Equine Therapy Training - Equine Psychotherapy Institute

Are you passionate about horses and helping people?

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 and Certification 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 and Certification program.

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.

Internationally renowned, nationally revered

Our training programs are different.

Our training is life changing.

Are you ready for change?

"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

"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."