Equine Assisted Therapy is a professional, evidence-based and empowering approach to Counselling, Psychotherapy, and Mental Health that supports clients of all ages in addressing therapeutic or life goals, with horses as assistants and teachers in this process.

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Equine Assisted Therapy is for children 5 years and older, young people and adults. No previous horse experience is required.

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Sunshine Coast Equine Assisted Therapy offers support for children, young people and adults in the following areas:

• Children with diagnoses including Autism Spectrum Disorder or ADHD

• Trauma and PTSD

• Disabilities

• Emotional Regulation

• Foster care

• Grief and loss

• Anxiety and or Depression

• Social and life skill development

• School groups

• Workplace groups/teams

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Sessions occur in a paddock and safety guidelines are provided to ensure the safety of all participants including the horse/s. EAT provides experiential learning and healing via mindful, relational experiences with the horse/s including herd meets, liberty meets, grooming, leading and mounted sessions (if appropriate). These relational experiences are tailored to each client's goals, needs and wants. 

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Can I ride the horses?

Some sessions may involve a mounted experience in which a participant is lead whilst on a horse, however there is no formal riding lesson or hippotherapy component in Equine Assisted Therapy.

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How long is a session?

In paddock sessions are typically one hour in length, with an additional 15 minutes of therapist time dedicated to non-face-to-face supports such as making session notes, case planning, scoring assessments and measures among others.

 

Group sessions can be up to two hours in length.

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Is my session private?

All sessions are confidential.

 

However, under the Australian Association of Social Work guidelines, all Social Workers are mandated to report any risk of harm to a child. If it is appropriate participants will be notified prior to any report being issued to The Department of Child Safety or the Queensland Police Service.

 

Session notes will only be released if subpoenaed.

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Do you accept NDIS plans?

Yes, we can accept Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS packages. As we are not a registered NDIS provider we are unable to accept NDIA-managed plans.

 

For services provided under the NDIS, please ensure funding is available under the relevant line item:

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• Equine Assisted Social Worker - Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living: 15_621_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Social Worker

• Equine Assisted Occupational Therapist - Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living: 15_617_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Occupational Therapist. 

• Equine Assisted Therapy Specialist - Capacity Building - Improved Daily Living: 15_056_0128_1_3 Assessment Recommendation Therapy or Training - Other Professional.

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How much does it cost?

Rates for NDIS Participants are as per the NDIS scheduled rate, currently $193.99ph excl. GST (session cost incl. note-taking $242.49).

NDIS reports can be provided for an additional cost of $193.99 per hour, or part thereof

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Private rates are $195.00 ph excl. GST (session cost incl. note-taking $243.575

 

Concession rates are available for those with concession cards, but no NDIS funding.

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Do you send any session notes?

Yes! A brief summary of our sessions are provided. These include psychoeducation and strategies discussed during the session. 

 

We also liaise and collaborate with other services, schools and practitioners as needed (and always with your express permission).

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Please note: Prices are current as at 15 Feb 2024. Our prices are reviewed twice annually. Clients will be notified of any changes to our rates prior to any adjustments.