HARNESSING WELLNESS Psychology
We are a small private psychology practice. We aim to work with people to develop strategies for managing emotions, building resilience, positive self-belief systems and maintaining a sense of purpose. Fostering mental wellness involves practices like awareness of thinking patterns, mindfulness, self-care, recommendations for exercise, connection with community and nurturing healthy relationships. Equine Assisted PsychologyPsychology and CounsellingOur Services – How can we Assist?
Equine Assisted Psychology
Do you have a passion for horses and ponies? Enjoy walking and engaging in conversation? Equine Assisted Therapy is a adjunct therapy that takes place outdoors involving horses and ponies. The psychologist leads the session, employing evidence-based psychological interventions, and incorporates activities with horses into the therapeutic process.
Psychology & Counselling
- Birth trauma, perinatal and postnatal issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Neuro-affirming counseling
- Stress and post-traumatic stress
- Burnout and vicarious trauma
- Grief and loss, life transitions
- Adjustment issues
- Bullying
Our approach ensures a safe space for enhancing mental health and well-being, providing the support you need to navigate life’s challenges.
Telehealth Appointments
Are you unable to make your appointment face to face or would you prefer to have your session from the comfort of your own home?
We have telehealth options available so you can speak with us on the phone or via video conferencing from anywhere in Australia, making psychological counselling more accessible to all.
Books, Resources and Education
Looking for books for children to assist discussions around mental health? Naomi Rossthorn psychologist has written children’s books on mental health and wellbeing.
Do you have an interest in Equine Assisted Therapy? Our books such as ‘Hoofprints’, activity manuals, workbooks and resources like ‘Connection Cards’ will help you learn about how to incorporate Equine Assisted Therapy into your business.
Clinical Supervision
Naomi is a Registered Board Supervisor and offers clinical supervision for registered mental health professionals. We work with a variety of mental health professionals who work with do and do not work with horses in equine assisted therapy and who are interested in learning how to further integrate them into therapeutic practice.
‘The horse commonly symbolizes power, grace, beauty, nobility, strength and freedom’.
From ‘Hoofprints for Setting Up an Equine Assisted Therapy clinic’ by Naomi Rossthorn
Hello and Welcome
Hello, I am Naomi, the Clinical Director of Harnessing Wellness Psychology, and pictured with me is Abbey, one of the beautiful therapy pony. We offer psychological counseling in a welcoming farm-based setting, surrounded by beautiful scenery. Our small clinic serves a diverse range of clients from suburban, semi-rural, and rural communities, providing evidence-based services.
I see my role as a psychologist as a privilege, and building rapport is fundamental to the therapeutic process. In 2009 I worked in the recovery program following the Black Saturday bush fires here in Victoria, it was then I combined horses and therapy running trauma informed equine assisted therapy groups for four years. Following this and with me passion for the rural lifestyle and horsemanship led me to work, train, and research Equine Assisted Therapy since 2009. My book, Hoofprints for Setting Up an Equine Assisted Therapy Clinic, is my contribution to the field, those interested in how equine assisted therapy works and supports aspiring and practicing therapists.
During the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, I authored children’s books about therapy ponies, such as Happy the Very Sad Pony and Trigger the Anxious Horse, to help children understand mental health and coping strategies. I hope our services and or resources can support you in some way. Best Wishes, Naomi and the Harnessing Wellness herd.
COVID-19 Safety Plan and Wellness Promotion
Harnessing Wellness remains committed to serving the community. Our services are provided with the utmost consideration for the safety of our clients, their families, our team members, and the broader community. We adhere to a COVID-19 safety plan, which is regularly updated based on the advice from the Victorian Government and professional bodies.
Equine Assisted Therapy is available when it aligns with COVID-19 safety guidelines. Due to the interactive nature of Equine Assisted Therapy, maintaining social distancing and infection control can be challenging; hence, we frequently review our practices. For information on our current Equine Assisted Therapy schedule, please reach out to us. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Latest From Our Blog
Psychological wellbeing can be explored through our awareness of how stress, mental health, coping mechanisms and relationships may be impacting us. We aim to support you to increase your awareness and explore strategies for the future. Discover more about Equine Assisted Therapy and psychology here.
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Contact
Phone
613911-82022
Fax
6139923-6982
Address
Office location: Bamfield Road, Mount Evelyn. Seven minutes from the town of Mount Evelyn, Yarra Ranges, Victoria.
Please note: Harnessing Wellness is not a 24 hour emergency or crisis service. If you are in crisis or need to access emergency services or support 24 hours please call 000
Life Line 13 11 14
Kids Help Line 1800 557 800
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Gamblers Help 1800 858 858
Men’s Line 1300 789 978
Q Life 1800 184 527
Open Arms 1800 011 046
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Domestic Violence Support 1800 737 732
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Harnessing Wellness Psychology, Naomi Rossthorn and associates acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as Australia’s First People and the Traditional Custodians of the lands across Australia. We pay respect to Elders past, present and emerging.