Hi, I am Francesca. I am an accredited member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the International Institute of Complementary Therapists (IICT). My qualifications include a Masters Degree in Counselling (La Trobe) and training and accreditation with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute in Daylesford.

Having spent the majority of my working life supporting organisations in Culture change & Leadership Development, I swapped my office attire for gumboots and meet my clients in the paddock.

My approach has been informed by extensive training in Emotion Focussed (EFT), Person-centred and Gestalt-Therapy. My coaching and leadership practise has been enriched by wonderful teachers, challenging my understanding of the world and constantly flexing my own growth muscles.

A diverse toolbox of facilitation skills and frameworks, derived from frameworks such as Adult Development, Systems Theory, Adaptive & Whole Human leadership, Immunity to Change and Theory U, allow me to leverage what the situation calls for.

I live by the core principles of I-Thou horse-person-ship which fosters a deep attention and connection with horses and people through cultivating presence, inclusion, unconditional positive regard and a commitment to ‘hanging in there when the going gets tough’.

Horses have been with me since age 10 and my own journey in understanding these beautiful and wise creatures will always evolve. These days I spend more time on the ground, as part of the herd, than in the saddle, which has been a big shift from how I used to ‘relate’. I learnt later in life that there is so much to discover about horses and myself by just being in their company.

Horses are ‘change agents’ helping us co-regulate, role model, show us how to build emotional safety and trust and not least, are our connection to nature. Their unique bio-feedback supports clients in understanding how they show up, communicate and lead which creates awareness that’s vital for change.

I strive to create a space where people can safely explore and express their emotions, fears, boundaries and dreams for themselves. I love and respect my role as fellow traveller in the growth journey as inner work can be both hard and beautiful at the same time. As such I may help carry your backpack for a little while or show up as my clients cheer-squad.

I work with children, young adults and grown-ups and groups alike, who may need a hand to get ‘un-stuck’ and feel drawn towards horses and nature, whether that be through therapy, learning sessions or coaching.