No, unfortunately Counselling for individuals, families, couples or groups is not currently rebated under the Australian Mental Health Care Plan scheme so you will be required to pay for the service you receive. If you live in Australia and have a mental health disorder, you can make an appointment to see a Doctor for a Mental Health Assessment and if appropriate they may provide you with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) which will allow you to claim a proportion of fees for a set number of sessions for seeing an authorised provider (such as a Psychologist). Each Psychologist under the scheme sets their own fees and Medicare only covers a proportion so it's likely you will still have to pay a gap seeing a therapist under a MHCP. There are benefits for seeing a therapist privately which includes unlimited sessions, access to a wider range of therapeutic modalities and often shorter waiting periods to access support. There may also be a range of free emergency mental health support services available in your local area so if finances are an issue please make contact with local health providers to maximise your safety.

No, you do not need a referral from a doctor to access Believe Equine Counselling & Coaching services.

My homestead and horses are located in Royalla, NSW just 25 minutes from Canberra Airport. You will see a white fence from the road as you approach. Turn into the driveway and follow it down until you see the house on the left. I also offer online counselling and coaching sessions for clients anywhere in the world, (noting English is my language).

If you are unwell, we would prefer you don't attend our session in person and will offer you an appointment via Zoom instead (1:1 counselling/coaching sessions only). For workshops and retreats, you may be required to provide a medical certificate should you wish to receive a refund. Note that a 20% administration fee will apply. We ask that you provide as much notice as possible if this is the case.

Yes, I offer online sessions via Zoom.

When you make an appointment we set aside a time our limited calendar just for you. If you can't attend your appointment, we just ask that you provide a minimum 48 hours notices so that we can offer your appointment to another client. You can make changes to your appointment online via the confirmation emailed to you or by contacting Lisa directly on 0411 558 604. Please refer to our Fee & Cancellation Policy for more information about cancellation fees. For workshops and retreats, please refer to the Fee & Cancellation Policy provided at the time of booking.

Believe Equine Counselling & Coaching provides an opportunity to work with horses either in-hand (leading), over a fence or in their paddock environment. This can be in the context of: ​ Counselling, when people recognise they would like to make a change. The goal of counselling is for clients to gain clarity, develop coping strategies, and work towards desired outcomes and goals. It is conducted with confidentiality; non-judgemental and person-focused. With the herd (our horses), we explore and understand one's emotions, thoughts and behaviours. We develop strategies together to manage stress, anxiety and other challenges to improve communication and build healthier relationships. Developing enhanced self awareness around the herd, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. Client and Counsellor sign an agreement which provides clear expectations for the therapeutic relationship. Experiential Learning with the herd or horse in a client-focused manner by involving them in the decision making for activities and problem solving. With an aim to facilitate the transfer of experiences to the real world. Workshops and retreats are a blend of developing self-awareness, resourcing techniques and psycho-education, which is weaved through time with the herd. Achieved through wellbeing practices, time in nature and good nourishment. Each workshop and retreat is unique, offering a space to have fun within a group-setting learning from the horses and other participants. Generally, participants build strong bonds with an individual horse they partner with for the duration of the event. One-to-one sessions can either be counselling or experiential learning, similar to that outlined above.

Our equine partners are mammals — just like us. They have enormous nervous systems which respond to their environments and each other. Their safety relies on their nervous systems responding in the here and now without carrying judgement or taking things personally. Their large size and strength demand our attention while still bringing sensitivity that encourages self-awareness in people around them. Building trust with a horse is a truly rewarding experience that cannot be minimised but rather teaches us communication beyond our normal interactions with people.

You, the client, are always given agency over the interactions. Interactions only occur with as much or as little as you are comfortable with.

We work from the ground, which means no riding. We are looking to focus on safe relationships, communication, boundary setting and no more. We do not offer trail rides or riding lessons.

Many people find horses intimidating or scary, but we make every experience unique and give clients agency over their experience, which may include staying on the outside of the paddock or yard if that is more suitable for the client. Gaining valuable learning and insight from our equine partners only need to be observed.

There are couple of local accommodation options within a 15-20 minute drive from our homestead where motels and hotels are available: • Tuggeranong ACT • Queanbeyan NSW Some on-site camping may be offered for a small fee per night, if you are travelling for one of our workshops or retreats. Contact Believe Equine to discuss if required. Alternatively, there are a range of AirBNBs, self-serviced apartments and other hotel accommodation available throughout the heart of Canberra. Note that it is a minimum 30-minute drive from the City centre to Royalla, where we are located.

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We can offer a transfer to and from Canberra Airport, Kingston Train Station or Jolimont Bus Terminal. Contact us directly to discuss, if required.