Tell Us What You Thought

I was going through a very difficult time in my life, a dysfunctional marriage, plus all the worries that come with access to my kids, finances and just life in general. Andrew has helped me start to make sense of my situation and to deal with the issues at hand. I have attended 4 sessions so far, and having Andrew as my counsellor has helped me lift a huge mental weight off myself. Andrew is so very easy to talk to. His feedback has been excellent and we have even discussed some extra activities to help me focus on what’s important and to help me to progress in my therapy. I would gladly recommend him to others who find themselves in a similar situation, he certainly has helped me through some very rough spots.

Slowly 🐌 smashing goals. Slow and steady wins the race. It’s all about getting back on the horse.

My son as always enjoyed his time with Andrew and the Equines. Thanks for having us.

Almost 2 years seeing Andrew… Absolutely amazes me with what he’s helped me achieve with my son 💙 Equine is our safe place and we have worked through many behaviours there, I never imagined Jed calm enough to ride a horse or engage for a whole 2 hour session.. And for a kid who’s had a strong fear of dogs, I’d say he actually looks forward to seeing Tommy on a weekly basis 😁

Andrew was amazing with our son. He was super caring, easy to talk to and put all our minds at ease. I havent seen my son relax so quickly in a new enviroment before. It was amazing to watch. Cannot recommend him highly enough and look forward to our next visit.

Beautiful day for it . Gotta love P.K with her attitude then turn around and be really cuddly and sweet . Thanks for having this awesome place

I thought the morning I had with the horse was very therapeutic for me in that it restored my confidence. I was an experienced rider having competed successfully in various disciplines of horse riding. My confidence is back and so far my back is not playing up.I WOULD LIKE A PHOTO PLEASE

2 months into weekly sessions and I no longer recognise myself – but in a good way 🖖🏻

Whilst my journey is far from complete, Andrew & Ardie (Me in Equine form in many ways) have literally changed my life. Note – not yet fixed the broken old fossil, but the change is positive and very tangible.

I would not leave the house unless I had to as I feared what might happen were I to ‘lose my s*hit’ in public and lash out physically (Asperger’s Syndrome with ADHD & Behavioural Regulation issues).

Now, I’m slowly putting myself first, focusing on health & happiness – I know this will take time to correct years of self-imposed isolationism and protectionist behaviours but in eight weeks, Andrew & Ardie have managed to help me move forward more than almost 15 years of clinical psychology and counselling ever accomplished.

It’s still baby steps but my outlook on life and my place in this messed up, crazy illogical and overly emotive world has already begun to change.

Equine Therapy is the single best thing to happen to me in longer than I’ll admit here, and NDIS funding permitting, will continue to be my modality of choice for mental health.

If you’ve tried therapy after therapy without significant result, give Andrew & his team a call or email – you’ve got nothing to lose and potentially everything to gain.

Thank you to Andrew & Ardie for helping me bring hope and positivity back. I cannot be more grateful for the effort and compassion you bring to my sessions 🖖🏻

Thanks Andrew, we had a great day last weekend. Will definitely be doing this again. Thanks again

You know what they say talking through your problems help, well its true. Not only did it help but it helped me see another way of looking at things and the ability to start working through some of my issues. For many years I thought that just shutting down was the way you deal with my problems, I resorted to taking drugs and drinking on a daily basis, cutting myself off from my family and friends. In the short term, it felt like I had found the ideal way to deal with my problems, although I discovered that this was only really making it worse and adding to my issues. Working with Andrew has shown me a better way to work through my issues and learn different strategies to cope with them. I would highly recommend Andrew to all young men who are unsure about counselling, he is really easy to talk to. I live by the moto not that nothing changes IF nothing changes.

Well today I wasn’t OK.. and I arrived at Equine with a child in meltdown and irratic behaviours.. I normally laugh my way through the chaos, but today I was tired and was reduced to tears.. I always know equine is our safe place and somehow Andrew always manages to bring our world back to calm 🙌..added bonus of having Ben on his team now, who immediately checked on myself while Andrew dealt with Jed .. Thank you both for being a part of our lives 🙏 some days are tough but having good people on our team is life changing ❤️

I always considered myself to be a pretty good rider, I had been riding since I was 8, so what else was there to learn? right?

