Detox and withdrawal programs are from as little as $750 when used in conjunction with eligible private health insuranceLearn More Here
Equine assisted therapy at The Hader Clinic provides a hands-on, experiential approach to addiction recovery, helping individuals build emotional resilience and healthier coping strategies.
Experience the benefits of equine assisted psychotherapy as part of your recovery journey at The Hader Clinic.
Contact usEquine-assisted therapy at The Hader Clinic is an optional add-on available within our rehabilitation programs, supporting individuals in drug and alcohol addiction recovery, PTSD treatment, and mental health care. Guided by a registered practitioner, these sessions provide a safe, structured environment where patients interact with horses to develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, and healthier coping strategies.
Horses, known for their sensitivity to human emotions, create a non-judgmental space where patients can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in real time. This experiential learning process helps individuals build trust, confidence, and emotional resilience—key elements of long-term addiction recovery.
A Valuable Add-On To All Our Programs
This initial residential rehab program is the first critical step towards long term recovery. All patients at The Hader Clinic begin with a 28-Day Withdrawal & Detox Program that initiates detox and manages the physical symptoms of withdrawal. Patients also begin group and individual therapy, and learn to enjoy recreational activities.
The aim of this 60 to 90-day residential rehab program is to introduce patients to a life free from addiction, and offer them independence. This program offers a range of therapies, counselling sessions, and other activities for inpatients.
Recovering addicts often need ongoing support as they reintegrate with society. Outpatient Relapse Prevention is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program that offers this service in the world outside of our treatment facilities.
Support services exist for recovering addicts after they return to the outside world. These services are similar to the residential rehab treatment services the addicts received at The Hader Clinic.
New research shows that equine-assisted therapy offers a unique, hands-on approach to addiction recovery, helping individuals develop emotional regulation, trust, and resilience. Through guided interaction with horses, patients gain deeper self-awareness and build healthier coping mechanisms, making equine therapy a valuable complement to traditional rehabilitation programs.
Engaging with horses helps individuals manage emotions in a calm, controlled environment, reducing stress and anxiety.
Horses respond to non-verbal cues, making them excellent mirrors for human emotions and behaviours, helping individuals improve communication and relationship-building.
Equine therapy equips individuals with practical coping strategies that support long-term sobriety and emotional well-being.
Interacting with horses in a natural, outdoor setting promotes relaxation, grounding, and mental clarity.
Successfully working with horses fosters a sense of achievement, empowering individuals throughout their recovery journey.
![A man participating in equine-assisted therapy for addiction recovery, gently bonding with a horse as part of a structured rehabilitation program to support emotional healing.]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5de84d040e701668d3b0d70a/67b3f8f146d7ebe87218a27e_shutterstock_1966086244.webp)
At The Hader Clinic, equine-assisted therapy is facilitated by experienced professionals, including Rachael Paterson, our dedicated therapist specialising in this unique treatment approach. Sessions occur in a structured, supportive environment, where patients interact with horses under expert guidance to develop emotional awareness, resilience, and healthier coping strategies.
Rather than traditional talk therapy, equine therapy is experiential, allowing patients to engage in groundwork activities such as leading, grooming, and observing horse behaviour. These sessions encourage self-reflection and non-verbal communication, helping individuals recognise emotional patterns and build stronger interpersonal skills.
With the support of our clinical team, Ryan Wood and Dr Kefle Yohannes, patients receive personalised guidance to integrate these learnings into their broader recovery journey.
Equine therapy is a therapeutic approach that involves guided interactions between individuals and horses to support addiction recovery, mental health treatment, and emotional well-being. At The Hader Clinic, equine-assisted therapy is an optional add-on to our rehabilitation programs, helping patients develop self-awareness, resilience, and healthier coping mechanisms.
Trained professionals facilitate equine therapy at The Hader Clinic. Patients participate in groundwork activities such as leading, grooming, and observing horse behaviour, encouraging emotional regulation, mindfulness, and trust-building. Unlike traditional therapy, equine therapy is experiential, allowing individuals to process emotions in real time through interaction with the horses.
Horse therapy is used to support individuals dealing with alcohol and drug addiction, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. By working with horses in a structured therapeutic setting, patients gain valuable skills such as emotional regulation, non-verbal communication, and stress management, contributing to their overall recovery and well-being.
Like Rachael Paterson at The Hader Clinic, an equine rehabilitation therapist facilitates guided interactions between patients and horses to support emotional regulation, trust-building, and personal development. These professionals specialise in using groundwork techniques to help individuals develop healthier coping strategies for addiction recovery and mental health treatment.
Equine therapy incorporates various hands-on techniques, including:
Equine-assisted therapy provides a nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions and behaviours in a real-time, experiential setting. Horses respond directly to human emotions, helping patients recognise patterns in their thoughts and actions, build confidence, and develop stronger emotional resilience—all crucial aspects of addiction recovery. Learn more about support programs for families struggling with addiction.
Equine therapy is not about riding horses but focuses on ground-based interactions such as leading, grooming, and observing horse behaviour. The goal is to help individuals develop emotional awareness, self-regulation, and communication skills rather than mastering equestrian skills.
Equine therapy at The Hader Clinic costs $200 + GST per session. As pricing may be subject to change, we encourage patients to contact our team for the latest information on our funding options.
aInsurance coverage for rehab, especially equine therapy, varies depending on your insurance provider and policy. Some private health funds or government-funded programs may offer partial reimbursement. We recommend speaking with your insurance provider to determine whether equine therapy is covered under your plan.
Unfortunately, equine therapy at The Hader Clinic is only available as an optional add-on for patients enrolled in our rehabilitation programs. This ensures that therapy is fully integrated into a structured treatment plan, improving long-term recovery outcomes.
If you have a specific question related to drug addiction treatment, we can answer it for you. Fill out the contact form, and we'll be in touch soon.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Program and Transitional Housing program.
Hospital rehabilitation centre for 28-Day Withdrawal & Detox Program.
