Path of the Horse - Psychotherapy & Counselling

Path of the Horse - Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychotherapy & Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy. Military Veterans. NDIS, general public. All seeking better mental health. Trentham VIC Horses helping us heal.
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Psychotherapy, Counselling and Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy. At the Path of the Horse we aim to assist people of all ages and from all walks of life who seek better mental health and well-being. Our work is a powerful, effective and empathetic approach that assists our clients make positive change. We help people become more self-aware about themselves which will enable them to make clearer choices about their lives. Through bringing about ‘awareness’, we work on ways to help heal, manage, build resilience, enjoy better relationships, and maintain better mental health. We welcome people just the way they are along with all their feelings and emotions. We proudly support Australian Defense Force (ADF) members both serving and veterans along with their families. We assist many from all walks of life better manage conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and depression. We help young people discover coping mechanisms and assist them to understand their feelings and make aware choices. We work with people with Autism, those battling addictions, self-harm, grief and many other conditions. We work with many wonderful NDIS participants of all ages from 3 to 88 to work on and achieve their goals. Why Horses

Horses model some wonderful behaviors for us to follow when we learn to listen and walk their path. Horses live in a constant state of awareness that has enabled them to survive for millions of years. They always notice what is happening in their environment, what is happening with their feelings and their bodies. Horses have an amazing ability to release stress and a truly unique capacity to share their empathy with humans. They never judge, they are completely honest and are our much-loved assistants in the healing process. They are great listeners too. No previous horse experience is required, just an open mind and a willingness to encounter a new way of allowing yourself to feel. You may be invited to meet the whole herd, take time groom one, participate in controlled lead work, perhaps a mounted experience or just share space with one of the herd that you feel drawn to. What we do

We offer general Psychotherapy and Counselling and Also Equine Psychotherapy and learning. Our clients are invited to take part in safe activities with the horses and then if they wish, process their experience, feelings and thoughts. Many of the experiences people have with our herd relates readily to life situations and can offer the opportunity to explore how we are in our relationships with others or how we are coping with life’s challenges. We will also demonstrate techniques that help people be calm and regain control. We focus entirely on supporting individuals and their needs in private sessions. We also assist various organisations to build stronger relationships through improved understanding, communication, and leadership. Maintaining our clients physical and emotional safety and that of our herd is our priority always. We also offer extended programs which are a comprehensive and will take individuals or groups through Awareness, Boundaries, Feelings, Thoughts and Facing Challenges. We are not a riding school or trail riding business. Who We Are

The Path of the Horse is a Registered Charity with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission. All proceeds to the Charity to support our clients, horses and operations. Dean Mighell is the Founder, Director and certified Clinical Counsellor and Gestalt Psychotherapist and a member of the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia. Dean is a national award winning Equine Assisted Learning and Psychotherapy practitioner and has also done trauma training and is currently studying at the Gestalt Institute of Australia. Our Board is made up of volunteer Directors committed to the Charity and good governance. We are greatly assisted by a dedicated group of Volunteers, Veterans and locals. Where we are located

The Path of the Horse operates very near the township of Trentham in Victoria’s Central Highlands an hour’s drive north of Melbourne along the Calder or Western Highways. We are surrounded by the beautiful Wombat State Forest and in a “Special Protection Zone” that supports conservation of our wildlife and habitat. To find us, drive 1.7kms from the center of Trentham along Cosmo Rd towards Blackwood then turn right on to Domino Rd (signposted on your left) and head west, our gate is 1.9kms on the right and clearly signed. Contact Us

Call Dean Mighell on 0418354362 for further information or look us up on Facebook @ The Path of the Horse. www.pathofthehorse.com.au

Please Support Us

We are a self-funded Charity. Ensuring we have trained, happy and healthy horses and maintaining the property we lease is a time consuming and expensive proposition and we need all the help we can get. If you can assist us with a donation to help us support our clients, sponsor a horse, provide horse feed or improve our facilities please contact us. All support is greatly appreciated.

Remembrance Day 2025Remembrance Day is a time to remember all who have given their lives in service. At the 11th hour of...
09/11/2025

Remembrance Day 2025

Remembrance Day is a time to remember all who have given their lives in service.

At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we pause to remember.

Please consider observing a minute's silence tomorrow, Tuesday, November 11, at 11:00 a.m.

Lest we forget.
Path of the Horse - Psychotherapy & Counselling

Check in on those you care about. You may never know how they may just need to know someone cares.I hope you are all OK....
04/11/2025

Check in on those you care about. You may never know how they may just need to know someone cares.

