Compassion, Connection and Independence
Promoting Independence with Therapy
At Bundaberg Equine Assisted Therapy and Counselling Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional services that combine the power of Equine Therapy and Counselling. We believe in the transformative impact that horses can have on mental health and personal growth. Our approach is tailored to each individual’s unique needs, allowing them to experience the difference in their lives.
What sets us apart is our expertise and specialisation in equine-assisted therapy. Our team of experienced Counsellors and equine professionals work together to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients. We understand the profound connection between humans and horses and how it can facilitate healing and personal development.
Through our therapy and counselling sessions, we focus on addressing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and more. By incorporating horses into the therapeutic process, we provide a dynamic and experiential approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy.
Our clients have the opportunity to engage with horses in various activities such as grooming, leading, ground exercises and even mounted sessions if appropriate. These interactions promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and communication skills. Horses are highly perceptive animals, and their responses and behaviour can offer valuable insights and metaphors for our client’s personal struggles and strengths.
Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or your family, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals and overcome challenges. Our team is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities and has extensive experience working with diverse populations. We maintain a warm and non-judgmental environment where you can feel supported and empowered throughout your therapeutic journey.
Equine Assisted Therapy brings people outside the normal clinical setting into the great Australian outdoors, giving our clients the opportunity to use all their senses while learning and processing their emotional challenges.
Equine Assisted Therapy is equally effective with children and teens as it is with adult clients. Children and adults alike can experience challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many more. The environment offered as part of an Equine Assisted Therapy session can feel less threatening and more inviting than a traditional therapy office environment.
Horses also require work, care and attention. Tending to their daily care requirements such as the provision of food and water, exercise, grooming etc can provide a very therapeutic experience for clients. The simple acts of caring and nurturing something else can also help build empathy.
Who’s it for?
Equine Assisted Therapy can be used in a variety of therapeutic settings. Horses can be used to support counselling with individuals of all ages, even with families and groups.
Equine Assisted Therapy is quite often not the sole form of treatment, although rather a complimentary therapeutic service used in conjunction with more traditional counselling services. Children and adults alike often find it difficult to open up and process painful emotions. Equine assisted therapy allows people of all ages to work on a variety of issues.
At Bundaberg Equine Assisted Therapy and Counselling Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional services that combine the power of Equine Therapy and Counselling. We believe in the transformative impact that horses can have on mental health and personal growth. Our approach is tailored to each individual’s unique needs, allowing them to experience the difference in their lives.
What sets us apart is our expertise and specialisation in equine-assisted therapy. Our team of experienced Counsellors and equine professionals work together to create a safe and supportive environment for our clients. We understand the profound connection between humans and horses and how it can facilitate healing and personal development.
Through our therapy and counselling sessions, we focus on addressing a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and more. By incorporating horses into the therapeutic process, we provide a dynamic and experiential approach that goes beyond traditional talk therapy.
Our clients have the opportunity to engage with horses in various activities such as grooming, leading, ground exercises and even mounted sessions if appropriate. These interactions promote self-awareness, emotional regulation, empathy, and communication skills. Horses are highly perceptive animals, and their responses and behaviour can offer valuable insights and metaphors for our client’s personal struggles and strengths.
Whether you are seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or your family, we are committed to helping you achieve your goals and overcome challenges. Our team is trained in evidence-based therapeutic modalities and has extensive experience working with diverse populations. We maintain a warm and non-judgmental environment where you can feel supported and empowered throughout your therapeutic journey.
Equine Assisted Therapy brings people outside the normal clinical setting into the great Australian outdoors, giving our clients the opportunity to use all their senses while learning and processing their emotional challenges.
Equine Assisted Therapy is equally effective with children and teens as it is with adult clients. Children and adults alike can experience challenges such as trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many more. The environment offered as part of an Equine Assisted Therapy session can feel less threatening and more inviting than a traditional therapy office environment.
Horses also require work, care and attention. Tending to their daily care requirements such as the provision of food and water, exercise, grooming etc can provide a very therapeutic experience for clients. The simple acts of caring and nurturing something else can also help build empathy.
Who’s it for?
Equine Assisted Therapy can be used in a variety of therapeutic settings. Horses can be used to support counselling with individuals of all ages, even with families and groups.
