qualified professionals
Clients receive information about my scope of practice through my Release of Liability Form. I discuss my scope, including limitations, with all clients, and it is available on my website for their review. I hold a Commercial Equine Enterprise Liability Insurance Policy (#CEL-00109821-001) with Acera Insurance, providing $2,000,000 in liability coverage from April 1, 2024, to April 1, 2025..
