Evidence-based psychology, enhanced by horses and nature.
Delivering client-centred, individualised support to promote wellbeing across the lifespan.
Welcome to Stable Minds
Stable Minds Equine Assisted Psychology is located on peaceful bushland in Nar Nar Goon North, on the traditional lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. We recognise the deep connection First Nations peoples have to Country, and we are committed to caring for the land and the animals who live on and pass through it with respect, gratitude, and gentleness. We honour the ongoing custodianship of this land and strive to walk alongside these values in our work and in our presence here.
Founded in 2023, Stable Minds is a small practice that prides itself on building strong, genuine connections with our clients and their families. We offer compassionate, evidence-based psychological support in a calm, nature-based setting—often with the support of our herd of horses and ponies. Our team works with people across the lifespan—including children, adolescents, adults, and families—providing a safe space for healing, growth, and connection through both equine-assisted and room-based therapy.
Sessions may be held indoors (in a converted stable), or outdoors, and may include experiences with horses and ponies. Clients are invited to engage in physically and emotionally safe experiences to develop self-awareness, explore relationship patterns, build psychological skills, and achieve therapeutic goals.
Grief and loss
Disability
Learning difficulties
Emotional dysregulation
Low confidence and self-esteem
Clients looking for alternatives to room-based therapy
And more
Autism
ADHD/ADD
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
Stress
All experiences with the horses are ground-based and do not include mounting or riding the horses. No experience with horses is necessary.
Psychologists at Stable Minds work with clients experiencing:
Meet the Herd
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Marnie is an endorsed Educational & Developmental Psychologist who brings over a decade of experience to her work. She completed her Master of Psychology (Educational & Developmental) in 2011, and is passionate about integrating traditional psychological therapies with experiential, animal-assisted approaches.
Before founding Stable Minds, Marnie spent seven years working in the disability sector as a support worker, where she supported individuals and families navigating complex and varied needs. She then worked in early intervention services, where she supported young children with developmental disabilities. In this role, she trained and supervised therapists, conducted psychological assessments, and worked directly with families and support networks to foster development and connection during the crucial early years. Marnie also worked as a school psychologist for seven years, providing emotional, behavioural, and learning support to students, while collaborating closely with educators and parents.
At Stable Minds, Marnie draws from a range of evidence-based psychological approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT), Ecotherapy, and Play Therapy. These are integrated with Equine Assisted Psychotherapy, for which Marnie received training through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute. Her approach is trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and always centred on the client’s unique goals and needs.
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Cheeky Charlie is our spirited Standardbred who likes to think he’s in charge of the herd. A natural explorer, he’s curious about everything—and not shy about opening gates or sneaking into the shed if there's feed to be found!
Charlie is highly alert and always tuned in to what’s happening around him. While he can be anxious and a little cautious around people, once he learns to trust you, his playful side begins to shine. He’s a big softie at heart who loves a good scratch and connection on his own terms.
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Kate is a registered psychologist who completed her Master of Professional Psychology in 2023. Before beginning her career in psychology, Kate spent many years immersed in the horse industry, working as a stable hand, coach, and horse trainer, while also pursuing her own equestrian passions.
Early in her psychology career, Kate worked in rural Victoria alongside the Aboriginal community, where she focused on assessing neurodevelopmental disorders and supporting individuals facing a wide range of challenges. She later moved into aged care settings supporting people navigating the adjustment to supported living and
end of life care. Through this work, Kate developed a deep appreciation for the power of story, drawing on Narrative Therapy, Dignity Therapy, and Reminiscence Therapy to help people make meaning of their experiences.
Kate has also worked in more traditional, room-based clinics, providing psychological therapy and support to individuals of all ages with a variety of mental health concerns.
Joining Stable Minds has brought together Kate’s love for horses and nature with her passion for therapeutic work. She integrates evidence-based psychological approaches—such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—with equine-assisted and nature-based therapies to support clients in living rich, meaningful lives.
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Hope is a gentle soul who loves being pampered and spending time with her best mate, Albi. A Shetland mare with a background in showing, she has also raised a foal and brings a nurturing presence to our herd. Naturally a bit introverted, Hope tends to quietly observe and wait for you to approach—unless, of course, you’re carrying treats! True to her name, she embodies hope and healing in her quiet, reassuring way.
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Albi is an adorable Shetland Pony with a big heart and a love for people. In his younger years, he was a favourite among children—often seen trotting down the main street of Seville with little riders on his back. Albi has shared a special bond with his best mate, Hope, and has enjoyed both showing and now his meaningful role as a therapy pony. This sweet-natured gelding adores being pampered and is often the first to greet you, hoping for a cuddle or a good scratch.
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Brea is our beautiful brumby, born wild in the breathtaking Kosciuszko National Park. Rehomed with care as a yearling, she joined Stable Minds in 2023 at the age of nine to begin her journey as a therapy horse. Brea is a very special member of our herd—she lives with a disability that affects her spatial awareness and eating, but her gentle spirit shines through. She has a sweet, affectionate nature and genuinely enjoys the company of humans.
Services
Individual psychological therapy or group sessions are available. Sessions are generally outside (in nature) or may be room-based (in a stable) and typically include horses or ponies.
Individual psychology sessions are tailored to meet specific therapeutic goals. Group sessions are psycho-educational in nature, with each session focussing on a different theme or skill in each session.
Consultation Times
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings.
Fees
Individual sessions run for 50 minutes and cost $230. NDIS self-managed and plan-managed participants are charged in line with NDIS pricing guidelines.
Group sessions vary, and typically cost $150 per hour.
A doctor’s referral is required for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Care Plan. You may be eligible for funding via NDIS or rebates through your private health fund.
Cancellation Policy
Sessions will go ahead in all except extreme weather conditions, e.g. catastrophic danger fire rating days or severe electrical storms. All efforts will be made to contact you before your session regarding any cancellations but if unsure please check emergency.vic.gov.au for information.
When your appointment is booked, you are holding a space that is no longer available to other clients. Please advise as soon as possible when you know you will not be able to attend your appointment so as that place may be offered to other clients.
Please note that 48 hours’ notice (2 clear business days) is required for appointment cancellations to avoid cancellation fees.
Contact us.
For further information or to make an appointment, please call 0481 222 242; email admin@stablemindspsychology.com.au or complete form below :
A reply will be sent within 48 hours.
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