HEART Program
HEART Program – Healing Equine Art Resilience Therapy is for families and individuals impacted by domestic and family violence.
Equine Assisted Therapy component of the HEART program
Equine Assisted Therapy is a professional, creative and experiential approach used to support and help people work through the aftermath effects of abuse. Horses offer an opportunity to build an authentic, trust- based relationship which can be very healing. The unique bond between the horse and the individual allows for painful experiences to be processed. Studies show a significant decrease in post-traumatic stress disorder after equine-assisted therapy.
The art therapy component of the ‘HEART’ program
The art therapy component of the ‘HEART’ program utilises a published children’s book ‘Charming Charlie and the Spectacular Sophia’ together with the accompanying workbook which was developed with the assistance of Education Queensland staff. The novel follows the two main characters, Charlie and Sophia through the experiences of bullying and how they build resilience together and create positive change in their school. It is a book about kindness, empathy and hope. The workbook includes multi-modal activities that assist children and adults to understand the issues of bullying behaviour and the associated emotions by containing them within art applications, storytelling, activities, music and song woven into an informative and fun packed activities for children and their parents.
Videos and Podcasts
To find out more, watch one of our videos or listen to our podcast on our YouTube channel. There are lots of fun photos in the gallery below.
Book HEART
Broken to Brilliant holds three HEART programs each year.
The last available date
14 Sept 2024, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm AEST
Tallebudgera Valley Community Hall, Tallebudgera Valley
Meet your HEART Program Facilitators
Tracey has a Bachelor of Counselling and a Master in Gestalt Therapy, bringing over 20 years of experience to her practice. She specializes in Equine Assisted Therapy and Canine Assisted Therapy, incorporating trauma-informed approaches to support her clients effectively. Her holistic practice draws on various modalities, including art, nature, expressive, and somatic therapies. Additionally, her lived experience of domestic violence and neurodivergence informs her empathetic and understanding approach to therapy.
Contact Tracey via her website: https://majcounsellingandtherapies.com.au/
Tracey Johnson, Equine Assisted Therapist, Trauma Informed Psychotherapist and Counsellor.
Fiona has been working in the greater community for over 35 years as an accredited trainer, community consultant, children’s author and art therapist. Her main focus has been women and children; assisting women to be the best version of themselves and teaching children about kindness, empathy and resilience.
Contact Fiona via her website: https://fionaware.com.au/
Fiona Ware - Art Therapist, Educator, Author
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Jamie is a survivor, an author, an artist and a carer of young people with trauma & mental illness from Domestic Abuse. Jamie is an Advocate & Mentor for Child & Youth Mental Health, Trauma Informed Practice & Domestic Abuse Prevention and provides Carer Peer Support to Mums whose young people have trauma & mental health issues. Also Jamie facilitates programs for Children’s Social & Emotional well-being & Adolescent Respectful Relationships + Domestic Abuse Prevention Currently Jamie is co-developing a program aimed at Post Traumatic Growth & Parenting for women after Domestic Abuse.
Jamie - Author, Survivor, Artist, Advocate
Lee, has a Bachelor of Social Work complemented by a Master of Counselling, Lee Marshall brings over 20 years of practice experience in family violence, child protection, and family counselling. Lee practices from a strength-based and solution-focused perspective, with a passion for experiential nature-based modalities, including Equine Assisted Therapy, to deliver a unique trauma-informed therapeutic approach. Lee's foundational expertise includes research, teaching, and professional Social Work supervision, specializing in supporting vicarious trauma, professional development, and practice support for emerging Social Workers.
Lee Marshall, Social Worker and Counsellor
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Mel is an equine specialist with over two decades of experience in the equine industry and native, exotic, and domestic animal welfare, management, and training.
Mel is passionate about sharing the healing, personal growth, self-awareness and learning that can come from connecting with horses.
Contact Mel via her website:
https://mjsequine.com/
Mel Spittall - Zookeeper, Equestrienne, Photographer, Writer
