The Equine Psychotherapy Institute
world-class education
The Equine Psychotherapy Institute
world-class education
BECOME AN EQUINE OR ANIMAL ASSISTED PRACITITIONER!
Our Foundation Training consists of 120 hours of trainer led training. You can study with us in person at NSW, QD, VIC or WA, or Online. View our Training Calendar.dation Training consists of 120 hours of trainer led traini
ON DEMAND COURSES!
Learn about Equine Assisted Therapy from the comfort of your own home with our new On Demand Intro Course.
NOURISHED BOOK!
Just Published - Nourished:Horses, Animals & Nature in Counselling, Psychotherapy & Mental Health, edited by Meg Kirby.
In Nourished, International educational experts and mental health professionals across a wide range of disciplines share how horses, animals and nature can be incorporated in counselling, psychotherapy, mental health treatment and personal development. Click here to find out more.
Change the Way you Live, Work & Make a Difference in the World...
Horse, Animal & Nature Assisted Therapy is Your Difference
Introducing our latest On Demand Course!
Introduction to Equine Assisted Therapy
Are you interested in learning how Equine Assisted Psychotherapy supports change?
Learn to be an Equine Therapist with Australia's leading Equine Assisted Psychotherapy & Equine Assisted Learning education expert
Demand is increasing for skilful, ethical and professional equine assisted therapy and learning practitioners – our rigorous education, training, and continuing professional development programs will support you to be the competent, confident, and creative professional you were born to be. The Equine Psychotherapy Institute offers Training in the professional practice of Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) (Counselling /Mental Health), Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) and Specialist Training in Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, and Nature Based Psychotherapy.
The Institute founder, Mental Health Social Worker and Psychotherapist of over 23 years, Meggin Kirby, pioneered the first uniquely Australian model of EAP and EAL in 2011, which has become internationally renowned and revered. Students travel from far abroad – Russia, Poland, England, Denmark, Holland, United States, Canada, New Zealand, and of course, all states of Australia to Certify in EPI Model EAP and EAL. In 2020, we offered our first online EAL/EAP Training program.
We have training facilities in NSW (Kyogle), QLD (North Brisbane), VIC (Mount Prospect) and WA (Bullsbrook).
Internationally renowned, nationally revered
Take a tour of The Equine Psychotherapy Institute here
You are in excellent hands! Our faculty is world-class! Our staff team is a multidisciplinary team made up of clinical social work, psychology, counselling, gestalt therapy and trauma-specialists. All of our faculty live with their own herd of horses, and breathe, love and learn with horses as a life-choice. We are all passionate about equine assisted practice! Join our international community of practitioners for life, and step into your dream practice – combining your love of horses and desire to help people grow, heal and change.
Our training programs are different.
Our training is life changing.
Are you ready for change?
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I could not recommend this training highly enough. It is testament to the model, the institute and Meg as a trainer, that the training was so effective and engaging even when shifted to being online due to COVID-19. I felt both challenged and supported professionally and personally, and have come away feeling very motivated to start working in this field, knowing I have joined a community of very committed and supportive professionals. I loved how the course presented a whole philosophy with the EPI model on our experience and relationship with ourselves, with clients and with horses. I feel very moved to have had this opportunity to pause and build greater awareness in these areas.
Ella - Social Worker and EAP Student
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It was an absolute honour and delight to be a part of such a well-structured and facilitated foundation training program. The training has opened up so many insights into my own personal relationships. I had numerous “ah-ha” moments and I am learning to be kinder to myself. My professional development during this training has grown exponentially. I have been provided with a unique skill set to enable me
and my equine partners to support others within my business setting to experience their own personal growth. I’ve also met the most supportive peer network of amazing women who I am glad to be sharing and supporting along this journey.
Belinda - Manager and EAL Student
"Horses see the real you.
Being seen is incredibly healing."
Meg Kirby
Just published!
Equine Therapy Exposed: Real life case studies of equine assisted psychotherapy and equine assisted learning with everyday people and horses
In this book you will get a sneak peek into the innovative field of equine assisted practice, rich with real life case studies from Australian practitioners supporting a wide range of clients including Indigenous youth, children with complex needs, and adults and young people recovering from trauma and PTSD. See for yourself how equine assisted therapy offers effective support and change for clients with autism, anorexia, addictions and more. Featuring a uniquely interactive and engaging format, this book delivers insight from one of Australia’s leading education experts in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy.
See what International Psychotherapy and Education Leaders are saying about Equine Therapy Exposed:
"Meg Kirby has written a dynamic and valuable book that provides readers with a unique glimpse on how she has learned to apply equine therapy services at her Institute. The book is filled with tremendous insights and practical suggestions. I believe that this book would be immensely helpful to professionals attempting to work alongside horses to support their clients’ wellbeing."
Aubrey H. Fine Ed.D. Professor Emeritus CA Poly State University, Licensed Psychologist
Editor of The Handbook on Animal Assisted Therapy
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We welcome difference and diversity, and seek to practice inclusivity for all people, horses, animals and the natural world.
We are honoured to be on the ancestral lands of the Dja Dja Warrung people. We acknowledge the First Australians as the traditional custodians of the continent, whose cultures are among the oldest living cultures in human history. We pay respect to the Elders of the community and extend our recognition to their descendants who are present.
Many of the images are courtesy of Anne Simpson of Pink Turtle Photography and Nicole Emanuel of Nicole Emanuel Photography
Copyright 2023 The Equine Psychotherapy Institute
Many of the images are courtesy of Anne Simpson of Pink Turtle Photography and Nicole Emanuel of Nicole Emanuel Photography
Copyright 2020 The Equine Psychotherapy Institute