A friend and I organised to do some mustering on a property with the owner a couple of months ago. We had a fantastic time, although when it was all said and done, the owner was having a chat with us over a couple of beers and suggested to us both that we should consider getting some horsemanship lessons because he said we were giving our horses mixed messages with our hands and legs. After doing a bit of research, we lucked on to Andrew and hooked up for a couple of lessons to see how we went.

Well, he was right. After just a couple of lessons with Andrew, we now understand what he was talking about and I must admit, riding is a lot easier when you know the right messages to give your horse. Thanks mate, we had a great time and learnt heaps.

Very good. I liked it and am looking forward to coming out again. Love how much the animals are at peace in there home. I would like to feel that.

Andrew was easy to deal with and very softly spoken which was great, I felt at ease and comfortable with Andrew

My time with Ben and Andrew was very informative and helpful.

What a safe space for my big guy 💙 grateful for another amazing year of kicking goals and emotional regulation.. After 4 years with Andrew, I barely recognise the kid I took to equine on day 1.. Do we have bad days? Occasionally, yes, have Andrew and I sat on the road with a child in chaos for 3 hours trying to get him home to safety, yessss .. but we all have our bad days.. We’ve also had amazing breakthroughs and plenty of laughs along the way .. we definitely don’t catch hands like we use to, and we wouldn’t be living our best life without the help of Andrew.. What a ray of sunshine .. always brainstorming ideas, helping me set goals, reminding me how far we’ve come and how hard I worked to get us to this point. I wouldn’t be here without the support he’s given us and the tools to change our life 💫💛 Thank you 🙏

Andrew is always respectful and considerate. Andrew is also helping me find support services and helping me with the way I think about things and situations. Today I had my first meeting with the horses, which I loved.

Had the privilege of meeting P.K today . Awesome day

Thanks mate, I had a great day today. Was nice to get out and just go for a leisurely ride through the bush with some really nice people. Hope to do it again soon, will be keeping an eye out for the next one.

Therapies are not new to my 11 year old daughter, who has been seeing a variety of specialists since her diagnosis at 4. She started to resent going until we found Andrew nearly two years ago. Every second Saturday she looks forward to it, and watching her relationship with Andrew change from Counsellor and confidant to friend and mentor has been lovely to witness. He’s a wonderful, kind, patient and compassionate person, and all those qualities are being absorbed by Isla.

Some days, life was just hell. My 13yr old son was on a path to self-destruction, and it felt like he was going to take us down with him. He had been having trouble settling down into a new school (we shifted from interstate), making new friends, and had an indescribable level of resentment towards me for shifting him away from his friends. Andrew was recommended to us by a colleague at work who thought he may be able to help. Andrews no nonsense approach and ability to interact with him has seen really beneficial results. Andrew has spent the time with him, out in the sunshine and away from his blessed play station, listening to him and giving him the opportunity to tell his story. Andrew has been working with him giving him the coping strategies he needs to be able to deal with the changes in his life. I have seen a wonderful improvement after just a coupe of sessions, and believe it not, he can’t wait to get back to the farm and do something different with Andrew. Thank you Andrew, I am starting to see my beautiful son coming back to me at long last. We still have a road ahead of us, but I believe we are on the right path.

Had a great time and a really enjoyable experience

I had not riden for at least 6/7 years. The horse selected had been well trained and he was very quiet which was greatly appreciated.

Over the past 2 months, my son has been seeing Andrew as part of his school based program. My sons experience with Andrew has been very positive. He has established a rapport and relationship with Andrew very quickly which has allowed him to trust Andrew and get the most out of his counselling sessions. He tells me how easy it is to talk to Andrew and how he helps him understand some of the things that are happening at home and at school. My son definitely feels very comfortable and safe while he is with Andrew and I am truly grateful for the help he has given my son as well as ways to help him deal with the issues of life.

I enjoyed today and I will come back. I am slowly getting used to it, I can’t wait to meet the other horses.

Andrew was very good at teaching how to interact with animals. Andrew was direct and kind.

Awesome feeling beginning to trust

As James and I were walking back to the car after his first session, he said to me, “My mind has less in it now.” That’s powerful, thanks so much to Ben for helping James achieve this.

My son always looks forward to his appointments and today was no different. He enjoys spending time with Tonto and driving in the golf cart.

Really enjoyed it and looking forward to more.

