Mountain View Counselling & Equine Assisted Therapy

06/06/2025

Recovery is a team mission.

We're thrilled to announce the launch of two new forums spaces for veterans and those who support them to stand Shoulder to Shoulder for mental health support. Funded by Open Arms - Veterans & Families Counselling.

🥸Anonymous, peer led, moderated by mental health professionals
📲Available 24/7 from anywhere, on any device
📚Access clinical resources
👂Share your experience, ask a question, or just listen in
📝Co-designed with trauma experts

Join a discussion or start a new one today
👉 sane.org/shoulder-to-shoulder

23/05/2025

'SNIPPETS'

Brain food in bite-size!

Little drops of info designed to spark big thoughts.

Quick to read, tricky to forget—and perfect for busy lives.

12/05/2025

Breakfast for the whole gang. Perhaps I need a bigger bucket.. 🥰

09/03/2025

We hope everybody is safe and doing well under the circumstances!

All of our animals are doing fine. Very wet and soggy, but safe and well. The winds managed to avoid damaging anything important so we've been very lucky.

We are currently without power, and our road is flooded in, so all sessions on Monday are cancelled. We'll keep everybody updated via email tomorrow regarding Tuesday's planned sessions.

Stay safe 💜

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.