Counselling Services
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Experiential Learning
Horses, Nature, Yoga, Meditation, Retreats
Welcome
Margot Smith is the founder of Pegasus Inner Wellbeing (PIW) and offers a professional registered counselling and consultant service as well as certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP)
Individual or group sessions are available and are an alternative to room based counselling or therapy. The family herd of horses are included as co facilitators in the natural setting at Donington Farm, North East Victoria.
Personalised sessions involve an assessment process and a client led focus with a collaborative approach. This aims to support mental health, therapeutic goals and personal growth.
Equine Assisted Psychotherapy / Learning for growth, incorporates a trauma care approach. There is a focus on physical and emotional safety, nervous system regulation, resource building and awareness in a non judgemental and ethical based environment.
Margot’s approach includes the model she developed known as the “6 C’s”:
Calm State
Consent
Compassion
Curiosity
Collaboration
Connection
Neuro affirming practices such as self regulation, somatic movement, relaxation techniques and building capacity are an example of some resources developed during sessions and that can be supportive for the client in every day life.
Animal Assisted Therapy / Treatment that is provided by a registered Counsellor as “therapeutic support” and addresses the client’s therapeutic goals is NDIS approved (according to NDIS guidelines, Oct 2024)
Horses that are included in Animal Assisted Counselling and Therapy sessions can play a valuable role in motivating clients to engage in the counselling process and succeed in achieving their therapeutic goals.
Horses and nature can contribute positively to client outcomes. The unique bio feedback that horses offer can support clients during the experiential learning process. The paddock becomes the “therapy space” and is an alternative to traditional room based sessions.
The client, may experience or notice a natural sense of safety and trust develop within relational interactions. It is common for clients to report that they feel “seen, heard, felt and understood.” (attunement)
We welcome children, teens, adults, small groups, organisations, corporate teams, leaders and managers. along with self managed or plan managed NDIS participants.
Credentials are outlined below photos.
To find out more you can contact Margot on mobile: 0400 723 476
or email info@pegasusinnerwellbeing.com.au
“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.”
— Albert Einstein
Working with children check, VIC - 2683400A-01
Registered Counsellor with the AUSTRALIAN COUNSELLING ASSOCIATION
Membership Number 28743
What People Are Saying
“It was such a lovely opportunity to stop, connect and listen. Listen to my body. Listen to my spirit. Your beautiful horses were so kind and calm and that great reminder to ‘just be’.”
— Marissa (BA OT / Counsellor)
I wasn't sure what to expect when I attended the first session, a love of horses and animals in general and nature made me curious. The session included introduction, safety around horses and a shared cuppa prior to making our way down to the horse paddocks for a very special, inspirational morning, I was not disappointed.
At the conclusion of the counselling session, I felt grounded, a deep sense of peace and wanting more. It was a perfect way to take time out from a busy day. It was truly amazing, I look forward to future sessions.
__ Shirley
“Margot’s desire to support a bereaved Mother and share her wisdom on how to find genuine happiness again after living through something so incredibly devastating, is nothing short of miraculous.”
— Lisa
“Thank you so much for today’s luxurious Yoga. My body, mind, spirit feel such gratitude.”
— Helena (Teacher)
“I want to say a very big thank you for today. I just loved being there with the horses and being at your special place, felt very blessed.”
— Merrille
“I absolutely love the horse meditations at Donington Farm and look forward to continue on this journey.”
— Kerrie (Teacher)
“I love spending time with the horses. They are so special to me and I feel so calm being around them. Nothing helps me more than horses and I definitely learnt heaps.”
— Young adult, (self managed, NDIS participant)
“I loved the honesty of the day. There seemed such simplicity in what we were doing but I feel a deepening sense of connection with myself whenever I think of the time spent with the horses, especially with 'my' horse. I enjoyed watching the horses and their interactions with us all and I appreciated the gentle presence of Margot and the wisdom shared. The day was very special.”
— Jean
“During my secondary school teaching career I found yoga classes a critical weekly haven, which helped me manage my wellbeing during those hectic teaching days. I have benefitted immensely from yoga. I have developed the ability to relax easily and let my mind go, as well as my body, ‘let go’. I have developed the ability to apply my yoga techniques to everyday life such as being mindful of how I am feeling, breathing deeply and rhythmically in times of stress, and enjoying all of the precious gifts I have in the world.
Margot also emphasises the beauty in the natural world and we have had many yoga sessions outside, barefooted on the grass, feeling the wind and sunshine. I love my yoga class with Margot and would recommend it to anyone.”
— Brenda (Retired Teacher)