Equine Assisted Therapy
What is Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine Assisted Therapy is an approach to psychology that allows clients of all ages to learn ways of managing difficult emotions. It is defined as a form of experiential psychotherapy through involving equines. It is conducted outdoors and looks very different when compared to a more traditional therapeutic service.
Our program is delivered by Kylie Wolstencroft – a Qualified Psychologist with an extensive level of experience working with children who are neurodiverse. It may include, but is not limited to, a number of mutually beneficial equine activities such as touching, grooming, leading, handling and lungeing. It does not include mounted activities.
Equine Assisted Therapy provides clients with creative opportunities to enhance self-awareness and re-pattern maladaptive behaviours, feelings and attitudes.
Common Questions
An equine is a horse, donkey or mule.
Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) does not involve any riding and can only be conducted by a registered mental health care provider such as a Registered Psychologist or Mental Health Social Worker. These professionals have completed further study and they have obtained additional qualifications in Equine Therapy. Equine Assisted Therapy is carried out in conjunction with traditional psychology therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) operates from the perspective of personal development and growth rather than therapy for mental health conditions. There may be some overlap such as improving
confidence but EAL providers are NOT trained mental health professionals.
Therapeutic Riding mostly involves riding instructors specially trained to teach riding to people with significant physical or cognitive impairments.
It can get very confusing when a service provider markets themselves as “Equine Therapy” due to there being no restrictions placed on the word “therapy”. Likewise there are no restrictions placed on the use of the word “counsellor”. If looking to pursue Equine Assisted Therapy for mental health concerns please check your professionals credentials.
Because our EAT program is run by a Registered Psychologist, Medicare and NDIS rebates may apply. Please contact our admin staff for further details.
Private Health insurance rebates may also apply. Please contact your insurance provider.
Ages 6 and up.
Common Questions
EAT can assist with many issues including anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, ASD, social skills, behavioural problems, grief.
Group programs are also currently being developed for particular groups eg “Fun and Friendship” for children on the Autism Spectrum.
Not at all. You will be taught all you need to know.
You can if you like but the opportunity to just observe or stroll in nature while talking is always there.
Sessions are held at Riverside and Saturday appointments are being accepted.