Equine Therapy for kids and families
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Horse, dogs and farm animals outside in nature
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Sensory sensitive with verbal and non-verbal communication
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Help with feeling safe, having fun and engaged
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learning lots of new skills
Play is the language of children. It is how they explore the world and find out about themselves. It is how they learn things like social skills, develop physical abilities and it has a vital impact on brain development. Therefore it is the ideal way to communicate with children in a fun, safe and inclusive environment.
Play therapy can assist children (and adolescents) with concerns such as emotional regulation, anxiety, social skills, self-confidence, learning difficulties, concentration, resilience, communication, self-expression and hyper- or hypo-activity.
All sessions are private and confidential as the specifically trained therapist works with your child in a way that helps the child feel safe, valued and empowered to express who they are and what they want to do. We are situated on a peaceful farm with a spacious indoor playroom and family-friendly waiting room for Parents/carers. We also have lots of outdoor play areas for nature-based play and the ability to include farm animals.
Please see the section below for more information on how Play Therapy works and what is involved when booking in your child in for some sessions.
For any children that enjoy being around animals, adding dogs and/or horses (and other farm animals) into the sessions can be a wonderful extra element of playfulness.
Our horses and dogs have been around children as part of therapeutic riding lessons for several years and are safe, friendly, curious, playful and highly
motivated by treats, hugs and love.
As part of play therapy sessions we do not offer horse riding as this is a separate program. Please refer to my other website heartwoodhorses.com.au.
Not only do many children enjoy being around animals and have fun working with them, they find them great company and might even feel safer or more relaxed with them than with an adult/therapist alone.
Even if your child is wary or frightened of animals, we can help with their concerns and enhance their ability to feel safe and grow to enjoy being with animals.
Animal Assisted Therapy can all be linked to the Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), which helps people to manage their emotions, nurturing positive relationships, making informed choices, and feeling and exhibiting empathy. It improves their mental and physical health and helps to make life more enjoyable and successful.
The Process
Initial contact
Please call text or email us and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Kim will do an informal free chat to see if we are right service for you.
Intake
This is a parent/carer only session where the therapist has an in person, online or over the phone meeting to find out more about the client and the goals. It is also a chance for the parent/carer to find out more information.
Sessions
Once we have completed the intake we can book in some sessions and let the fun begin.
Therapists
Leah Barker
Equine Therapist, Occupational Therapist
Leah works part time at Heartwood Health as an Equine therapist as well as an Occupational Therapist. Leah is a Paediatric OT so she is very experienced with kids and has owned and cared for horses her whole life. She loves sharing her love of horses with everyone.
Leah has a Degree in Occupational Therapy and is registered with AHPRA. Leah also has a Cert IV in Early Childhood.
Availability
Friday 2pm to 5pm
Saturday 9:00am to 12:00pm
Kim Wood
Owner, Equine Therapist, Play Therapist, Counsellor
My name is Kim, the owner of Heartwood Horses. Kim works with children aged 4 and over as well as families. Kim can assist with Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression and the affects of Trauma. Kim loves being able to share her farm and her animals with her clients. She is client centred, trauma informed and inclusive.
Kim has a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Master of Child Play Therapy and she is a registered Play Therapist with the Australasia Pacific Play Therapy Association (APPTA) and a member of Animal Therapies Ltd (ATL).
Kim has her Graduate Diploma of Counselling and is registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Kim has completed Level 1 training with the International Institute of Animal Assisted Play Therapy and a Certificate in Equine Therapy at the Centre for Equine Experiential Learning Australia (CEEL).
Kim is also a Qualified Yoga Therapist with Dru Yoga Australia and has her Level 2 First Aid.
Availability
Monday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 9:00am to 2:00pm
Emma Vale
Equine Therapy Assistant
Emma brings her love for horses and children together in a caring and kind way to create a positive experience for both clients and their families.
Emma is studying Occupational Therapy at Deakin University. Emma is a very experienced horsewoman as well as having lots of experience working with children. Emma is super fun and friendly and she is able to support Leah and Kim working with Equine Therapy clients.
Contact
Get in Touch
Kim Wood
0458 747 534
[email protected]
Address
176 English Rd, Bannockburn, Vic.
