Gail supports individuals experiencing a range of mental health and wellbeing concerns, including anxiety, social phobia, panic disorder, rider anxiety, depression, low mood, neurodiversity-related challenges, trauma, and addiction-related issues. She provides a supportive and guided therapeutic process that enables clients to explore the underlying factors contributing to their experiences. Therapy is tailored to the individual, with a focus on building insight, strengthening self-agency, and supporting meaningful, sustainable change. Sessions are available online, in stable-based settings, and in natural outdoor environments.
Gail is Advanced Certified in the EAGALA Model as both a Mental Health Professional and an Equine Specialist, and has worked in this specialist field for over fifteen years. Recognising that not everyone feels comfortable with traditional office-based talking therapies, equine-assisted therapy offers a meaningful and effective alternative approach. Gail is a member of Adventure Therapy Aotearoa and integrates animals, nature, and experiential approaches into her therapeutic work. She has a strong belief in the unique capacity of horses to reflect and respond to human nervous system states, supporting clients to develop greater awareness, regulation, and positive change through lived experience. Equine-Assisted Services Available EAGALA Model Equine-Assisted Therapy Delivered in partnership with Aspire Therapy and based at RDA Welcome Bay, this service is available for individuals, groups, and families. Equine-Assisted Therapy (CBT- and ACT-informed) Limited paddock- and horse-based sessions are available in Whakamarama, supporting individuals experiencing mood difficulties, anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation challenges. Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy Combines traditional occupational therapy interventions with meaningful, goal-directed activities involving horses to support improved functional outcomes and greater independence. Why Horses? Many individuals—particularly those with a history of trauma—can find office-based talking therapies too direct or emotionally overwhelming. Working alongside horses in an arena or paddock setting allows therapy to unfold experientially and in the present moment. This approach supports clients to engage more gently, connecting with themselves and the horses on a somatic level, with careful facilitation and support. Through this process, clients can begin to identify and soften the barriers that may be holding them back, develop deeper insight and self-awareness, and build pathways for moving forward. Horses offer powerful, non-judgmental feedback and are exceptional teachers of presence, emotional tolerance, and regulation—creating opportunities for healing, growth, and post-traumatic development.
*Clinical Supervision for Mental Health Professionals *Practice Supervision for Equine Specialists *Mentoring for setting up your own Equine Assisted Therapy/Development Program *Coaching to work out the 'next steps' in your life or career, using the Coach Approach Note: Sessions available online/in person
Sensory assessments available for those aged 11 years and over utilizing the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile. You will be asked to complete a 60 item questionnaire, answer some questions regarding your current occupational performance and will be provided a report of your sensory preferences and recommendations.