Rachael Paterson is a dedicated Registered Psychiatric Nurse and Equine-Assisted Psychotherapist who offers a unique, holistic approach to mental health recovery. With over a decade of clinical experience and a passion for trauma-informed care, Rachael supports individuals facing complex challenges with warmth, professionalism, and a deep respect for each person’s journey.
Her career began in acute public mental health, where she worked closely with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, psychosis, neurodivergent challenges, eating disorders, addiction, and trauma. Today, she combines this foundation with the power of nature-based healing through her own practice, EquiHuman Mental Health, based on the Bellarine Peninsula. Here, Rachael partners with a herd of four horses to facilitate equine-assisted therapy sessions that build emotional regulation, resilience, and personal growth.
Rachael’s work is grounded in evidence-based modalities, including Gestalt therapy, CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and neuroscience-informed somatic practices. She is particularly passionate about creating safe, sensory-rich environments that allow both children and adults to explore healing through experiential connection and self-discovery.
Rachael’s academic journey reflects her strong commitment to both clinical excellence and innovative therapeutic approaches.
Equine Psychotherapy Institute of Australia, 2023
Equine Psychotherapy Institute of Australia, 2022
The University of Melbourne, 2017–2018
Deakin University, 2012–2015
Deakin University, 2012–2015
LP Communications Pty Ltd, 2014
Barwon Health University Hospital Geelong, 2016
Mental Health First Aid Australia, 2013
Rachael is inspired by the power of connection — between people, animals, and the natural world. She believes therapy should be a safe, affirming space where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to move forward.
Rachael’s therapeutic practice is guided by years of psychiatric nursing and her deep understanding of trauma and attachment.
Trauma-informed care
Equine-assisted psychotherapy
Attachment and early childhood trauma
Emotional regulation and anxiety
Neurodivergent-friendly therapy
Parent-child connection and family support
When she’s not supporting clients, Rachael is most at home outdoors. She enjoys camping, trail riding with her horses, and exploring nature through hiking and outdoor adventure.
Rachael Paterson
Registered Psychiatric Nurse & Equine Assisted Psychotherapist
Rachael’s work through EquiHuman Mental Health has made a meaningful difference in the lives of children, adults, and families alike. Her clients often describe her as authentic, insightful, and deeply caring — someone who creates a safe space where true healing can begin.
Rachael possesses not only exceptional expertise but also a profound passion for her work. Her approach seamlessly combines a deep understanding of both equine behaviour and therapeutic techniques, creating an environment that is nurturing and transformative.
EquiHuman has been a significant therapy for my daughter. Rachael has an authentic, gentle nature with both horses and humans. She nurtures emotional learning through the horses in ways that have helped my daughter grow in confidence and resilience.
From our first session, Rachael showed genuine care. She took the time to understand my child’s needs and created a space that felt truly safe. My child has built the capacity to better regulate their emotions and cope with anxiety. Their meltdowns are now less frequent and less intense — and they a
Other clinical therapies didn’t work for my child. But equine therapy with Rachael has completely changed things. My child now feels calmer, more in control, and willing to try things they would have previously avoided.
Rachael is a wonderful, inclusive, and energetic therapist. She offers clear insight into the challenges children are facing — and communicates openly with parents. She has helped reduce stimming behaviours, improve emotional regulation, and rebuild my children’s self-confidence.
I always feel truly listened to and supported in our sessions. I leave feeling more grounded and centred. And the horses? They’re beautiful, intuitive, and my best friends.
At the heart of Rachael’s work is a belief in relational, experiential healing. Through her practice, EquiHuman Mental Health, she blends traditional psychological theory with horses' intuitive, grounding presence to help clients develop emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience. Her trauma-informed sessions are grounded in neuroscience and designed to support lasting change — whether working with children impacted by early adversity or adults seeking to reconnect with themselves through therapeutic experience in nature.
