Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Due to the increased demand for our services we are currently at capacity and are not taking on new individual clients right now. If you are a returning client, please go ahead an book your session in 🙂

"Change occurs when one becomes what he is, not when he tries to become what he is not"
- Beisser, 1970, pg. 77

Are you searching for increased self-awareness, personal growth, experiential learning and resourcing to build emotional resilience in your life? Or assistance with moving through and processing trauma?

Whether you’re an equestrian or have had minimal or no contact with horses, our Indigenous Healing Practice: Nguud Mabarn (Horse Medicine in Badimaya language) equine assisted / animal assisted Psychotherapy service may be for you. Nguud Mabarn is a both a therapeutic program as well as a skills based personal growth and awareness program, working in sensitive “I-Thou” relationship with horses – through both mounted and unmounted experiences. Utilising The Equine Psychotherapy Institute’s (EPI) “Way of the Horse” psycho-educational and trauma-informed model, combined with being culturally-informed.

“I-Thou” relationship can be described as viewing the “other” (horse, human, etc) as a individual being with their own wants, needs and desires that are equally as important as our own.

Sessions are done on an individual, group basis or through the Horse Wisdom (TM) program. Horse Wisdom (TM) is a social-emotional learning program, which can be done as a 6 week program (one hour a week) or compacted into 5 full days.

If you have your own horses, consider accessing our Outreach program – you may have all the benefits AND we come may be able to you.

Whilst Bianca has experience in a variety of areas, she offers both an Indigenous culturally informed and trauma informed service, with both experience and an interest in working with people in the following areas:

*Dissociative Identity Disorder

*Adult survivors of Child Abuse

*Trauma, Complex and Developmental Trauma

*PTSD

*Domestic / Family Violence / Abuse

*Self-esteem

*Women’s Issues

*Emotional Dysregulation

Please note: this is not a riding lesson! The majority of our Equine Assisted Psychotherapy service is done on the ground. The video below is of our Gurdurdu Confidence Building service. If you are looking for riding lessons, please contact us and we can refer you to a variety of riding instructors.

*NDIS Plan and Self- Managed clients could access the service.

Recent research by the Man O’War Project in the US found “equine assisted therapy to be highly desirable and feasible with 92% of the patients who started the treatment completing the protocol – demonstrating higher retention than most PTSD treatments of any kind“. Refer to Research – Man O’ War Project (mowproject.org)

Explore and embrace uniquely you in relational partnership with horses.

Client featured below has given permission to be appear in this segment and on this website.

Gurdurdu is a specific equestrian confidence building part of either our nguud mabarn equine assisted psychotherapy service or our coaching service

Riding confidence may be within your grasp. Let us help change your experience.

Cantering or even just walking through the countryside or across a beach at sunset is one of the pinnacles for most riders. Unfortunately for many people this is so far from their reality. Sometimes it can be scary or daunting to even just put your foot in the stirrup and climb back onto the horse, especially if you’ve been in an accident or had any bad experiences. What are your concerns with riding? This is not a “one size fits all” “quick fix” service as confidence affecting reasons are widely varied from rider to rider. Using targeted mindset strategy sessions and awareness experiences, your concerns are reflected upon and a confidence building program is tailored to your specific needs. This service is trauma-informed.

Gurdurdu means “heart” in my Badimaya language, which exactly why this program is so very important!

The first Changing Mindset Strategy session is done off the horse, so that we can really understand what your concerns are. Once your confidence improves, the sessions can be done with your own horse if that is conducive.

We supply all the equipment and the trained horse – just bring your riding helmet and suitable horse riding gear. Don’t let fear or anxiety hold you back from experiencing all the fantastic benefits from riding. Please don’t hesitate contact us for further information. You may finally be able to enjoy being back in the saddle again.

NDIS Plan and Self- Managed clients suitable

Please note that we are currently at capacity for sessions.

Meet our "Warida" Herd

Dozer

The “boss” of the herd, Dozer is a 16 year old (born 2004) Clydesdale x quarterhorse gelding who takes everything in his stride – especially if there is food involved!

Tony

Is the curious one, who will always greet you in the paddock. He is a 16 year old (born 2004) Welsh pony gelding, and loves nothing better than to rub on you or lick your hands.

Hottie

Is a 12 year old (born 2008)American quarterhorse gelding, who is gentle and sensitive. He is 2nd in charge to Dozer.