ACA Hunter Chapter - August 2026

Name: ACA Hunter Chapter - August 2026
Start: 2026-08-17T13:30:00+10:00
End: 2026-08-17T13:30:00+10:00
Location: Large Training Room, Cardiff RSL Club

About

The Hunter Chapter meets every second month

Agenda: Why Horses?
Equine Facilitated Counselling: An Evidence-Informed Introduction to Nature-Based Counselling Practice

As interest in nature-based and experiential therapies continues to grow, Equine Facilitated Counselling (EFC) is finding popularity as an innovative and evidence-informed approach that complements established counselling modalities.

This presentation explores the foundations of EFC, the current research evidence, neuroscience and polyvagal-informed practice, and how horses and natural environments can support emotional regulation, relational awareness, and experiential learning. Participants will gain an overview of recognised international models, professional standards, certification pathways, and ethical considerations, while examining how EFC can be integrated with established approaches including Person-Centred Therapy, Gestalt, and CBT to list a few.

Designed for counsellors who are curious about this growing field, the session provides a balanced, research-informed introduction to contemporary equine facilitated counselling within Australian practice.

Michelle Coulcher is the founder and Clinical Director of Flying Changes Development Coaching, an Australian Wellbeing Farm specialising in equine facilitated and nature-based counselling. She is an ACA Level 3 Registered Counsellor and Supervisor, holds a Diploma of Social Science and a Bachelor of Counselling and Coaching, and is certified through the Certification Board of Equine Interaction Professionals – Mental Health (CBEIP-MH).

Michelle has a lifelong connection with horses and nature, having grown up exploring the Australian bush alongside her horses and faithful dog, experiences that continue to shape her philosophy of practice. She has developed the CHANGE Framework, a bioecological neurodevelopmental practice model integrating relational counselling, neuroscience, nature-based practice, and equine interaction.

Working across private practice, NDIS, and community settings, Michelle supports children, adolescents, adults, and families, with a particular interest in trauma, attachment, neurodivergence, emotional regulation, and professional education. She is passionate about advancing evidence informed equine facilitated counselling and helping clinicians thoughtfully integrate nature and experiential approaches into contemporary counselling practice.