Health

02/06/2025

Member Spotlight: Health is a Professional Member, which includes being eligible to participate in the ATL Mental Health Outreach Program.

Deborah-Anne, H-E-A-L-T-H offers comprehensive counselling and therapy services to support individuals in all areas of mental health and wellness in Kooralbyn QLD.

Find them in our ATL National Directory: https://animaltherapies.org.au/membership-account/profile/?pu=health

02/06/2025

At Equine Assisted Therapy Australia, we understand that people may have questions about the legitimacy and effectiveness of equine-assisted therapy—and we welcome the opportunity to clarify what our work involves.

Equine-assisted therapy is a recognised, evidence-based mental health intervention that is client-centred and experiential. It’s not simply about having people “pat a horse.” Our approach integrates counselling and psychotherapy with carefully facilitated interactions between clients and horses. These sessions help individuals develop emotional regulation, build self-awareness, and process trauma in ways traditional talk therapy may not achieve.

Equine-assisted therapy has been studied in areas such as trauma recovery, PTSD, autism, and general mental health. Outcomes have shown improved emotional well-being, self-regulation, communication, and interpersonal skills. While research is ongoing, results are promising, with many clients experiencing increased resilience, reduced anxiety, and greater social connection.

As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), we offer accredited training that ensures practitioners meet professional and ethical standards. This is not a hobby or a casual pursuit—our practitioners are qualified professionals in counselling, psychology, social work, psychotherapy, or occupational therapy, with additional training in equine-assisted mental health.

In relation to the NDIS, we provide structured therapeutic interventions that align with participant goals. Equine-assisted therapy is not a leisure activity—it’s a valid and powerful form of therapy that many clients find more engaging and effective than office-based approaches. NDIS funding approval depends on meeting specific criteria and demonstrating alignment with a participant’s plan.

We value informed discussion and welcome healthy scepticism. There is a growing body of research supporting this modality, and we are committed to ethical, transparent practice that prioritises both client well-being and the respectful treatment of our horses.

28/05/2025

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Member Spotlight: Health is a Professional Member, which includes being eligible to participate in the ATL Mental Health Outreach Program.

Deborah-Anne, H-E-A-L-T-H offers comprehensive counselling and therapy services to support individuals in all areas of mental health and wellness in Kooralbyn QLD.

Find them in our ATL National Directory: https://animaltherapies.org.au/membership-account/profile/?pu=health

14/02/2025

HOW DO HORSES ASSIST IN HEALING?

Horses are highly perceptive, emotionally intelligent animals with an extraordinary ability to connect with their environment. Their keen awareness, honesty, and straightforward communication offer a unique form of support to anyone who spends time with them.

Here’s how horses contribute to our healing process:

Living in the Present: Horses live entirely in the moment, responding only to what’s happening right now. When we are with them, they encourage us to do the same by slowing down, taking deep breaths, and reconnecting with our own being.

Clear Communication: Horses are direct and transparent in expressing their emotions and boundaries. This clarity can prompt us to reflect on how we communicate — many of us have lost touch with clearly expressing our needs, which can lead to confusion or disconnection. Horses teach us to show up authentically and stay present.

A Non-Judgmental Environment: Horses do not judge us. They create a safe space where we can be ourselves, unwind, and reconnect with our emotions. They are keenly attuned to our inner state and will often prompt us to align our feelings with our actions, encouraging authenticity.

Grounding and Connection with the Body: Many of us spend too much time in our minds, disconnected from our bodies and emotions. Horses encourage us to tune into our physical sensations, fully experience the present moment, and reconnect with our bodies.

The Power of Authenticity: Horses flourish in an environment of honesty and congruence. They feel most at ease when we are transparent about our emotions, even if that means admitting vulnerability or discomfort. This helps us embrace our true selves and release pretenses.

Support for Personal Growth: Horses gently challenge us to present our most authentic selves. In their presence, we can explore new ways of building connections and fostering deeper, more meaningful relationships — with ourselves and others.

Healing with horses is centered around building relationships, being present, and rediscovering our sense of wholeness.