Frequently Asked Questions

While other mental health professionals approach mental health using a medical model, counselling uses a non-medical, bio-psycho-social model, working therapeutically, with empirically supported interventions and specialised interpersonal skills to facilitate change and empower clients. ​​

Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) is a non therapy skill-based service that focuses on teaching life skills, social skills, communication skills or leadership skills while facilitating personal growth and increased self-awareness through mounted and/or non mounted interactions with horses.
 

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) is therapy or treatment that includes equine interactions activities or treatment strategies provided by a service that is regulated by healthcare laws and provided by appropriately educated, trained and credentialed licensed or registered healthcare professionals. It describes the clinical application of including horses in human healthcare.

Equine Assisted Mental Health (EAMH) more specifically, is the provision of equine therapy by a licensed mental health provider, tailoring the therapy to the unique needs and abilities of each client, to support achievement of client goals and improvement in their mental health and well-being outcomes. 

Assessment, incl. behavioural observations

Diagnosis (as qualified)/collaboratively

Crisis interventions

Goal setting and treatment planning

Providing therapeutic interventions

Advocacy

Education and Training: providing psychoeducation / health information 

Collaborating with care teams

Monitoring Care

Ethical Practice and CPD

Cultural Competence

Children and adolescents (behavioral concerns/trauma/ADHD/autism spectrum disorder/anxiety/depression, school CANT and other emotional or behavioural challenges).

Adults facing range of mental health conditions (anxiety/depression/PTSD/addiction/eating disorders/relationship problems).

Veterans (symptoms of PTSD/anxiety/depression/reintegration challenges).

Seniors (isolation/grief/loss/depression/anxiety/cognitive decline)

People with developmental disabilities (autism/cerebral palsy/down syndrome).

People with trauma (childhood/domestic violence/hostage/sexual assault).

People with addictions/substance abuse recovery.

People with mental health disorders: anxiety/mood disorders/personality disorders/people experiencing symptoms of psychosis. 

People who are substance affected

People who have epilepsy or are at risk of a seizure 

People who have osteoporosis, unsteady on their feet or are at risk of falling over.

People who have a history of harming animals. 

A person experiencing psychosis (depending on the severity)

Young children (understanding & safety considerations) 

People with severe allergies to horses or the farm environment (pollen, grasses etc) 

Significant physical limitations. 

Safety Requirements

• Risk mitigation strategies in place

• Clearly defined emergency procedures

• Adequate supervision and support staff

• Provide an emotionally and physically safe, non-judgmental environment

• Not all clients are suitable for equine therapy — assess and refer when needed (e.g. due to phobias, allergies, developmental/physical limitations, severe mental health conditions)

• Suitable animal partners must be selected and cared for appropriately
   

Legal Requirements

• Compliance with Animal Welfare Legislation

• Adherence to Commonwealth and State Laws, including:

  • Non-discrimination

  • Human Rights

  • Equal Opportunity

  • Work Health and Safety

• Hold public and professional indemnity insurance
   

Ethical Requirements

• Obtain informed consent and maintain client confidentiality

• Adhere to industry codes of conduct

• Maintain professional competence:

  • Work within scope of practice

  • Seek supervision, training, and refer when necessary

• Foster inclusive, culturally aware practices

• Engage in self-regulation through:

  • Maintaining self-awareness

  • Regular supervision

  • Consultation with experienced practitioners

• Commitment to animal advocacy and staying updated on best practices
   

Other Considerations

• Formal training and certification in relevant therapeutic and equine fields

• Ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

• Professional and peer supervision

• Participation in professional bodies and awareness of industry regulations

• Develop and adhere to clear policies and procedures

• Engage in client feedback and self-reflection

• Collaboration with others in the equine therapy or mental health sectors

Australian Counselling Association. (n.d.). ACA. 

Faulkner, J. (2025). Animal-assisted services manual. EATA.

Faulkner, J. (2025). Equine handling manual. EATA.

Faulkner, J. (2025). Module one. EATA.

Hallberg, L. (2017). The clinical practice of equine-assisted therapy: Including horses in human healthcare. Routledge.

National Disability Insurance Scheme Quality and Safeguards Commission. (2018). NDIS code of conduct.

Trotter, K., & Baggerly, K. (2019). Equine-assisted mental health for healing trauma. Routledge.