Be open to any possibility.

Our approach.

 

We use a strength-based, person-centred approach, using evidence-based counselling techniques.

Our practices (Counselling and EAL) are underpinned by the humanistic psychological approach as founded by Carl Rogers (1902 - 1987). We incorporate diverse methods and strategies, including psychoeducational (we like using metaphors, stories, and experiential strategies to explain how things work), nature therapy,  mindfulness practice, polyvagal theory, compassion-focussed therapy, play therapy, art therapy, experiential therapy, and solution-focused techniques, ensuring every person has a personalised and holistic experience. To learn more about each modality, feel free to visit these sites:

Humanistic therapy (= exploring what makes you unique, your relationships with the world, and achieving your unique human potential)

Compassion-focused therapy (= kindness + courage + (your) wisdom to change)

ACT Acceptance Commitment & Therapy (= helps you to accept difficult thoughts and emotions rather than resisting them. Like the changing weather, emotions come and go. ACT teaches flexibility, allowing people to focus on meaningful actions aligned with their values. It offers practical strategies to navigate challenges like social anxiety or workplace stress, fostering resilience and effective coping.)

Existential therapy (= exploring your experiences with honesty and their meanings)

Polyvagal Theory (= scientific biobehavioural theory of neural connection - the role of the nervous system and its response to internal and external cues/triggers - and our superpowers to regulate)

Equine-assisted learning ( = learning with a horse in real time to develop personal and professional life skills)

Areas of support.

 

We provide counselling and EAL services for children (age 7+), young people, and adults in the areas of:

  • grief and loss

  • anxiety management

  • stress management

  • depression

  • developing and practising safety and boundaries

  • emotional regulation

  • self-awareness, self-concept, or (low) confidence

  • self-harm behaviours

  • suicidal thoughts

  • problem-solving

  • relationships issues

Who we help.

 

We have helped people understand, manage, and improve their symptoms and quality of life associated with a range of conditions and life experiences including:

  • anxiety

  • depression

  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

  • C-PTSD (Chronic post traumatic stress disorder)

  • grief and loss

  • bullying

  • family domestic violence

  • potential traumatic events (PTE)

  • acquired brain injury

  • dementia

  • chronic pain

  • and many others.

Trust that we will walk alongside and support you on this healing or discovery path – for as little or as long as you need.

Equinnect Services

 

At Equinnect, we provide counselling in either the comfort of your home online or in nature, as well as equine-assisted learning.

Online Counselling. We are aware that evenings can often be a better time for us to have counselling to fit in with our busy lives. We have focused our practice on incorporating these times. If your best time is not available, we will do our best to accommodate you.

Counselling in Nature – sitting or walking amongst the beautiful Australian bushland.

o   You can choose your view of native trees and other flora amongst safe bush trails or observe horses safely in their large paddocks

o   We can sit in comfy camp chairs or walk and talk – you choose what works best and is most comfortable for you at the time.

o   Our nature-based ‘office’ is based on the property of Zia Park Equestrian Centre, Gidgegannup.

Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL), developed by HorseVision in 2002, is an experiential approach that uses interactions with horses to promote personal growth, social-emotional development, and learning. Guided by trained facilitators, activities such as grooming or leading horses help participants build self-awareness, communication, and emotional regulation skills. Being based at Zia Park Equestrian Centre, we get the opportunity to meet and interact with the local horse-loving community and develop our psychosocial skills further on the topic - often horses - we all love. EAL is used in therapeutic, educational, and corporate settings to address challenges like anxiety, team-building, and confidence-building.

***

In these unique environments, we help clients navigate their struggles in life and facilitate personal growth, aiming to foster a safe, supportive space where individuals can reflect, practice, heal, and build resilience.

Our goal is to guide you in discovering new perspectives and inner calm as you move toward well-being, joy and contentment, and the quality of life you wish.

During your time with us, please do not stop or change any of your existing care or treatment, including prescribed medications. If you feel an improvement in symptoms, please consult your treating GP or team first.

We also welcome the opportunity to work and collaborate with your medical team - with your consent.

Counselling in nature and equine-assisted learning can open opportunities and (neuro-psychological) pathways to foster compassionate healing and well-being. We are happy to support you, your patients, or your clients’ well-being journey in part or as required.

At Equinnect, you can rest assured that you are in the capable hands of a skilled and knowledgeable team.

With over 25 years of experience in healthcare and mental health as a Registered Nurse and as a qualified Counsellor, Tanya brings a diverse and compassionate skill set to her practice. Qualifications include a Master of Public Health, a Bachelor in Creative Industries (Visual Arts), and certification in Equine-Assisted Learning. These are complemented by a passion for research and lifelong learning to best support her clients’ needs.

Her career has spanned mental health care across acute, community, and palliative settings, with expertise in trauma recovery (including single events, chronic trauma, workplace or war-related trauma, and refugee/immigration experiences). Has worked with individuals in hospitals, homes, schools, and even stables, supporting various challenges with empathy and tailored care. Tanya is also honoured to continue working as a permanent Lifeline Digital Crisis Responder.

“What sets me apart is my extensive experience working across the lifespan, from children aged 7 and up, and my ability to creatively adapt evidence-based strategies to align with each individual’s needs, values, and beliefs. Drawing from art, music, literature, or film, I can integrate creativity into sessions in a fun and curious way, fostering personal growth and meaningful outcomes. My approach is always guided by deep compassion and a commitment to helping others live their best and most fulfilling lives.”

Tanya Pidgeon

Why the name Equinnect?

 

The word was created to convey one’s seeking of calm and balance through connection (horses - equines or humans).

Equinnect = equanimity + connection 

Equinnect = equines + equanimity + connection

Equanimity - balance and calm (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equanimity)

Connection  - the act of communicating or relating (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/connection) ; it is crucial to our wellbeing (https://executive.berkeley.edu/thought-leadership/blog/importance-connections-our-well-being)

Equine - relating to the horse (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/equine)

Mental health support

 

If you need mental health support now, please contact your primary health care provider (GP) or one of these 24/7 services.

Lifeline | Beyond Blue | SANE | Kids Helpline | 1800 Respect | Open Arms (Veterans and Family counselling) | 13Yarn | Suicide call back line