I hope you are all OK. Reach out if it’s tough going.

Dean

ADHD is so prevalent and we are getting way better at diagnosis particularly for girls and women.One of the best trainin...
27/10/2025

ADHD is so prevalent and we are getting way better at diagnosis particularly for girls and women.

One of the best training course I ever did was all about ADHD via Kings College London. It has enabled me to help so many people.

Treatment is not just medication which can be amazing, but also awareness and coaching.

It’s ADHD Awareness Month 💛

Around 1 in every 20 Australians has ADHD, and in New Zealand an estimated 280,000 Kiwis are living with ADHD.

While ADHD is more common in boys, it’s often under-diagnosed in girls and adults.

Hidden disabilities like ADHD can be hard for others to recognise, which can make it harder to access the support and understanding people deserve.

Wearing the 🌻 Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lets others know you may need a little extra time, patience or support.

👉 Shop Official Sunflower Products: https://shorturl.at/B4BVi

Learn more: adhdaustralia.org.au | adhd.org.nz

October is ADHD Awareness Month. The theme for 2025 is 'The many faces of ADHD'. ADHD shows diverse presentations across...
27/10/2025

October is ADHD Awareness Month.

The theme for 2025 is 'The many faces of ADHD'. ADHD shows diverse presentations across genders, ages, cultures and life stages.

This campaign aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma and educate families, educators and the public to foster increased acceptance and accurate knowledge.

It’s ADHD Awareness Month 💛

Around 1 in every 20 Australians has ADHD, and in New Zealand an estimated 280,000 Kiwis are living with ADHD.

While ADHD is more common in boys, it’s often under-diagnosed in girls and adults.

Hidden disabilities like ADHD can be hard for others to recognise, which can make it harder to access the support and understanding people deserve.

Wearing the 🌻 Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lets others know you may need a little extra time, patience or support.

👉 Shop Official Sunflower Products: https://shorturl.at/B4BVi

Learn more: adhdaustralia.org.au | adhd.org.nz

This is so helpful. Seeking support to understand this and how to progress is the first step to managing our trauma.
23/10/2025

This is so helpful. Seeking support to understand this and how to progress is the first step to managing our trauma.

Trust goes both ways.A horse will only lie down when they feel safe and secure.Like Marble here, who is calm, connected,...
22/10/2025

Trust goes both ways.

A horse will only lie down when they feel safe and secure.
Like Marble here, who is calm, connected, and open to human attention.
It's a beautiful reminder of how reciprocal trust can transform how we relate to animals, to others and to ourselves.

Want to experience it for yourself?

19/10/2025

It’s Invisible Disabilities Week (19–25 October)! 🌻

Around 80–85% of people with a disability have one that isn’t visible. These include neurological, cognitive, sensory, mental health, and chronic conditions that aren’t always immediately apparent.

Not all disabilities are visible — but a little understanding and kindness can go a long way in making everyone feel seen and supported.

Image description: A green graphic with sunflower design promoting Invisible Disabilities Week, 19th–25th October. It features a Sunflower lanyard, a person icon with a sunflower, and the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower logo.

Interesting and I believe it
14/10/2025

Interesting and I believe it

Yes
12/10/2025

Yes

THE WORKING BEE - Saturday Oct 11.  Unbelievable.The Working Bee has become and annual event and it is so important to u...
11/10/2025

THE WORKING BEE - Saturday Oct 11. Unbelievable.

The Working Bee has become and annual event and it is so important to us. The work and maintenance of keeping the herd, facilities and equipment Path of the Horse in decent condition. is way beyond one person.

The place is beautiful but being surrounded by the State Forest means trees down way too often. Fallen trees are hard work and we had some big trees to deal with today.

My apologies but I don't have pics of everyone who was there and it seems that the pics from the early part of the day have disappeared.

It all started on Friday discovering that our sewer system was blocked. Bad timing with so many people coming the next day. A long and very sh*tty story short. Veteran and all round legend Geoff Lack (Lacky) rocked up mid Friday afternoon and we managed to sort it out. Very unpleasant start to the Working Bee. Thanks Lacky.

Saturday morning saw a lot of people rock up around 9am and I wont go through everyone but gee, it was nice to see the familiar faces or caring friends. Some have been coming to help for 3 years.

The tasks were many and some not easy going but everyone pitched in and we got so much done. If people were to come there this week they may not notice how clean the place is in every respect, top to bottom of the shed and cabins, trees trimmed, deck and windows and doors stained, hard rail fences oiled, all trees trimmed, gutters cleaned, round yard levelled (by hand), weeds gone, garden beds restored and seeded, hay unloaded, thousands of sticks removed, the lucerne shed totally cleaned our from the kangaroos mess, security system and cameras upgraded and more.

