Winhaven Psychology and Animal Assisted Therapy

16/03/2026

Great outcomes for such important work.

New Research on Equine-Assisted Learning and Childhood Trauma

A 2025 study published in the Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma explored how equine-assisted learning can support children who have experienced trauma.

Researchers examined a 7-week program called “Resilience Reins”, involving 151 caregivers reporting on children exposed to trauma. The program combined unmounted activities with horses and psycho-educational learning sessions.

Key outcomes reported by caregivers included improvements in:
• Emotional regulation
• Communication skills
• Self-efficacy
• Social behaviour and peer relationships

The study concluded that equine-assisted learning can help children build self-regulation and resilience after traumatic experiences, especially when caregivers are involved alongside children in the program.

Read the study:
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40653-025-00747-5

21/02/2026

We are fostering Leo for the next week. I’m sure there will be some people wanting a cuddle.

Update: Leo is now adopted by Winhaven!!

Welcome Leo ❤️

15/02/2026

Today, our Winhaven family said goodbye to a truly special soul. Many of you knew and loved Elly, our beautiful golden wombat, who bravely fought cancer for the third time with so much strength and grace.

Today, surrounded by love, the incredibly hard decision was made to let Elly rest peacefully.

Elly touched so many hearts throughout her life. She was the most devoted companion to Jo and the gentlest, most loving dog to everyone lucky enough to know her. Her warmth, spirit, and unconditional love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Run free, sweet Elly 🤍

25/01/2026

Last Thursday was our 2nd working bee. Thanks to everyone who helped out.
We worked on painting the new pony yards, painting the Guinea Pig area, setting up outdoor Guinea Pig runs and the goat obstacles.
Another amazing day, so grateful. Now time to add flowers and butterflies to the Guinea Pig walls ❤️❤️

We also asked and found out the answers to:

Are there other things you would like to see at Winhaven - pigs, roosters, llamas, alpacas, chickens and peacocks.

What colour should we use in the Guinea Pig area - blue.

Ideas for the goats playground and colours - beach balls, rainbow colours, yellow and green.

So we are working on it all!

If anyone else has suggestions feel free to add in the comments or message us.

25/01/2026

Couldn’t agree more.

Today ACSO acknowledges the continuous, ongoing resistance of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that began in 1788.

26 January is a date that contains complex and competing histories.

For many in our community, it is a reminder of ongoing violence and trauma.

This is why we support changing the date and focus of 26 January to an occasion all Australians can celebrate together.

We encourage our people to consider how 26 January aligns with their values and support those who choose to substitute their public holiday for an alternative day—such as 13 February, National Apology Day.

We recognise changing the date is one symbolic way to respect the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to express solidarity in the struggle for justice.

👉 You can read ACSO’s full position on 26 January here: www.acso.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/ACSO-POSITION-PAPER-26-January.pdf

24/01/2026

Coaching our young ones is so important.

23/01/2026

Last Tuesday was an interesting day - a bush fire started 2 properties away from us.

Fortunately the fire brigade did an amazing job (16 trucks and helicopter) and they put it out pretty quickly- so grateful to them.

For those wondering what our fire plan is - it is to evacuate.
Staff and clients leave immediately.
My family and I pack the animals - the dogs, Guinea pigs, and some horses (depends on how many of my kids can make it home to tow the horse floats).
We open all the internal gates and arena so the other animals can move around as needed.

Tuesday we could see where the fire was, knew where the wind was blowing and watched- but were completely ready to leave if needed.

Thanks to all the offers of help and places to go. Thankfully we didn’t need it.

With the upcoming forecast of days over 40 degrees we will be watching the fire app and ready to leave if needed. Anyone wanting to swap sessions to over the phone or via Teams we are happy to do so.

Stay safe everyone.

15/01/2026

We held our first working bee day. Thanks to those parents, carers, kids and my family who came along to help. Everyone did an amazing job - some budding farm manager’s and tradies among the group we had today.

We started our pony yards, started painting the obstacles for the goats and the arena fence, sorted this years Christmas craft stuff and gave our group chairs a good clean. Setting us up for a good year ahead.

25/12/2025

Lulu and Lola didn’t want to miss out on wishing you all Merry Christmas 🎄

25/12/2025

Merry Christmas everyone from Elly, Bindi and everyone at Winhaven ❤️🎄

18/12/2025

Congratulations to Oneli for finishing her placement with Winhaven.
And welcome on board for next year as a psychologist!
We are so happy that you are staying with us.

13/12/2025