What is animal-assisted therapy?

Animal-assisted therapy is a form of psychotherapy that integrates interactions with horses into the therapeutic process. At Heads & Tails, our clinical psychologists and counsellors use horses as co-therapists to help clients develop emotional regulation, build confidence, improve social skills and process trauma. The horse responds to the client's emotional state in real time, providing immediate, non-judgmental feedback that accelerates therapeutic progress.

Do I need experience with horses to do animal-assisted therapy?

No prior horse experience is needed. Our therapy horses are specially selected for their calm temperament and sensitivity to human emotions. Sessions are conducted on the ground — you do not ride the horses. Our qualified therapists guide every interaction and tailor activities to your comfort level. Many of our clients have never been near a horse before their first session.

How much does a session at Heads & Tails cost?

Session fees depend on the clinician type. Clinical Psychologist sessions are eligible for Medicare rebates of $137.05 per session with a Mental Health Treatment Plan. General Psychologist and Registrar sessions receive $96.65 Medicare rebate. Mental Health Social Worker sessions receive $82.30 Medicare rebate. Group programs (Teen Social Group and Farm & Friends) are $185 per session. We also accept NDIS funding and private health insurance.

Do I need a GP referral?

No GP referral is required for any of our services. However, if you would like to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, which entitles you to up to 10 rebated sessions per calendar year. We can help guide you through this process.

Where are Heads & Tails located?

We have two locations. The Farm in Hampton, NSW is a serene nature-rich property open Thursday to Saturday with immediate availability. The Stables at Centennial Park Equestrian Centre in Sydney is our in-city location open Monday and Tuesday, currently fully booked with a waitlist. Some clinicians also offer online telehealth sessions.

What age groups do you work with?

We work with children, adolescents and adults of all ages. Our Farm & Friends group program is designed for children aged 10 to 13, and our Teen Social Group is for young people aged 14 and over. Individual therapy is available for all age groups. Our clinicians have specialist training in child development, adolescent psychology, adult mental health and family systems.

Is animal-assisted therapy evidence-based?

Yes. Research published in journals including Frontiers in Psychology, the Journal of Clinical Psychology and the Australian Psychologist demonstrates that animal-assisted interventions improve outcomes for anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism spectrum conditions and behavioural difficulties. Our practice integrates animal-assisted interactions with established clinical frameworks including CBT, ACT, DBT, EMDR and attachment-based approaches.

What is nature-based therapy?

Nature-based therapy uses the natural outdoor environment as a therapeutic setting. At our Hampton Farm location, sessions take place among animals, gardens and open spaces. Research shows that time in nature reduces cortisol levels, improves mood and enhances the therapeutic relationship. Our clinicians combine nature-based activities with evidence-based psychological interventions.

Do you accept NDIS funding?

Yes. Heads & Tails is an NDIS registered provider. Animal-assisted therapy, clinical psychology, counselling and mental health social work can all be funded through NDIS plans under capacity building or core supports, depending on your plan. Contact us to discuss how we can work with your NDIS funding.

Who founded Heads & Tails?

Heads & Tails was co-founded in 2015 by Dr Anna Cohen and Emma Caldwell. Dr Cohen is a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of clinical experience, the founder of Anna Cohen & Co and Kids & Co Clinical Psychology, and the creator of the Regulated Parenting Model. Emma Caldwell is a PACFA and ACA registered counsellor with over 25 years of experience with horses and specialised training in animal-assisted psychotherapy.

What conditions do you treat?

Our clinical team treats a wide range of conditions including anxiety disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex trauma, grief and loss, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, behavioural difficulties, social skills challenges, attachment difficulties, perinatal mental health concerns, relationship issues and workplace stress. We also provide psychological assessments for ADHD and autism.

How is Heads & Tails connected to Anna Cohen & Co and Kids & Co?

Heads & Tails is part of Dr Anna Cohen's network of psychology practices. Anna Cohen & Co (annacohenandco.com.au) is the clinical psychology practice with locations in Balmain, Waverley and Katoomba. Kids & Co (kidsandco.com.au) operates across six Sydney locations specialising in child and adolescent psychology. Heads & Tails offers the nature-based and animal-assisted therapy arm. Several clinicians work across multiple practices, ensuring continuity of care.

What should I expect in my first session?

Your first session is an assessment and getting-to-know-you session. Your clinician will discuss your concerns, goals and history. If your session includes animal-assisted components, you will be introduced to the horses gradually at your own pace. There is no pressure to interact with the horses until you feel ready. All sessions are tailored to your individual needs and comfort level.

Can I claim animal-assisted therapy on Medicare?

Yes, when animal-assisted therapy is delivered by a registered psychologist or accredited mental health social worker, it is eligible for Medicare rebates under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. The rebate amount depends on the clinician type: $137.05 for Clinical Psychologists, $96.65 for General Psychologists and Registrars, and $82.30 for Mental Health Social Workers.

Do you offer corporate or team programs?

Yes. Gus Garcia-Arismendi, our organisational psychologist with over 20 years experience, leads animal-assisted corporate wellbeing, leadership development and team building programs. These programs use interactions with horses to develop emotional intelligence, communication skills and resilience in professional settings. Contact us for a tailored corporate program proposal.