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Trauma-Informed Counselling & Equine Therapy
Supporting veterans, survivors of crime, abuse, and relational trauma.
 

Reclaiming Safety, Connection, and Self

At Solace and Sanctuary, we help people move from states of disconnection, chaos, and distress toward safety, empowerment, and inner peace. In your own time. At your own pace. Journeying with you, at your side.
 

Whether you're a veteran, survivor of abuse, a victim of crime, or navigating the pain of relational betrayal -
this is a place for you to reconnect with your body, your truth, and your life.

You are not alone. You are not broken. You are welcome here.

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Our Approach

As a trauma-informed Mental Health Counsellor and Animal-Assisted Therapist, I walk alongside clients to:

• Rebuild internal resources and self-trust

• Explore patterns with curiosity, not judgment

• Heal through safe connection—body, mind, and relationship

• Reconnect with joy, presence, and the possibility of peace

Our sessions are grounded in:

• Equine-Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) — Ground-based, non-riding sessions where horses are sentient being who offer co-regulation and attuned congruent relationship.

• Somatic & Polyvagal-informed therapy — Supporting nervous system healing through bottom-up processing.

• Creative & talk therapy — Including art therapy, mindfulness, movement, and play.

• Strength-focused, client-led counselling — Rooted in autonomy, integrity, and connection.
   

We work indoors, online, or out in nature—moving between the shed, paddocks, and quiet spaces with members of the therapy herd: Mount Kosciuszko Brumbies, Labradors, and our gentle Ragdoll cat.

Sessions are always shaped around your goals, your preferences, and your pace.

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Who We Support

 

Our practice is particularly attuned to those who have experienced:

• PTSD or complex trauma

• Military and first responder stress

• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse

• Childhood or developmental trauma

• Relationship betrayal and attachment wounds

• The ripple effects of crime or violence

• Those seeking identity repair after traumatic events/burnout/carer fatigue.

 

We welcome:

• Veterans & Military Families

• Victims of Crime

• Carers & First Responders

• Women with birth and parenting related trauma

• Highly Sensitive & Neurodiverse Individuals

• NDIS participants (self/plan managed)

We also hold space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients with cultural sensitivity and care.

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Why Animals & Nature?

Horses and therapy animals support deep healing by helping us:

• Regulate the nervous system

• Practice mindfulness and embodied presence

• Experience non-verbal attachment and safety

• Reconnect with trust—in ourselves and the world
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“Only when we are in a calm physiological state can we convey cues of safety to (ouselves... and to) another.”
— Dr. Stephen Porges

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“We can find peace through regulating and trust through animals -
first to self, then to the world around us.”
— Rebecca Bailey, Polyvagal Equine Institute

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Sessions & Accessibility

• In-person in Chandler, QLD (20 minutes SE of Brisbane CBD)

• Online via secure telehealth, with optional nature- or animal-focused integration

• Private and NDIS (self- or plan-managed) sessions available

• Please note: Medicare rebates are not currently offered
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Qualifications

• Diploma of Counselling – AIPC

• Mental Health Equine Therapy Specialisation, Equine Assisted Therapy Australia

• Polyvagal Equine Institute – Levels 1 & 2

• Arenas for Change (ARCH)

• Bachelor of Communications – Monash University

• Mental Health First Aid and ASIST Veteran Suicide Training

• Ongoing training in trauma, nervous system healing, and relational psychotherapy.
   

Ready to Begin?

If you are ready—or even just curious—about starting, you are invited to connect.

📧 Email: sarah@solaceandsanctuary.org
📞 Phone: 0422 646 123
🌿 Book your first session by clicking here ...