Equine Reflections offers Equine Assisted Therapy which is delivered by qualified Counsellors and Equine Assisted Therapists. We incorporate wellness theory, trauma sensitive practices, and holistic horsemanship to support clients. During sessions, we learn mindfulness, emotional regulation and coping strategies for safe mental health and wellbeing.
Contemporary clinical research shows that close proximity to horses changes human brain wave patterns suggesting that humans can be transformed in a very positive way in the presence of horses.
Australia Equine Facilitated Learning
What is Equine Assisted Therapy?
Equine assisted therapy is an experiential form of therapy that integrates horses and nature in the therapeutic delivery of mental health supports. This is very different to typical room-based therapy and involves various activities with horses that help improve physical and mental health of participants.
Animals can help humans heal in a way that no human can. Equine therapy helps to develop skills such as emotional regulation, self-confidence, increased self-esteem, and awareness and many more. The programs for each client are designed to meet their specific needs and goals. Every client is considered unique, and all their individual needs are considered in their sessions.
Horses offer unique traits in animal assisted therapy as they are non-judgemental and unbiased. Clients can feel safer as they work through their emotional experiences when working with horses. Horses provide feedback and often mirror a client’s behaviour and emotions. These interactions help the client and the therapist to understand and check in on what’s happening in that moment for the client.
Meet Anita, the Founder of Equine Reflections.
Anita grew up surrounded by horses and experienced the profound connection that one can have between a horse and a human. During Covid, Anita made a major career change feeling that her purpose in life was not to focus on the 9-5 demands working in the business world. Like many people, she re-examined what it was that she wanted to achieve in her life. This led to her combining her two passions ‘Horses and Helping people’.
She started by working on weekends doing pony rides in addition to her day job, her customers often children that were neurodivergent which made her realise that she could help many different people through the horse and human connection. This realisation led to the journey she undertook 3 years ago. Starting with Equine assisted learning then studying to become a qualified Counsellor and Equine assisted mental health practitioner.
Background
Anita’s background as a support worker helping a range of people with Psychosocial needs moved her seamlessly into the world of equine therapy. She is happiest helping clients with all areas of their lives and finds herself not working much – as it never feels like work! Anita is a qualified Counsellor, Equine Therapist/Practitioner certified by Equine Assisted Therapy Australia.
Anita is passionate about diversity and inclusiveness and has a particular passion for ensuring that everyone has the ability to access affordable mental health solutions. As a Counsellor she has specific interests in the following areas: Neurodivergent; Attachment; Trauma; PTSD; Drug and Alcohol, Indigenous and LGBTQI.
Her therapeutic approach focuses on Integrative counselling methods tailored to the clients needs. Her approach is trauma informed and based on the following trauma principles: Safety, Stability, Trust, Transparency, Collaboration, Transparency, Choice and Respect for diversity.
Equine Reflections’ intention is to provide a comforting, safe and therapeutic experience for all, each and every time.
