Mountain View Counselling & Equine Assisted Therapy

30/01/2025

It's easy to look at our teens and see them as the young adults they are growing into. Let's face it, it's hard not to when they tower over you and leave their size 13's in the middle of the lounge room!

But it's also easy to forget that their brain isn't wired like an adult just yet. Their brain is rapidly developing in areas such as independence (leaving the nest and surviving on their own), their emotional intensity is off the charts, and the parts of the brain that regulate their emotions and introduce logic to their decisions.. well... that's still to come!

There is a lot to be said for acceptance for the process. Instead of wondering "what were you thinking" and abandoning all hope, there's good reason to believe that they are doing the best in the moment.

When it feels like they are pushing you away, just know that they are ready for some independence, and they are making their way to being more responsible young people.. and all the better with you supporting them and letting them know you are always there.

Being with them, with understanding, in their moments of chaos will set the foundations for years to come.

31/12/2024

As 2024 comes to a close, I'm resisting the urge to jump straight in to making any New Years' Resolutions.

A part of my work is to be present in the moment and be mindful of what is happening around us. That gives me a reminder to try and resist "living in the future" too much, but I also think it is an important opportunity to reflect and appreciate what has been in 2024.

I want to thank all of my clients, colleagues and friends who have shared their journeys with me, and invite you to reflect upon your own year past. We have seen a lot of progress and change and difficult moments shared. To the parents of our child clients, I hope you also have a moment to reflect on your child's progress and their wins, especially if their challenges have been abundant.

Take time with loved ones and recharge before heading into another new year. Our thoughts will be with those of you who have loved ones that won't be with you as we head into 2025.

We appreciate you all, thank you.

Happy New Year from the MVCS Team.

21/11/2024

Do we cancel sessions in wet weather?

In cases of rain, sessions still go ahead. We are able to conduct sessions under cover and some people are keen to just pop on a spray jacket or grab an umbrella and continue in the paddock as usual. I often hear there is something grounding about connecting to the horses and nature when it's raining. The choice is yours as to what you are most comfortable with.

In cases of storms when it may be dangerous to be outdoors, we will cancel sessions. However, we will do our best to reschedule your session at a time that's convenient for you.

06/11/2024

Meet Charlotte...

A favourite with both children and adults, Charlotte just loves to be part of the conversation.

She may be the smallest member of the herd, but she doesn't know it. Whether you want to explore boundaries, have a patient ear to listen, or just feel more comfortable around our smaller, fluffier friends, Charlotte could be the one to help.

Each horse shows up in their own way, but Charlotte is often the first one to the paddock. No halter required! 🥰

28/10/2024

Can you still claim our Equine Assisted Therapy through NDIS? Yes!

Qualified therapists that incorporate animals into a therapy session are still classified as NDIS Therapeutic Supports.

See NDIA distinctions below for further information.

NDIA have now differentiated between animal therapy and animal-assisted therapy. See link below.

https://www.ndis.gov.au/changes-ndis-legislation/frequently-asked-questions-about-legislation?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0VuHEm47Hxp6n-jmWcWKE2SKUarExZbqTzJf--tmNeykw7mC74MbVucWg_aem_sXqDLJOnznHMwnpcyb7X_g

28/09/2024

You never have to earn your right to rest.
You deserve it.
Always.

21/08/2024

The quietest part of my day. The horses and ponies enjoying breakfast, shortly followed by inquisitive ponies and birds saying good morning.

A gentle reminder for me to find a moment each day to reconnect before the busy begins!

15/08/2024

Safe relationship is a core ingredient in our model of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning. For some clients, the inclusion of horses can allow safe relationship to be experienced, sometimes for the first time.

11/07/2024

Couldn't say it better myself.

Once you keep this in mind, you'll be amazed at how your little (or big) ones respond 🥰

Quote of the Day

11/06/2024

✨ Enrolments for our Term 3 & 4 Horse Wisdom Program are now open! ✨

This particular group session is aimed at supporting 7-9 year old's, currently schooling from home or on flexi school days.

The Horse Wisdom program is an Equine Assisted Therapy Program that focuses on building social-emotional skills in small groups of 3 to 4.

