This Agreement & Risk Waiver (“Agreement”) is entered into between:

Equine Resolutions (ABN: 80 085 230 744),
herein  called "Service Provider"

AND 

herein  called "Client"

Purpose of Services

The purpose of this agreement is to limit the liability of the provider to exclude liability for any personal injury or death to the Participant and other people in the care and control of the Participant howsoever caused who signed this form as acknowledgement of the terms and conditions of this agreement. 

By signing this form you are waiving your rights to sue the Provider for losses relating to personal injury or death.  Under the provisions of the Trade Practices Act and Various State Laws conditions are implied into contracts that mean that the Provider of Recreational Services, noted below is required to ensure that the Recreational Services it sells to you are: rendered with due care and skill are fit for the purpose for which they are commonly bought as it is reasonable to expect in the circumstances or might reasonably be expected to achieve the result you have made know to the Provider.

Acknowledgement of Therapy Services

I understand that I am engaging in trauma-informed psychotherapy services which may include one or more of the following approaches:

• Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (non-riding, ground-based)
• Nature-Based Therapy
• Gestalt Psychotherapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS)
• Somatic and body-based approaches

These sessions may occur in both indoor therapy rooms and outdoor environments, including paddocks or natural spaces where horses and animals are present.

Risk Acknowledgement - Equine (Horses)

When using horses in a therapeutic setting, it is important that clients follow the instructions of your therapist, please know:

Clients will be in close proximity to the horse, they may engage with the horses in a number of ways that could include observation, touching, grooming and leading. Therefore, it is essential that clients understand the inherent risk factor that comes with the horse / human relationship.

Horses are large and potentially dangerous and may act or re-act suddenly without noticeable warning. Equine Resolutions staff will provide you with important safety information prior to coming into close proximity with horses and will utilize any and all safety precautions needed to help keep their clients safe.

When a horse is frightened, angry, under stress or feels threatened, it is the horse’s instinct to jump forwards or sideways, to run away from perceived danger or even to kick, bite, rear up or throw their head.

It is important that you understand the inherent risks and dangers associated with this form of treatment, and that you voluntarily agree to assume them. By signing this document, you understand the potential risks and you agree to assume these risks.

Risk Acknowledgement - Outdoor Setting

Client services are often conducted outside, sometimes regardless of the elements, and may be with or around horses.

Clients are required to be prepared for varying weather conditions and dress accordingly. This means wearing closed in shoes, a hat, pants, and

being prepared with layers appropriate for the weather conditions.

Please wear sun protective clothing and bring a water bottle.

In many cases we will also use art, nature-based activities, guided imagery, mindfulness and somatic exercises.

I agree to follow all safety instructions provided by the therapist and understand that every precaution will be taken to minimise risks.

Emotional Risk & Threaputic Process

I understand that therapy may involve discussing difficult or distressing topics, and emotional discomfort may arise during or after sessions. Feelings like sadness, guilt, anger, frustration, loneliness, and helplessness.

Therapeutic work with horses appears to deeply impact some clients. You may experience intense emotional states when in the presence of horses. You may also experience sudden change, personal realisations, or make new decisions about old situations.

At the closure of a session clients may feel particularly raw and emotionally exposed. We recommend that client's take some time to come back into their body, refocus, and prepare for departure back to your ‘normal’ life.

It is also recommend that clients drink plenty of water and have a snack available in your car for your drive following the session.

It is important that you are aware of and agree to a psycho-therapeutic service that may induce more rapid change due to the intensity, confrontation and focus of the service.

This is a normal part of therapeutic work. I consent to engage in this process knowing I can pause or stop at any time.

Medical and Psychological Disclosure

I confirm that I have disclosed all relevant medical, psychological, and physical conditions that may affect my participation. I take full responsibility for managing my physical and emotional wellbeing during sessions.

Voluntary Participation and Withdrawal

I understand my participation is voluntary. I may withdraw consent or discontinue therapy at any time, without judgment or penalty.

Emergency

In the case of a medical or psychological emergency, I authorise the practitioner to seek appropriate medical care, including contacting emergency services. I accept financial responsibility for any such services.

Confidentiality

All sessions are confidential and notes are kept securely in accordance with privacy regulations. If I am an NDIS participant, I consent to basic session documentation being provided to my plan manager or support coordinator, where required.

Liability Waiver

I acknowledge and voluntarily assume all risks associated with my participation in psychotherapy services provided by Equine Resolutions, including but not limited to equine-assisted psychotherapy, nature-based therapy, and other therapeutic modalities.

I understand that while all reasonable efforts will be made to ensure my safety, there are inherent physical, emotional, and environmental risks associated with these services.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, I hereby release, waive, discharge, and covenant not to sue Equine Resolutions, its directors, employees, contractors, agents, property owners, or volunteers for any and all liability, claims, demands, actions, or causes of action arising out of or related to any loss, damage, injury (including death), or expense that I may suffer, whether caused by the negligence of the releasees or otherwise, arising from my participation in the services offered.

I further agree to indemnify and hold harmless Equine Resolutions and its representatives from any and all claims, actions, suits, procedures, costs, expenses, damages, and liabilities, including legal fees, brought as a result of my involvement in these services and to reimburse them for any such expenses incurred.