Equine Assisted Psychotherapy

Equine assisted psychotherapy sessions can be offered to individuals, small groups, and families. EAP sessions take place outside with the horses. No riding is involved, and all experiences are from the ground. Clients need to dress weather appropriate, and wear closed toe shoes.

EAP provides an experiential approach which supports clients to address their own therapeutic goals; emotional, behavioural, cognitive, relational and spiritual needs.

Clients are offered safe experiences with horses to enable exploration of self, relationships, self-awareness and identification of patterns which no longer serve clients well and find psychological healing. Experiences with horses may include observation of horses, being with horses at liberty, grooming, lead line and obstacle challenges to name a few.

Within the therapeutic setting, the horses offer a non-judgmental response and acceptance which can differ to mainstream 'person to person' therapy. Horses can evoke or illicit strong feelings and responses in people, making them available for therapeutic attention and processing. Horses live in the present moment, in awareness and authentic contact. These same capacities are also important for human health and as such, can be developed within equine assisted experiences.

Why therapy with Nature & Horses?

Being outside in nature is beneficial for our physical and mental wellbeing and there is a growing body of evidence to support this. For thousands of years, the Noongar people who are the traditional custodians of the boodja (country) which extends from North of Jurien Bay, inland to Moora and down to the Southern coast between Bremmer Bay and east of Esperance, have resided on and had cultural connection to this land. This connection means that Noongar people have a deep knowledge, care, and respect for the land. Through their deep spiritual connection to land, Noongar people work with the natural environment for both spiritual and physical healing (Connection to Country, South West Aboriginal Land & Sea Council 2023).

Being outside in nature and with animals has been found to be helpful for depression and anxiety, it can help improve mood, reduce feelings of stress and help you take time out and feel more relaxed. When supported by a therapist, being outside in nature and with horses, provides clients opportunities for resourcing and regulating, as you are supported in the processing of your experience.

Animal assisted Psychotherapy was developed in the 1960's. It is a unique and comprehensive model delivered by registered mental health professionals, with horses and / or other animals as assistants and co-facilitators. The EPI model is relational, mindful, trauma-informed, ethical, effective and respectful of the client, the horse and the practitioner. Theoretically, the EPI model draws from Gestalt therapy as it is consistent with the way horses live; in the here and now and works with awareness, relationship, experimenting and integration. Horses are capable of engaging in genuine healthy connection, relationship and partnership (Jobe et al, 2021). Horses demonstrate an authentic, non-judgemental and accepting approach and provide plentiful opportunities to develop self-awareness, healthy boundaries, self regulation and improved communication skills to name just a few! This combination of nature, animals and psychological therapy offers a professional, innovative and experiential approach to mental health support for clients of all ages, addressing a range of therapeutic goals.

'I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put together'

-John Burroughs

Meet Emma

Hello, I'm Emma! I'm a qualified, experienced and registered Mental Health Nurse. I am also a qualified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist and EMDR practitioner, with over 20 years' experience working in the Mental Health and Wellness field, ranging across the lifespan from children and adolescents right through to older adults and palliative care, in both clinical and managerial capacities.

I have always had a passion for helping others and have been personally and professionally aware of the beneficial impact of nature and animals, in supporting and assisting us in our own health and wellbeing. As a registered Mental Health Professional, completing my Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) training with the Equine Psychotherapy Institue (EPI) has enabled me to combine this passion and knowing, with solid psychology, neuroscience, nature wisdom and ethical horsemanship, to share with you on your wellbeing journey.

Serenity Holistic Wellness is here to 'hold safe space' for you while you find and explore self, surrounded and supported by nature and animals, and guided by a qualified, caring therapist.

Serenity Holistic Wellness is a nature-based setting, situated on 5 acres of beautiful natural bushland in the far northern suburbs of Perth. Emma is supported by 2 wonderful co-facilitators; Bentley and Red (horses) in the delivery of EAP, as well as a variety of other native animals which frequent the setting.

Serenity Holistic Wellness offers services to clients affected by grief and loss, trauma, PTSD, attachment disorders, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, fears and phobias and much more, as well as working with those who wish to find a way to slow down, become more self-aware and improve general wellbeing. Equine assisted services are suitable for individuals, couples and families. The sessions give participants the opportunity for personal growth and the space to make change.

Emma is able to offer Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Meditation with the herd (day sessions and retreats), Horse Wisdom Program, and Personal Development sessions. Please visit the 'Services' tab for more information, and FAQ tab for fees. When you are ready to contact us, please use the contact section to enquire about your unique needs.

Please note, no riding is involved in the sessions.

Meet the rest of the Team.....

Our team may look a little different to some therapy teams! Take a look below and hear a little about who and what else you might encounter when you visit Serenity Holistic Wellness.

Meet Emma

Bentley

Aka 'Razed in Flames'

Hi, I'm Bentley. I'm a thoroughbred horse, and my life began on the race circuit. I have been living with Emma since I was 9 and my racing career ended. Now I spend my days chilling in the paddock with my buddy, going for rides and outings with Emma and meeting new faces who come to Serenity Holistic Wellness. Sometimes, I can elicit strong feelings and responses in humans when we meet in the therapeutic setting. I turn up, I am honest and non-judgmental.

Red

Aka 'Raging Red'

I'm Red, I'm a Standardbred horse and I came to live with Emma after my racing career didn't work out!

I am a sensitive and curious horse, but I can also be quite playful and like to explore new things in my environment!

Rupert & other wildlife

Hi, I'm Rupert, I'm a Sussex Cockerel and I live at Serenity with lots of other chickens and also some ducks. We share our environment with many other birds such as Galah's, 28's, Carnaby's, Corellas, fairy wrens, honeyeaters, crows, kookaburras and the occasional owl in the evenings plus a variety of other animals such as rabbits, lizards, and sometimes kangaroos! Being surrounded by the sights and sounds of us all, can support you in development of awareness and resource-building.

Surrounded by Nature

Awesomely authentic!

Serenity Holistic Wellness is nestled in natural bushland and is home to some beautiful wildlife, as well as beautiful plants, flowers, grasses and trees. There are plenty of options to support and ground you as you explore self, and learn new ways of being!