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 attention 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?
Organismic Attunement
Organismic attunement is the capacity to be deeply present with our own embodied experience while remaining open and responsive to another.
Horses have an extraordinary ability to invite this way of being. As highly social, relational animals, they respond not to our words, but to our nervous system, body language, and quality of attention.
Working alongside horses offers a unique opportunity to notice how we show up in relationship—to ourselves, to others, and to the environment around us. Their honest, non-judgemental responses foster curiosity, self-awareness, and reflection, making them powerful partners in exploring therapeutic attention and relational presence.
Rather than teaching through instruction, horses create experiences that deepen embodied awareness, supporting therapists to cultivate the grounded, authentic, and attuned presence that lies at the heart of effective therapeutic relationships.
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 15 September 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 (EPI)
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. .