The crew that tacked the 3 huge gums over fences behind the dam are legends. They got way more done than I could have imagined.

To all who helped and gave Path of the Horse their time and dedication, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have helped us so much and I am left with an enormous sense of gratitude.

As for the herd, they had a huge feed of the good stuff and watched on with more than a few hugs and some love in between. I think the pic of Marble laying in the sand says it all from a horses perspective.

Marble

Sewer

Not pics of all

Hodgey Heath brisket

Address

351 Domino Road
Trentham, VIC
3458

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 5:30pm
Thursday 9am - 5:30pm
Friday 9am - 5:30pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm

Telephone

+61418354362

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Our Story

Horses helping us heal. At the Path of the Horse we aim to assist people of all ages and from all walks of life who seek better mental health and well-being. Our work is a powerful, effective and an empathetic approach that assists our clients make positive change. We help people become more self-aware about themselves and identify patterns and themes in their lives that may not be serving them well. It is this awareness that enables people to make better choices about their lives. Through bringing about ‘awareness’, we work on ways to help manage, build resilience, enjoy better relationships, and maintain better mental health. We welcome people just the way they are along with all their feelings and emotions. We proudly support veterans, emergency service personnel and their families and others better manage conditions such as PTSD, anxiety and depression. We help young people discover coping mechanisms and assist them to understand their feelings and make aware choices. We work with people with Autism, those battling addictions, self-harm, grief and many other conditions. . Why Horses Horses model some wonderful behaviours for us to follow when we learn to listen and walk their path. Horses live in a constant state of awareness that has enabled them to survive for millions of years. They always notice what is happening in their environment, what is happening with their feelings and their bodies.

Horses have an amazing ability to release stress and a truly unique capacity to share their empathy with humans. They never judge, they are completely honest and are our much-loved assistants in the healing process. They are great listeners too. No previous horse experience is required, just an open mind and a willingness to encounter a new way of allowing yourself to feel. You may be invited to meet the whole herd, take time groom one, participate in controlled lead work, perhaps a mounted experience or just share space with one of the herd that you feel drawn to. What we do Our clients are invited to take part in safe activities with the horses and then if they wish, process their experience, feelings and thoughts. Many of the experiences people have with our herd relates readily to life situations and can offer the opportunity to explore how we are in our relationships with others or how we are coping with life’s challenges. We will also demonstrate techniques that help people be calm and regain control. We focus entirely on supporting individuals and their needs in private sessions. We also assist various organisations to build stronger relationships through improved understanding, communication, and leadership. Maintaining our clients physical and emotional safety and that of our herd is our priority always. We also offer the Horse Wisdom Program (TM Equine Psychotherapy Institute) which is a comprehensive program that will take individuals or groups through Awareness, Boundaries, Feelings, Thoughts and Facing Challenges. We are not a riding school or trail riding business. Who We Are The Path of the Horse is a Registered Charity with the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission. All proceeds to the Charity to support our clients, horses and operations. Dean Mighell is the Founder, Director and Practitioner. Dean trained with and is a qualified Gestalt Councillor (GTA Advanced Cert in Gestalt Relational Counselling), qualified in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning and has also done trauma training and is currently studying Psychotherapy at the Gestalt Institute of Australia. Our Board is made up of volunteer Directors committed to the Charity and good governance. We are greatly assisted by a dedicated group of Volunteers, Veterans and locals. Where we are located The Path of the Horse operates very near the township of Trentham in Victoria’s Central Highlands an hour’s drive north of Melbourne along the Calder or Western Highways. We are surrounded by the beautiful Wombat State Forest and in a “Special Protection Zone” that supports conservation of our wildlife and habitat. To find us, drive 1.7kms from the centre of Trentham along Cosmo Rd towards Blackwood then turn right on to Domino Rd (signposted on your left) and head west, our gate is 1.9kms on the right and clearly signed. Contact Us Call Dean Mighell on 0418354362 for further information or look us up on Facebook @ The Path of the Horse. www.pathofthehorse.com.au Please Support Us We are a self-funded Charity. Ensuring we have trained, happy and healthy horses and maintaining the property we lease is a time consuming and expensive proposition and we need all the help we can get. If you can assist us with a donation to help us support our clients, sponsor a horse, provide horse feed or improve our facilities please contact us. All support is greatly appreciated.