Equine Assisted Therapy is quite often not the sole form of treatment, although rather a complimentary therapeutic service used in conjunction with more traditional counselling services. Children and adults alike often find it difficult to open up and process painful emotions. Equine assisted therapy allows people of all ages to work on a variety of issues.
What conditions can Equine Assisted Therapy be used for?
Equine Assisted Therapy is beneficial in treating a wide range of mental health conditions such as:
ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder – The unique connection between humans and horses has proven to be highly beneficial for individuals with ASD. Horses provide a non-judgmental and calming presence, which can help alleviate anxiety and enhance social engagement. Equine-assisted therapy also incorporates various activities such as grooming, riding, and groundwork, which promote sensory integration, motor skills development, and emotional regulation.
The rhythmic movements of the horse can have a calming effect, while the need to communicate with the horse encourages the development of social and communication skills. Overall, equine-assisted therapy has shown great promise in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with ASD, providing them with a unique avenue for personal growth and development.
Anxiety – anxiety can affect us all in different ways and in varying degrees. Most people experience some level of anxiety at points in their lives, especially around experiences involving change and uncertainty. Many people who struggle with anxiety find themselves consumed with worry about either their past or even what the future can hold. Working with a horse helps the client to stay present and focused on the task at hand.
Depression – Equine-assisted therapy has shown significant potential in helping individuals struggling with depression. The interaction with horses in therapy sessions can be deeply therapeutic for individuals with depression. The gentle and nonjudgmental nature of horses creates a safe and supportive environment, where individuals can connect with the animals on an emotional level.
Spending time with horses, grooming them, and engaging in caring activities can have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being. Equine-assisted therapy also encourages individuals to engage in physical activity, which has been proven to release endorphins and improve mood. By providing a unique and enriching experience, equine-assisted therapy offers individuals with depression an alternative path toward healing and recovery.
PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder is a disorder marked by increased arousal and reactivity, intrusive memories and nightmares, and avoidance symptoms after a traumatic event, and can feel extremely debilitating. Children, teens, and adults can struggle with PTSD. Some of the population with a higher rate of development of PTSD include sexual assault victims and veterans who have experienced combat.
Children, teens, and adults can struggle with PTSD. Although people can experience a variety of traumatic events that could influence the development of PTSD, those who have experienced sexual assault, as well as veterans who have experienced combat, are populations who tend to have higher rates of the development of PTSD.
Many people suffering from PTSD have stated that they never thought they’d be able to bond with someone again and feel a personal connection, although, through the use of Equine Assisted Therapy and the bond with their horse, they’re once again feeling that connection. This rekindled ability to connect has had positive benefits for their relationships and lives, in general, going forward.
Addiction Treatment – Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a unique approach to treating addiction and co-occurring conditions. Equine Therapy can help clients learn how to develop a sense of trust through their interactions with the horse as they gain a sense of safety and build a relationship. The experience can encourage clients to be vulnerable as they learn new things and interact with the horse.
ADHD – Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder is another area where Equine Assisted Therapy can be very beneficial. During a regular session, the focus is on presence, attention, mindfulness, boundaries, social cues, and more. Research has shown that introducing horses to the therapeutic process showed significantly increased positive behaviours while reducing negative behaviours. For clients struggling with ADHD, the sense of accomplishment in an equine-assisted therapy session can be of great benefit.
Certain equine-assisted therapies are effective for children with cerebral palsy, behavioural tics, motor control issues, and coordination problems, and for people of any age with reduced mobility.
Research has found that Equine Assisted Therapy can also be beneficial for those with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. The therapy helps individuals to better manage their emotions and learn to express feelings more positively. Riding and caring for the horses improve self-esteem and anxiety, and improves negative body issues.
Most participants in Equine Assisted Therapy benefit from the unconditional acceptance offered by the horses they work with.
Experience the difference today. Embark on a transformative journey by immersing yourself in the distinct and enriching realm of Bundaberg Equine Assisted Therapy and Counselling Services. Allow our dedicated team to guide you through a personalised experience, fostering not just healing but also facilitating profound personal growth. Contact Us today to take the first step towards a therapeutic partnership with our equine companions, and let us support you on your unique path to well-being and self-discovery.
What conditions can Equine Assisted Therapy be used for?
