“Of all the animals that God created, horses have the unique ability to breathe into our soul and heal our heart. They give us honest feedback and clear emotional reflection without judgement. They live in the moment, model healthy attachments and are quick to forgive”
Horses, Helping Humans Heal
Lea McDonald
At Horse Connection, we understand that many of life's challenges can feel overwhelming, and we are passionate about helping our clients find their way out of difficult situations.
We specialize in providing Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, utilizing the innate connection between humans and horses, which helps people enhance their emotional well-being and personal growth.
Ours is a unique approach to therapy, as we believe that horses have a language of their own that can be understood through a bond built on trust and respect. Let us help you reconnect with your inner self using this naturally therapeutic approach.
What is Equine Assisted Counselling / Therapy?
Equine Assisted Counselling / Psychotherapy, also called Horse Assisted Therapy, is when a trained Psychotherapist or Counsellor (registered with the appropriate regulatory authority) assists clients to work through their personal struggles with the help and in the company of horses.
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This journey of discovery and healing is different from 'talk therapy' because, unlike the clinical setting, the sessions are conducted outside, utilizing the healing effects present in nature.
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Horses can 'connect' with humans on a level we are not yet fully able to understand. This ability to connect with humans helps us experience our emotions in a supported, unique, and safe space and provides the opportunity for us to be our authentic selves, without judgement. There is something about their sentient status that connects our body, soul and spirit, bringing peace and congruence (integration) - perhaps never felt before.
Horses provide unique feedback to our unconscious thoughts, which helps us better understand ourselves.
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Horses help us become centred.
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We change, we learn, we grow - when we are in their company.
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Will Equine Assisted Therapy help me?
As current research is showing, Equine Assisted Therapy is becoming one of the most effective methods for addressing personal trauma and sensory/developmental differences.
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Horse Connection is dedicated to improving the mental health and well-being of our clients through Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. Our program has been designed to help those facing unique challenges that may not respond to tradtional counselling methods and we have a growing body of evidence that supports our belief that our approach is an effective and rewarding way to tackle these struggles.
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Our clients experience the transformative power of interacting with our gentle equine partners, and our staff have the knowledge and skills to help facilitate this process. If you're seeking a different approach to therapy, we invite you to come to Horse Connection and experience the power of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy for yourself.
If you are struggling with any of the following mental health challenges, Equine Assisted Therapy
may be the key to helping you heal....
Meet your Therapist - Lea
As the founder of Horse Connection, Lea brings a unique perspective to the field of psychotherapy and Counselling.
Having personally experienced extreme adversity, she knows firsthand how difficult it can be to find a way out of difficult circumstances.
After training as a mature-aged student and receiving a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Integrated Psychotherapy, Lea furthered her studies in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, a field that she is passionate about.
With her wealth of knowledge in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and a Master's degree in Counselling underway, Lea is committed to offering the highest level of support to all who seek her help. Her desire to help others overcome the challenges they face drives her to provide the highest level of care and support to all those who seek her services.
Welcome to Counselling with a difference!
Partnering with horses to heal our hurts, to deal with our anxieties, depression or other mental health issues and to learn to manage the pain in our lives.
Qualifications
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1st year Masters of Counselling complete.
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Graduate Diploma of Counselling and Integrated Psychotherapy (Spiritual)
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Certified Equine Psychotherapist (Equine Psychotherapy Institute)
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Diploma in Family Counselling and Therapy
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Diploma in Diagnostic Radiography
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DBT trained facilitator
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Carers Advocate
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NDIS Support Coordinator
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NDIS Service provider
Address
PO Box 670
Busselton WA 6280
Tel 0488-414-320