Equine Assisted Therapy: Harnessing Horsepower for Improved Mental Health
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Presenter: Nadine Delaney (Nature Based Therapies Australia)
Abstract: Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy integrates horses and other animals into clinical practice, offering unique opportunities for healing and growth under the guidance of qualified mental health professionals. This presentation will provide an overview of the applications of Equine Assisted Therapy in supporting mental health, including its theoretical foundations, therapeutic models, and the diverse practitioners delivering these services. We will consider current research, highlighting both the demonstrated benefits and the challenges associated with this approach. A case vignette will illustrate how working alongside horses and in natural environments can enhance accessibility and therapeutic outcomes.
Attendees will leave with an understanding of the evidence base, practical considerations, and resources for further learning in this emerging field.
About the presenter: I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker based in the Hunter Valley, NSW, with over 20 years of experience supporting children, young people, and families. My work spans two areas: as a clinician in my private practice, Hunter Valley Children’s Therapies (HVCT- established in 2015), and as Co-Founder of Nature Based Therapies Australia, where I provide training, supervision, and consultation to fellow practitioners.
Throughout my career, I have specialised in working with children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, and neglect, as well as those facing mental health challenges, special needs, and disabilities. My approach is flexible and client-centred, offering a range of therapeutic options including Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am a registered provider with the NDIS, Medicare, and NSW Victims’ Services, and an accredited practitioner with EMDRAA.
I have a particular passion for supporting neurodivergent children, young people, and adults, with a focus on trauma recovery and strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming practice. At HVCT, I lead a small team of practitioners who share this vision, creating meaningful therapeutic experiences where play, connection, and the healing presence of animals and nature play a central role.
Beyond clinical practice, I am deeply committed to sharing the therapeutic wisdom of horses and nature with other professionals, offering training, supervision, and consultation to support growth and best practice in the field.
Please feel welcome to learn more about my work at
www.huntervalleychildrenstherapies.com
www.naturebasedtherapies.com.au
