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Equine assisted therapy

At Harnessing Wellness, our equine assisted psychology individual and group programs are developed and theoretically underpinned by positive psychology, wellness theory, trauma sensitive practices, somatic therapy, mindfulness and holistic horsemanship. It is a skills-based program to support clients learn mindfulness, emotional regulation and coping strategies. It is offered for clients over the age of 12 years old.

Psychological counselling involves discussing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that may be causing distress and not helping the person with healthy ways of functioning or coping. The therapeutic relationship aims to offer a safe emotional environment to explore these issues and develop strategies to enhance mental health and overall well-being

What is Equine Therapy

Equine assisted therapy (or Equine Assisted Psychology) encompasses all activities that involve horses and other equines to assist in the therapy of patients with trauma or mental health issues. It has been around since the 1960s.

As the staff at Harnessing Wellness are registered psychologists, counsellors and trained in horsemanship, equine assisted psychology sessions are theoretically underpinned by psychological theory and evidence based interventions; Wellness theory; trauma sensitive practices and holistic horsemanship to support safe mental health and well-being.

Sessions are generally at liberty with the horses. This approach is a way of being, not a training method, and is about the presence, free choice, flow and communication between the horses and the participant.  Equine-human interactions with our therapy horses and ponies offer lessons in mindfulness, self–respect, clear communication, connection, self-regulation and healthy boundary setting can be explored. Harnessing Wellness EAP programs offer a practical psychological counselling option for individuals to participate in therapy emotionally, socially, physically and spiritually.

Harnessing Wellness equine assisted psychology is in the beautiful Yarra Ranges in Mt Evelyn.

Our Therapy Horses

The horses and ponies that are included in Harnessing Wellness’s equine assisted therapy are well known to the facilitators and selected based on temperament.

They have ongoing training, daily equine-human interaction and participate in learning activities. These equines like others will revert to their natural instincts to keep themselves safe and there are risks involved when working with horses.

Pictured from the left across are Trigger, Bob, Happy, Abbey, Bailey & Ted.

Who would benefit from Equine Assisted Therapy?

Anecdotal evidence, with psychological validated assessment tools, suggests equine assisted therapy can support some people with mental health issues.  However, there is limited research that indicates that equine assisted therapy is an scientific based evidence based therapy. Therefore we are psychologists that work with horses, outdoors and use psychological evidence based therapeutic practices.  

Fees

Harnessing Wellness, a private psychology practice, requires payment for services on the day of the appointment.

Medicare rebates may apply with a mental health care plan. Medicare rebates may be higher if you have reached your medicare threshold.

Psychology appointment
50 Minutes

$220

GST included

Equine assisted psychology
50 Minutes

$250

GST included

Harnessing Wellness Psychology, Counselling and Equine Assisted Psychology is not a bulk billing service, we are a fee for service business. 

Please note that we charge below the recommended rates the Australian Psychological Society’s purposes which is $311 for 50 minutes.

Two WAYS to Book an appointment
For room-based appointments, you can call our friendly reception staff or book online.

Our accommodating reception team will assist you in finding an appropriate appointment time. They will ask a few questions and gather some necessary details. Rest assured, all information is securely stored in compliance with privacy and confidentiality laws, solely for the purpose of facilitating psychological treatment.
Medicare Rebate​

To be eligible for Medicare rebates you must visit your GP, Pediatrician or Psychiatrist to discuss a Mental Health Care Plan. The Mental Health Care Plan is a treatment plan in which the psychologist and medical professional work as a team to support your psychological health. Medicare rebates are $96.65 and can be allocated for 10 sessions per calendar year (this may change according to advice from the Government). If you have reached your Medicare safety net, your rebates may be higher.  We can process your Medicare rebate for you if you are in person or online provided you have linked your bank details to your Medicare account. Depending on processing time the bank transfer from Medicare can appear in your bank account within 48 hours of your appointment.

We see clients who are eligible for funding through Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Employee Assisted Program. For Equine Assisted Psychology referrals, you will need to discuss with your funding provider if they will approve funding for this mode of adjunct therapy.

Concession rates may be available for full time students, Seniors and Health Care Card holders. 

If you have private health insurance, you may be eligible for rebates under Extras cover. As every fund is different and entitlements can change over time it is best to check with your fund about your specific entitlements.

We see clients who are eligible for funding through Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), and Employee Assisted Program. For Equine Assisted Psychology referrals, you will need to discuss with your funding provider if they will approve funding for this mode of adjunct therapy.

Concession rates may be available for full time students, Seniors and Health Care Card holders. 

At the time of booking your appointment you will be asked for a booking fee of $80. This is a partial payment and the remainder of the fee will be paid at your appointment. You will be able to claim your Medicare rebate at the time of the appointment. Our friendly reception staff will also ask you for your name, date of birth, Medicare card details, email address, referral pathway (self referred, GP, or Paediatrician etc). This information is kept private and confidential and is for the purpose of your psychological treatment.

Cancellation policy: If you cancel on the day of your appointment, there is a $80 cancellation fee. Should you wish to cancel 24 hours or more before your appointment and/or with prior agreement with the clinician, your $80 booking fee will be refunded.

 

We no longer not take referrals funded through Workcover, TAC or Victims of Crime.

If you require a support letter (for school, Centrelink or otherwise) or a report for a plan review such as NDIS, WorkCover an additional fee will apply as these take time to write. We do not write reports for family court.

To ensure we complete accurate and detailed reports we bill for the time it takes to write the documents.

Please give your clinician three weeks notice so they can arrange for the document to be written. Thank you for your understanding.

 

We are a busy private practice and work hard on trying to fit people in to appointment that suits them. Most people are really great at letting us know if they need to reschedule. We send an appointment reminder 48hours (2 days) prior to your appointment. If you are unable to attend your appointment please let us know in the 48 hour’s prior to your appointment, which is our cancellation period. If you cancel on the day of your appointment, you will be charged, as we may not have enough time to fill your appointment spot.  Thank you for your understanding. 

Contact

Phone
(03) 9118-2022

Fax
(03) 9923-6982

Mail
reception@harnessingwellness.com

Address
Office location: Bamfield Road, Mount Evelyn.

Seven minutes from the town of Mount Evelyn, Yarra Ranges, Victoria.