Equine Assisted Therapy is beneficial in treating a wide range of mental health conditions such as:
ASD, or Autism Spectrum Disorder – The unique connection between humans and horses has proven to be highly beneficial for individuals with ASD. Horses provide a non-judgmental and calming presence, which can help alleviate anxiety and enhance social engagement. Equine-assisted therapy also incorporates various activities such as grooming, riding, and groundwork, which promote sensory integration, motor skills development, and emotional regulation.
The rhythmic movements of the horse can have a calming effect, while the need to communicate with the horse encourages the development of social and communication skills. Overall, equine-assisted therapy has shown great promise in improving the overall well-being and quality of life for individuals with ASD, providing them with a unique avenue for personal growth and development.
Anxiety – anxiety can affect us all in different ways and in varying degrees. Most people experience some level of anxiety at points in their lives, especially around experiences involving change and uncertainty. Many people who struggle with anxiety find themselves consumed with worry about either their past or even what the future can hold. Working with a horse helps the client to stay present and focused on the task at hand.
Depression – Equine-assisted therapy has shown significant potential in helping individuals struggling with depression. The interaction with horses in therapy sessions can be deeply therapeutic for individuals with depression. The gentle and nonjudgmental nature of horses creates a safe and supportive environment, where individuals can connect with the animals on an emotional level.
Spending time with horses, grooming them, and engaging in caring activities can have a positive impact on mood and overall well-being. Equine-assisted therapy also encourages individuals to engage in physical activity, which has been proven to release endorphins and improve mood. By providing a unique and enriching experience, equine-assisted therapy offers individuals with depression an alternative path toward healing and recovery.
PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder is a disorder marked by increased arousal and reactivity, intrusive memories and nightmares, and avoidance symptoms after a traumatic event, and can feel extremely debilitating. Children, teens, and adults can struggle with PTSD. Some of the population with a higher rate of development of PTSD include sexual assault victims and veterans who have experienced combat.
Children, teens, and adults can struggle with PTSD. Although people can experience a variety of traumatic events that could influence the development of PTSD, those who have experienced sexual assault, as well as veterans who have experienced combat, are populations who tend to have higher rates of the development of PTSD.
Many people suffering from PTSD have stated that they never thought they’d be able to bond with someone again and feel a personal connection, although, through the use of Equine Assisted Therapy and the bond with their horse, they’re once again feeling that connection. This rekindled ability to connect has had positive benefits for their relationships and lives, in general, going forward.
Addiction Treatment – Equine-assisted psychotherapy offers a unique approach to treating addiction and co-occurring conditions. Equine Therapy can help clients learn how to develop a sense of trust through their interactions with the horse as they gain a sense of safety and build a relationship. The experience can encourage clients to be vulnerable as they learn new things and interact with the horse.
ADHD – Attention-deficit / hyperactivity disorder is another area where Equine Assisted Therapy can be very beneficial. During a regular session, the focus is on presence, attention, mindfulness, boundaries, social cues, and more. Research has shown that introducing horses to the therapeutic process showed significantly increased positive behaviours while reducing negative behaviours. For clients struggling with ADHD, the sense of accomplishment in an equine-assisted therapy session can be of great benefit.
Certain equine-assisted therapies are effective for children with cerebral palsy, behavioural tics, motor control issues, and coordination problems, and for people of any age with reduced mobility.
Research has found that Equine Assisted Therapy can also be beneficial for those with eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. The therapy helps individuals to better manage their emotions and learn to express feelings more positively. Riding and caring for the horses improve self-esteem and anxiety, and improves negative body issues.
Most participants in Equine Assisted Therapy benefit from the unconditional acceptance offered by the horses they work with.
Experience the difference today. Embark on a transformative journey by immersing yourself in the distinct and enriching realm of Bundaberg Equine Assisted Therapy and Counselling Services. Allow our dedicated team to guide you through a personalised experience, fostering not just healing but also facilitating profound personal growth. Contact Us today to take the first step towards a therapeutic partnership with our equine companions, and let us support you on your unique path to well-being and self-discovery.
Bundaberg Equine Assisted Therapy & Counselling Services
is proudly part of the Abbwell Group
Bundaberg Equine Assisted Therapy & Counselling Services are proudly part of the Abbwell Group