Equine Assisted Therapy in Domestic and Family Violence Recovery: An Innovative Therapeutic Approach
Tracks
Ballroom 4: In-Person Only
| Wednesday, November 25, 2026 |
| 9:20 AM - 9:40 AM |
Overview
Lee Marshalll & Tracey Johnson, Broken To Brilliant
Speaker
Tracey Johnson
Psychotherapist/Counsellor/Supervisor
MAJ Counselling and Therapies
Equine Assisted Therapy in Domestic and Family Violence Recovery: An Innovative Therapeutic Approach
Biography
Tracey Johnson holds a Bachelor of Counselling and Master of Gestalt Therapy, with over 20 years’ counselling experience. She is a PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor, ACA Level 4 Registered Counsellor and Supervisor, and Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist. Through her private practice, MAJ Counselling and Therapies, Tracey supports survivors of domestic and family violence, drawing on nature-based and experiential approaches. Her professional practice is also informed by her own lived experience of domestic
Ms Lee Marshall
Program Facilitator
Broken To Brilliant
Equine Assisted Therapy in Domestic and Family Violence Recovery: An Innovative Therapeutic Approach
Presentation Overview
This presentation explores the use of Equine Assisted Therapy within domestic and family violence recovery programs. Grounded in experiential and relational therapy principles, the session will examine how horses can support emotional regulation, connection, safety, and recovery for people impacted by trauma and abuse.
The presentation will provide an overview of what Equine Assisted Therapy is and how it works in practice, including how horses communicate through body language, attunement, and nervous system awareness. It will explore why horses can be particularly effective for participants who may find traditional talk therapies challenging following traumatic experiences.
Drawing from programs delivered through Broken to Brilliant the session will discuss how equine-assisted principles have been integrated into recovery-focused group work for women impacted by domestic and family violence. Examples of participant engagement, and the importance of choice, empowerment, and relational safety will be highlighted.
The presentation will also discuss the early stages of a scoping review currently being undertaken by Lee in relation to the RESTORE program and the emerging evidence surrounding equine-assisted approaches in trauma recovery.
The presentation will provide an overview of what Equine Assisted Therapy is and how it works in practice, including how horses communicate through body language, attunement, and nervous system awareness. It will explore why horses can be particularly effective for participants who may find traditional talk therapies challenging following traumatic experiences.
Drawing from programs delivered through Broken to Brilliant the session will discuss how equine-assisted principles have been integrated into recovery-focused group work for women impacted by domestic and family violence. Examples of participant engagement, and the importance of choice, empowerment, and relational safety will be highlighted.
The presentation will also discuss the early stages of a scoping review currently being undertaken by Lee in relation to the RESTORE program and the emerging evidence surrounding equine-assisted approaches in trauma recovery.
Biography
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.
