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  • What are your opening hours?
    I operate as a traveling therapist and trainer, and due to this my opening hours vary. I am closed on Sundays, but slots are available every other day of the week. Saturday sessions are very limited and only offered to I-Thou Horse-person-ship Coaching and Ground Work Training. Contact me to discuss available time slots that suit your schedule.
  • What is your cancellation policy?
    Our cancellation policy requires a notice of 48 hours or more. Please inform me as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule your session to avoid any inconvenience. If you are unable to attend your appointment and cancel within a 48 hour period, this does incur a cancellation charge.
  • How do I book a session?
    To book a session, you can submit an inquiry online through my website, give me a call on +61 410 331 800, or send a text message. I will promptly get in touch with you to discuss your preferences and schedule your session.
  • Where do you operate from?
    I have a base in the Majura region of ACT, however, I also operate as a travelling therapist and trainer in Canberra, Queanbeyan, and surrounding regions. If you are interested in traveling services, please get in touch, and we will provide further information on distances and pricing.
  • What funding options do you take?
    I offer payment options to accommodate different needs. I accept: NDIS self-managed payments NDIS plan-managed payments, & Private payments Unfortunately, I do not accept NDIS agency-managed options or Medicare payments.
  • How do horses contribute to the therapy process?
    Interactions with horses can help clients gain insight into their feelings and actions, leading to personal growth and healing. Horses contribute in the following ways: Mirror Effect: Horses provide a mirror effect, reflecting and responding to participants' emotions and energy, offering immediate feedback for self-discovery. Non-Judgmental Presence: Horses are non-judgmental, creating a safe space for individuals to explore feelings without fear of criticism. Building Trust and Relationships: Interacting with horses fosters trust and relationship-building skills, mirroring the development of healthy interpersonal relationships. Enhancing Emotional Regulation: Horses assist in managing stress and anxiety through their calming presence and responsiveness to human emotions. Promoting Mindfulness: Engaging with horses requires being present, promoting mindfulness and a focus on the present moment. Metaphors for Life Challenges: Challenges and successes with horses serve as metaphors for life experiences, aiding in deeper self-reflection. Encouraging Responsibility and Leadership: Caring for and working with horses instills responsibility and leadership skills. Stimulating Physical Activity: EAT involves physical activities, promoting movement and engagement for overall well-being. Increasing Self-Efficacy: Successfully navigating activities with horses boosts confidence and self-efficacy. Encouraging Flexibility and Adaptability: Horses respond to different approaches, fostering flexibility and adaptability. Engaging Multiple Senses: Working with horses engages multiple senses, providing a holistic sensory experience. Facilitating Symbolic Experiences: Activities with horses often carry symbolic meanings, aiding in exploring and processing emotions.
  • Who can benefit from Equine-assisted Therapy?
    EAT is beneficial for neurodivergent individuals , as well as individuals dealing with a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and interpersonal difficulties. It is also effective for those seeking personal development, improved self-esteem, and enhanced communication skills.
  • What is equine-assisted therapy?
    EAT is a unique approach to therapeutic approach that integrates horses as the ' change agent ' to support individuals to connect to themselves and develop in a variety of areas and ways. Horses are interacted with using the ' I-Thou ' approach and this means that horses are not forced, and are consistently integrated upon their agreement. This provides a significant and ethical platform and approach to Animal Assisted support. Sessions typically involve activities with horses, guided by a therapist. These activities may include grooming, leading, building obstacle courses, building structures, arena-based sessions, liberty exercises, liberty herd meets and observing horse behaviour. The therapist helps clients process their experiences and emotions during and after the interaction.
  • Are EAT sessions accessible for individuals with physical limitations?
    I strive to make my EAT sessions inclusive. Please inform me of any specific needs or limitations, and we will do our best to accommodate and tailor the experience accordingly.
  • Is Equine-Assisted Therapy suitable for children?
    Yes, EAT is suitable for children and adolescents. It can be particularly effective for addressing behavioural issues, improving social skills, and supporting emotional regulation in younger populations. At L&P Equine, I only offer ongoing Equine-Assisted Therapy to individuals aged 12 and over. If you are interested in EAT for a child under 12, I am happy to provide you and your child with a set, 7 session program at a weekly or fortnightly frequency, OR I will be happy to assist you in finding another service provider that will meet your needs and requirements.