After years of struggling to engage in therapy, my son finally found his happy place with Ben, Andrew and the team. Our family will always be forever grateful to The Abbwell Group Team – thank you xxx

My nephew, I’ll call him Peter for the benefit of this, has had a pretty rough start to life, growing up in a household where both parents were heavy drug users and alcoholics. I have been told by Peter that it was not unusual for strangers to come and go from the house, at times spending the night, sometimes with him or his sister. Peter had told his parents what had happened, although nothing was done about it. Eventually, Peter confided in me, and now, after quite a tumultuous period with Child Safety and the Police, Peter and his sister now live with me.

Peter is now 15, and struggles with the demons that life had dealt him in his early years, causing him to act out, rebel, and at times be very aggressive. His school guidance officer suggested I find a program for him and recommended Andrew. So far we have had four sessions with Andrew, two of these in the Counselling Office, and the last two out on the farm, spending some time with Andrew and the animals.

What a difference so far. Peter really looks up to Andrew and constantly talks about what he did, how he fed the horses, cleaned up poop (love that bit) and comes home just glowing with excitement. Andrew, thank you for bringing my nephew back to ground and we look forward to continuing on this journey with you.

Really look forward to coming out to visit, and as always I had a great afternoon.
Thanks

Today, we went out to our first Equine Assisted Therapy session for our 12-year-old son. He was very hesitant to go to as anything “therapy” he’s not been keen on. So we are trying a different approach with support. We did the tour and met a few of the beautiful animals and our son was very happy to come out again and get to know all the crew. Very keen to see how we go with future visits! The fact he is excited to go again is a big deal!

I’m an ASD (Asperger’s Syndrome) adult who was diagnosed later in life. I suffer from insomnia, anxiety and a number of behavioural issues. I was beginning to feel like I would never find my place or fit in and had concerns about my ability to be in public without a meltdown.

For me, trust is rarely easily given and almost never restored following a breach of trust once gained. I had almost lost faith in psychology/therapy after countless failed initial sessions.

Then I met Andrew and his Equine Team.

I can honestly say that I had reservations about the likely efficacy of such therapy but after 3 sessions, I’m a believer. Andrew’s method is so unlike the formal clinical ‘interrogations’ some therapy sessions felt like.

Andrew’s love for his animals was obvious from the first meeting and this fact alone went a huge way to gaining my buy in, as I much prefer the company of animals to people.

Not being a little guy, and believing I needed to be forced out of my ‘safe space’, I naturally gravitated towards a larger member of Andrew’s team – Ardie.

If only more people had Ardie’s character. He’s intelligent, inquisitive and playful – but what has become apparent is that he has a knowingness about what I need and his tolerance of this big, clumsy oaf is astounding.

His description on the website is spot on – a big hearted diamond in the rough.

I look forward to my sessions each week and following them, I feel something like at peace (emotion recognition not my strong suit) or calmness, a foreign yet definitely welcome feeling.

If anyone is contemplating Equine Therapy as an alternative or supplement to more clinical modalities, then Andrew & his team are definitely worth a try.

I can’t recommend Andrew more highly.

I love the atmosphere. My session is always so calming & enjoyable. I love interacting with the horses but also love being in a farm environment. Andrew is an amazing person with fantastic people skills & the perfect fit for this type of therapy. I leave happy & relaxed.

Have been desperate to get these sessions as I have been recommended to look into these for my autistic and ADHD son. Hoping that with these sessions he can realise how to express emotions calmer and control aggression during his meltdowns prior to lashing out. First session and he didn’t stop asking when next one would be on way home! He didn’got stop mentioning his favourite horses. However he had a major meltdown that night due to the big morning and change of routine for him. Being hopeful this therapy is the path to one way of helping him being able to be calmer

We have had a wonderful experience and intend to continue. I can see endless benefits to my children learning and being guided to ride. Andrew and his Dad are wonderful, welcoming, knowledgeable men and I can’t thank them enough for the lifelong skills they are giving my children.

May I submit my personal recommendation to anyone who is interested in giving their kids a great experience, something different to the norm. Last weekend my 14yr old daughter went on a recreational ride with Andrew and a team of others and she had a blast. Was so nice to see that she had a great time, and was looked after so well by everyone. Thank you everyone, so grateful.

