According to the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, “Psychotherapy is a holistic engagement that focuses on the mental, emotional, relational or spiritual health of a human being. It is useful when psychological, developmental, relationship and wellbeing issues arise in life.”
Involving horses in psychotherapy brings a whole new dimension. These gentle giants are by nature, prey animals making them extremely sensitive to environmental activity and people’s emotional states even more so than other animals included in animal assisted therapy, such as dogs.
Horses are unbiased and non-judgmental, responding only to people’s approach, intent and behaviour. They give honest feedback by moving towards or away from people and a whole host of other non-verbal communications, behaviours and responses.
By working with these majestic animals, you will begin to learn about yourself, your relationships with others and how the environment around you can influence the way you are.
Benefits include:
- Enhanced self awareness
- Emotional regulation
- Better relationships
- Reduced symptoms of mental health disorders
- Improved problem-solving skills
- Personal growth and development
- Stress reduction
- Increased self esteem and confidence
- Better relationships
Who can attend Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
- Victims of abuse or accident survivors
- People living with anxiety, depression, or social and relational difficulties
- Adults, adolescents, children
- First Responders and Emergency Services Volunteers, their partners and children
- People with physical or mental trauma or PTSD
- Survivers of domestic violence (including people affected by emotional coercive, manipulative behaviour, social isolation, intimidation)
- People wanting personal development or address unwanted patterns of behaviour
Benefits for First Responders and Emergency Services Volunteers
During the the 30 years with Victoria Police, I experienced the challenges, stress, anxiety, and physical and emotional impact firsthand that comes with a career in emergency services and this brings a unique perspective to my practice. ” ~ Robyn Reed, Principal Practitioner
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy can help with:
Improved coping mechanisms
- strategies to manage high levels of stress and trauma associated with emergency response work
Enhanced resilience
- helps develop a stronger mental and emotional framework to handle the ongoing psychological toll of the job
Increased emotional regulation
- assists in teaching effective techniques to manage intense emotions such as fear, anger and sadness
Stronger interpersonal relationships
- improves communication skills for better interaction with colleagues and family, addressing relationship issues that can arise from job-related stress
Reducing symptoms of PTSD and Acute Stress
- managing stress reactions and long-term psychological impact, creating healthier well being
Support system
- provides an independent, safe, private and confidential space to discuss and process work-related experiences
Make an Appointment
| Equine Assisted Psychotherapy | $230 +GST |
| Equine Assisted Learning | $230 +GST |
| Counselling | $150 +GST |
Selecting “Book Now” takes you to Power Diary, our secure client portal, where you will need to register before accessing the appointment calendar. Note that all sessions are 1 hour duration.
Contact us if you need assistance.
