Reflective Presence and the Dual Relationship PD
Experiential practice for practitioners
Set in the peaceful surroundings of Edenhope Homestead, join in this reflective workshop with our gentle herd of horses, whilst slowing down and grounding your mind and body.
Led by experienced Equine Assisted Psychotherapy practitioners, this experiential PD is designed for therapists with a particular focus on Reflective practice and embodied presence, inviting you to step out of the role of caring for others, and connect with yourself and the natural world, to resource your work with your clients.
We will consider “How we stay present with ourselves and to the Other”, exploring the therapeutic relationship in an experiential, embodied way.
Learn new frameworks and theory to deepen your experience of being present to Self and Other,
and leave feeling more renewed, refreshed and resourced giving you clarity and balance.
What we’ll do
Be guided through gentle somatic and polyvagal-informed techniques to support regulation and co-regulation during a session.
Workshop embodied frameworks to deepen therapeutic presence and self-awareness in connection with the Horse.
Gain insights and fresh perspectives through reflective observation.
Enjoy creative integration and resourcing to anchor your reflections, to centre and restore you as you step back into the therapy chair.
What You’ll Get
6 hours Professional Development
Tangible mind-body regulation tools to support your clients and yourself outside of sessions.
Facilitated Equine-Assisted embodied learning, somatic experiencing and observations (non-riding)
Country-style morning tea
Personalised, small group experience (limit of 12 participants)
About Lindy Spanger
Lindy Spanger is a registered Clinical Psychotherapist and PACFA accredited Supervisor, bringing over two decades of experience in the field and years of professional development to therapists.
Lindy’s clinical orientation is Soul Centred, and trauma informed, grounded in depth Psychotherapy and a profound engagement with soul and psyche.
Lindy uses EMDR, tapping, focusing, somatic awareness, and mindfulness techniques, as well as creative arts, to support her clients with anxiety, overthinking, and complex trauma. She offers lifelong tools that foster a sense of wellbeing and meaningful change.
Lindy is also trained in Equine Assisted Therapeutic support, combining her love of horses with the wisdom they bring to her work with clients.
Why Horses?
The Calm State
LINDY to edit this section. We might need a new video too
Weaving the horse’s wisdom and our body wisdom creates long lasting benefits as we continue in our client practice.
Studies suggest that horses exhibit a “coherent” heart rhythm—a stable and harmonious heart rate pattern.
A coherent heart rhythm reflects a biological system that can recover from and adjust to stressful situations easily and efficiently.
When we are in the presence of horses, our own heart pattern may co-regulate with that of the horse, which is why we often feel a sense of calm, peacefulness and wellness around horses.
Healthy horses instinctively regulate their energy. They conserve and restore through practices like outbreath/exhalation, grounding, and physically shaking off excess tension, allowing them to reset and return to a relaxed state, such as grazing.
Client Reviews
“It was educational and worthwhile… an incredible experience and introduction to this type of work”
— Kirsten“The sharing of collective wisdom with people, horses and nature was most helpful for me”
— Cathy“The introductory session of mindfulness/medication put me in a lovely calm state… after a full-on week, I needed that today.”
— Participant
Event details
Saturday, 7 November 2026
9:30am - 4:00pm
Standard rate - $320 incl. gst
Early bird rate* - $290 incl. gst
*Book before 1 October for Early Bird rate
Meet the Facilitators
Lindy Spanger Clinical Soul Centred Psychotherapist (PACFA), PACFA accredited Supervisor, Equine Experience International™
Michelle Brooks Certified Practicing Counsellor (PACFA), Certified Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Practitioner
Information to note
BYO lunch and notebook
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear suitable for outdoor settings and safety around horses
Location: 245 Beenak Road, Gembrook on a secluded 18 acre property. .
