There’s something uniquely calming about being around a horse. Their quiet presence, sensitivity to emotion and non-judgemental nature has seen equine therapy become an increasingly recognised approach to supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing.
For many people struggling with anxiety, stress, trauma, grief or low self-esteem, traditional counselling can sometimes feel overwhelming. Equine Assisted Therapy offers a different pathway — one that encourages connection, trust and emotional awareness in a natural outdoor setting.
Local practitioner Dan Gillen Equine Therapy is helping people across the Fraser Coast discover the benefits of this therapeutic approach through sessions based on a property near Susan River and counselling services in Maryborough.
Equine Assisted Therapy focuses on the interaction between people and horses, guided by a qualified therapist. Unlike horse riding lessons, the therapy is less about riding and more about building emotional connection, mindfulness and self-awareness through experiences and activities alongside the horses.
According to the practice, horses are highly intuitive animals that naturally respond to human emotions and behaviour. This creates opportunities for participants to better understand their own emotional responses, communication styles and coping mechanisms.
For people living with anxiety or emotional stress, simply slowing down and being present with a horse can have powerful calming effects. The experience often encourages people to step away from daily pressures, reconnect with themselves and build confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
Equine therapy has also become increasingly recognised as beneficial for people experiencing trauma, grief, depression and social disconnection. The outdoor setting and hands-on interaction can sometimes help people who struggle to engage in more traditional clinical environments.
Founder and practitioner Dan Gillen Equine Therapy combines counselling qualifications with certified training in Equine Assisted Mental Health through Equine Assisted Therapy Australia. The approach is designed to support emotional healing while creating a sense of safety, trust and empowerment for participants.
In a world where many people are searching for ways to slow down and reconnect, equine therapy offers a reminder that healing can sometimes begin with something as simple as connection — to nature, to animals and ultimately to ourselves.
As conversations around mental health continue to grow across the Fraser Coast, services like equine therapy are helping expand the ways people can seek support, healing and hope.