  • Is previous horse experience necessary?
    No horse experience is necessary for EAT. During the first session, we cover safety concepts and provide basic horse knowledge to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
  • What is the I-Thou-Horse-Person-ship approach?
    This I-Thou approaches integrates 4 skills and attitudes when it comes to being in relationship with horses. These skills include: (1) Being authentically present with your horse and turning up as ' yourself ', (2) Seeing and feeling the horse's experience and perspective while maintaining contact with your own experience (3)Seeing and validating the horse before you, and the worth and value they possess, including their potential (4) Being committed to authentic contact in relationship with your horse, exploring mutuality, and being committed to the rupture and repair work as the need for it arises.
  • What is I-Thou theory?
    "I-Thou" is a concept from the philosophy of Martin Buber, introduced in his work "I and Thou." It describes a direct, mutual encounter between individuals, emphasizing mutual recognition, depth, and authenticity. In an "I-Thou" relationship, the focus is on meeting the other as a unique, sacred being, transcending transactional interactions. While rooted in human relationships, this concept has broader applications, including interspecies connections like those found in horsemanship or therapy. "I-Thou" invites individuals to engage in meaningful, open encounters that acknowledge the depth of shared existence.
  • What is the Difference Between "I-Thou" Groundwork Coaching and "I-Thou" Groundwork Training?
    I-Thou Based Groundwork Coaching: Focus: Groundwork coaching with an "I-Thou" approach centers on fostering a deep, collaborative connection between the handler and the horse. It emphasizes mutual recognition, understanding, and a relationship built on trust and respect. Purpose: The primary goal is to guide and coach the handler in developing not just effective communication skills but also a profound understanding of the horse's unique perspective. This involves activities aimed at enhancing the partnership and acknowledging the horse as a sentient being. I-Thou Based Groundwork Training: Focus: Groundwork training with an "I-Thou" philosophy places an emphasis on teaching the horse and bringing their awareness to their whole self through exercises conducted on the ground. It maintains a focus on the depth of connection and understanding inherent in the "I-Thou" relationship, combined with Balance and Posture teaching by Dr Raquel Butler. Purpose: The goal is to instill improvements in posture, greater awareness of self, calm and balanced responses, or commands in the horse while maintaining the principles of mutual recognition and respect. This approach aims to build a foundation for more advanced training, ensuring that the horse responds willingly, safely and with trust. Shared Principles: Both coaching and training in the "I-Thou" framework share the fundamental principle of recognising the horse as a unique and sentient being. They prioritise establishing a partnership that goes beyond mere utility and acknowledges the depth of shared existence.
  • What does groundwork training involve?
    I-Thou horsepersonship groundwork training includes a postural assessment, mobilization exercises, and foundational groundwork exercises. These activities are designed to enhance your horsemanship skills and build a strong connection with the horse.
  • Are Ecotherapy sessions suitable for children?
    Yes, Ecotherapy is suitable for children and can be especially beneficial in fostering a positive relationship with nature from a young age. I offer age-appropriate activities and experiences to engage children in the healing aspects of the natural world.
  • What is Ecotherapy?
    Ecotherapy is a therapeutic approach that recognises the healing power of nature. It involves various practices and interventions that aim to enhance well-being by fostering a deep and meaningful connection between individuals and the natural world.
  • What services do you offer under Ecotherapy?
    Our ecotherapy services include guided nature walks, outdoor mindfulness sessions, and nature-based counselling. We tailor our offerings to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual.
  • How does Ecotherapy work?
    Ecotherapy works by utilising nature as a therapeutic tool. It involves activities and experiences in natural settings to promote self-discovery, stress reduction, and overall mental and emotional well-being.
  • Are Ecotherapy sessions accessible for individuals with physical limitations?
    I strive to make my ecotherapy sessions inclusive. Please inform me of any specific needs or limitations, and we will do our best to accommodate and tailor the experience accordingly.
  • Who can benefit from Ecotherapy?
    Ecotherapy is beneficial for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. It can be particularly helpful for those dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and anyone seeking a holistic approach to well-being.
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