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Equine Therapy, Horse Therapy, Counselling, Counsellor Ballina, Mental Health Ballina, Equ
What is Equine Therapy

What is Equine Learning / Therapy?

Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy are a form of experiential learning and therapy that involves humans safely interacting with horses for the purpose of social-emotional and relationship skills building, building connection with self and others, and personal and professional development.

Welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds, equine assisted learning and therapy have been shown to provide efficient and significant support for a wide range of challenges, including a variety of diagnoses. Sessions been known to assist those who are struggling with grief, loss, depression, anxiety and trauma. Also participants who are experiencing unhelpful stress and anxiety, low self-esteem, depression, and relationship difficulties, have reported to have unique and insightful interactive experiences, and receive significant and efficient support from our wellbeing sessions with the horses. 

All sessions and programs are led by equine specialists and professional practitioners with extensive knowledge of horses, herd dynamics, individual characteristics and a keen eye for health and safety.

Equine Assisted Therapy, Equine Therapy Ballina, Horse Therapy Ballina, Nature Therapy, Na

How Can Equine Experiences Support?

HOW CAN EQUESTRIAN EXPERINES HELP?

Our equine experiences involve mindful interactions between individuals and horses to promote emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Besides being able to offer insightful and inspiring personal and professional development, it can be a strong addition to room-based sessions, where clients, rather than only ‘talking about’, learn to actively participate in personal growth by doing and exploring. 

Below are just a few of the ways equine session can benefit individuals or groups of individuals:

Calm Your
Nervous System

Increase Focus &
Concentration

Embrace Unique
Talents & Skills

Develop Healthy
Boundaries

Grow Self-Esteem
& Confidence

Establish Clear
Communication

 

Enhance
Emotional Regulation & Expression

Explore Helpful
Thought, Postural & Behavioural 
Patterns

In summary, our equine experiences offer a holistic approach to personal and professional development, addressing emotional, social, and physical aspects of well-being. It can be particularly effective in fostering essential life skills and improving relationships in various contexts, including personal, familial, and professional settings.

What sets equine therapy apart is the remarkable way horses instantly react to a person's breath, energy, and intentions. This unique dynamic gently reveals hidden aspects of human behaviour, unveiling deep-seated emotional triggers and pain. As a result, equine therapy becomes a potent means to cultivate conscious leadership and enhance emotional intelligence.

Why Horses?

Why Horses?

Horses are masters in awareness who are constantly aware of the present moment. This can support us humans to become curious about our needs and wants in the here and now, and to respond in a helpful way, rather than reacting based on unhelpful mental stories or habits from the past.

 

Also, as prey and herd animals, horses have developed a remarkable sensitivity to their surroundings and clear communication. This allows them to respond to our non-verbal cues and body language with immediate authenticity, offering invaluable insights and feedback on our personal presence and relational dynamics.

 

In general, to their authentic, non-judgemental and highly perceptive nature, horses can accompany us on a journey of self-discovery, providing a safe space to experiment with new ways of being and encouraging us to release thought patterns and behaviours that no longer serve us.

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“Horses taught me how to be present and to be aware of what’s going on around us. How to come back to a sense of calm after riding a wave of anxiety or anger. How to authentically relate to others and clearly express personal boundaries without feeling the need to apologise. They have so much wisdom and kindness to share."

Maxime Willems

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OPERATING HOURS

Mon - Thu: 9am - 5pm

We operate by appointment only

 

CONTACT

LOCATION

ADDRESS

259 Keith Hall Lane
South Ballina 

NSW 2478

For help with directions click here

We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we live and work, the Bundialung, Arakwal, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, Githabul, Dunghutti and Birpai Nationsand their continuing connection to lana, sea ana community. We pay our respects to elders past, present and future.

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© 2022, MAXIME WILLEMS THERAPY AND TRAINING  

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