Participants work on building emotional regulation, boundaries, awareness, support seeking, social interactions, facing challenges and more. These topics assist young people in creating resilience and improve their capacity to manage their own emotions.

• The program runs fortnightly through terms 3 and 4.
• Sessions run for 1 hour
• Programs will be run at 1pm on Tuesdays, starting Term 3 Week 2.
• Sessions are $90 per person, NDIS and private participants welcome.

Sessions run by a qualified and registered Counsellor and Equine Assisted Psychotherapist.

Places are limited, so please send any enquiries and bookings to [email protected] or send us a DM.

27/05/2024

✨ New Group Session Available ✨

We now have capacity for a social support group for people in their 20s who would like to learn more about themselves, while connecting with like-minded people.

Sessions will be run in our beautiful outdoor setting, surrounded by nature and our herd of horses. Our group will be focusing on:

Emotional awareness and affect regulation
Improved social skills
Empathy and relationship skills
Distress tolerance
Confidence and self esteem
Reducing stress
Boundary setting
Meaningful connection

Sessions will be run fortnightly on Tuesdays from 11.30am - 12.30pm. The group will be kept to a maximum of 4 people.

Cost : $90 per session
NDIS and Private clients welcome.

Message us to reserve your place or contact us here:
https://www.mvcs.net.au/enquire/

*We will be running a 40s+ group in the near future when we have availability. Please contact us to register your interest and be placed on our waitlist.

07/05/2024

Looking for alternatives to room-based therapy?

We can often under-estimate the mental health benefits of being in nature, or being with animals.

When you couple these benefits with the support of a qualified counsellor, we can see great results in supporting people with Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Trauma, managing emotions and life's challenges.

If room-based therapy is not for you, or if you have been looking for a flexible and non-intimidating start to your therapeutic journey, click below to find out more, or feel welcome to send a message.

We look forward to hearing from you 💜

https://mvcs.net.au/enquire

NDIS, DVA and private clients welcome.

Enquire Now - Outdoor Counselling and Equine Assisted Therapy. Counselling for adults and children, based in Brisbane North. Make an appointment or enquire today. NDIS and Private Clients Welcome.

21/02/2024

A really important focus for me, when asking my horses to engage in therapeutic work with others, is to ensure their own need to be horses is met.

Our 5 horses and ponies have free access to about 15 of our 27 acres, giving them room to run, play, graze, swim and mutually groom.

I have limited sessions available in order to ensure they have time to just be horses, without asking too much of them.

I love that they can be authentic, meet their needs, and also have choice around whether to engage with clients. And because of this, they usually do!

Seeing them show up to sessions, being themselves and really being present, helps us learn to do the same. 💜

18/02/2024

Something shifts when you start to think of emotions as information, rather than a threat, discomfort, or just feeling "bad."

Taking the time to listen to that information will allow you to process those emotions. Being aware of the information that emotion is bringing you gives you the choice of responding rather than reacting.

Picture credit : Aroha's Way

01/01/2024

If you suffer from anxiety and need a hand with your NY resolutions, here's some ideas...

✨ Spend some time each day in nature, even if for a short time. Notice all of the sights and sounds around you. This helps keep your nervous system in a calm and regulated state
✨ Find time to sit with your pets and share a quiet moment together.
✨ Be aware of any negative thoughts and challenge them. Then replace them with more helpful thoughts. Be kind to yourself 🩵

If you have any of your own resolutions, feel welcome to share!

30/12/2023

As the year comes to a close, our Mountain View Herd would like to thank all of our clients for a very busy, but amazing year.

You have shared lots of life's challenges, lessons and special moments with the horses, and we thank you for being a part of our journey, and including us in yours.

Thank you for everything in 2023 and we look forward to seeing you in 2024! 🌟

20/11/2023

The quiet anticipation waiting for clients to arrive. The highlight of Squirt's day! 🥰

If you have been wanting to see how Equine Assisted Therapy or counselling may fit for you, we have a limited number of sessions available during the December and January holiday period.

Send us a message or email us at [email protected].

13/11/2023

Image Credit : Do-BeMindful