equine & nature assisted counselling therapy

starring

Frank Zappa and Alvin

Posh Pony Equine & Nature Assisted Counselling Therapy offers a unique and transformative approach to mental health and wellness, harnessing the healing power of horses, nature, and the beautiful surroundings of Kamay National Park.

We will help you navigate life’s challenges in a safe, supportive and confidential environment.

Equine

The beauty of using horses in therapy is that they have a profound ability to gently facilitate personal growth and self-awareness. As social beings, they form connections with us, helping us develop essential life skills such as understanding of others, empathy, and compassion. Through their intuitive nature, horses act as a mirror, reflecting back to us the aspects of ourselves that require healing and attention.

With the support of a therapist, this mirrored reflection enables our clients to gain profound insights, shift their thoughts and mindset, which leads to cultivating a deeper understanding of themselves, ultimately leading towards a path of inner transformation and self-discovery.

Nature

The healing benefits of nature can be seen and experienced every day – when we take the time to step out of our busy world, take a break and walk into our natural environment. Nature impacts your therapeutic journey by reducing stress, improving mood and increasing calmness. Nature calms our mind, grounds our body, and uplifts our spirit, increasing our self-awareness, self-acceptance, and inner peace.

As we connect with nature, our nervous system shifts from hyperarousal to relaxation, cultivating mindfulness, presence, and a deeper connection to ourselves and the world. Nature is our best teacher, giving us valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability and interconnectedness.

It’s a truly beautiful, life-changing therapy that guides us towards a state of balance and harmony.

Posh Pony is fully insured and NDIS registered and a professional member of Animal-Assissted Services Australia. All therapists are qualified and members of the Australian Counselling Association. All therapy sessions are held in Kurnell.

We nurture growth, one hoof and one step at a time.

Join us to experience the transformative power of Equine and Nature Assisted Counselling Therapy.

Whether you’re working towards your own personal goals or NDIS goals, we’re here to support you through any challenges, stumbling blocks or limitations that you’re experiencing. We can support you with:

  • Emotion Regulation and Resilience

  • ADHD and Autism Support

  • Parent-Child Development & Parenting Support

  • Social Isolation

  • Anxiety, Stress & Depression

  • Self-Esteem & Confidence Building

  • Personal Growth & Development

  • Child & Adolescent Counselling

  • Mindfulness & Self Care

  • Grief & Loss Counselling

  • Trauma Support

  • Career Development & Transition

  • Improved mood and overall sense of wellbeing

  • Increased sense of purpose and meaning

  • Enhanced creativity and problem solving skills

  • Strengthen social skills & relationships

Some of the many benefits of Equine & Nature Assisted Counselling Therapy

  • Enhanced mental health, mood & wellbeing

  • Improved emotion regulation & resilience

  • Increased focus, attention & mental clarity

  • Reduced anxiety, stress & depression

  • Deeper connections with yourself, others and nature

  • Improved relationships & communication skils

  • Enhanced creativity, problem-solving & coping skills

  • Greater sense of calm, safety & wellbeing

  • Development of theory of mind skills

  • Increased sense of purpose & meaning

  • Enhanced social skills

  • Learning skills to change your state quickly and easily

Our evidence-based therapy approach combines:

Person-centered therapy principles

Equine-assisted therapy

Nature-assisted therapy

Mindfulness practices in nature

Sensory integration techniques

Metaphorical Learning

We’d love to support you with this transformative therapy.

Does the NDIS support and fund animal assisted therapy?

We’re often asked if Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is something that can be funded by the NDIS, and the short answer is yes it can, if:

  • it is delivered by an professional therapist as part of a therapeutic intervention;
  • the animal is used to support the participant’s engagement and progress in therapy; and
  • it meets the NDIS funding criteria.

Some examples of AAT as an NDIS Support

  1. Counselling/Psychology Sessions: Using animals to help participants calm, focus, or regulate their emotions.
  2. Occupational Therapy Sessions: Utilising animals to support participants in developing motor skills, sensory integration, or other occupational goals.

Some examples that NDIS does not support with AAT

  1. Recreational Activities: Animal interactions for enjoyment, such as playing with puppies or horse riding for fun.
  2. Sporting Activities: Animal-related sports or competitions.
  3. Social Activities: Animal-related social events or gatherings.

For further information please visit the NDIS website or look at your plan with your local area coordinator.

Inclusive and tailored to your needs

build a special connection

and watch the magic happen

If you’re interested in finding out more about Equine & Nature Assisted Counselling Therapies, please complete the enquiry form below and we’ll reply as soon as we’re in the office.