Thank you Andrew❤️ Jacks smile on our way Home said it all!! He’s still talking about Biscuit’s bath🥰🥰

THANK YOU, from a a very grateful mother❤️

Evan though my session was running late Xiggy made up for it. He didn’t have a problem wearing a Chrissy hat or glasses. When I ride him he nearly always has his right ear back listening. He wanted to be in Ben’s pocket but he listened to me when I tried to get him off Ben. He did try to get thru the gate quickly but l made him halt and stand and when I was ready we went thru the gate. I made him do small circles at one of the gates. I do enjoy riding him so much I just wish I could do it more of often😭🤷🏼‍♂️.

I’m Mathew’s sister and he asked me to say He had a great session he got to interact with the horse and talk to men (which is something he enjoys). He likes Andrew and Ben and is looking forward to his next session

Awesome afternoon working through stuff with Andrew it doesn’t feel like a chore when your there . With a really supportive atmosphere you can feel comfy to start letting your gaurd down

IT is always a pleasure to support our residents to the Psycho-educational group that the team at Abwell Equine present. Ben has amazing insight into the benefits of Equine Therapy as part of a holistic approach and works well with residents and staff who attend. I hear nothing but positive feedback from the group participants and I am thankful that such a service exists. Thank you Ben and the team for your amazing contribution to our community.

Andrew was amazing. From the second my child walked in, he was in heaven. My child enjoyed it so much that when it came to finish, he didn’t want to leave!

So very very grateful for Ben and the incredible support he is to our family as a whole. My child has come ahead in leaps and bounds thanks to our regular appointments with Ben.
I don’t know where we would be without Ben and the entire team at Abbwell.

Had an introduction session with Ben yesterday, he made me feel comfortable and relaxed and made me laugh, his very down to earth and a bit of a stirrer 🤣🤣🤣.Tommy the little dog greeted us when we got there and stayed around the whole time looking for Pats. Loved all the animals and can’t wait for my next session 😀.

My daughter has attended a few sessions now. She is always very happy and excited for her sessions with Andrew, the animals are definitely a hit too. I look forward to seeing how my daughter grows over the coming visits with Andrew. I am very glad we found the services that Bundaberg Equine Therapy offer, it is perfect for our daughter.

Andrew is a calming, empathetic and supportive counsellor. He is very genuine and puts in a lot of effort helping me to find and work towards solutions for various issues.

When there are no words, being around the horses and other animals really helps. It is nice to be in a peaceful, non-threatening environment in the countryside for counselling.

Thank you to all the team from the Abbwell Group.

Can’t recommend it enough . Learning new ways to deal with stuff . Love it

Andrew is so amazing , really good at engaging with my son. Jed has been to these types of therapies before but struggled to stay focused .. The horses and Missy are just beautiful and give him such a calming and safe place. Look forward to see him progress.

Aidan had a great day. First time riding a horse. He really enjoyed the experience.
Thank you.

My son Lincoln had his first session recently and had an absolute blast and can’t wait for his next session.

Seriously, what have I done wrong? I was called up to the school again this week, Adam had been suspended AGAIN for bullying other students. I was at my whit’s end. The school chaplain suggested that Adam needed a strong male role model in his life (no Dad in the picture) and that Andrew may just be able to help. Well, we are only just two sessions into the program, I’m amazed that we have made it this far because Adam swore he was never going back, but after some perseverance, and a second session with Andrew, we appear to have had a little win. Adam is actually quite excited to return so I am extremely grateful. I am under no illusions, we have a road ahead of us, although, so far, Andrew has really made an impression and I look forward to getting my Son back. This is currently a work in progress, although I am happy with what I am seeing so far.

I met with Andrew today to get an overview of his business and how they are able to support the Bundaberg community as a whole. Listening to him speak, it is very evident that he has a passion for what he does, and he also has immense experience – even to build horse stables with his own bare hands!

To know that they are available to anyone that is in need of their service, is reassuring.
I think it is everyone’s dream to work in the field that they have been passionate about all their lives – Andrew and staff are really fulfilling that dream!

I look forward to working with the excellent team in the near future………… A safe place where everyone is welcome. 🙌

I thought my session went very well. I thought the horse chosen for me was very good as he was willing and able to do what I asked of him. There was no pressure placed on me to do anything. I just took things in my time. If i didn’t want to ride I didn’t have to.

Nice to be back . Looking good out there guys it’s coming together nicely.

Excellent.

Met the cute Enzo properly today . It’s been the best thing for me to have started Equine Therapy my thoughts are getting clearer and easier to talk about every time. Well worth a try

Andrew is amazing with our son who has autism. Through highs and lows, no matter what, Andrew has gone above and beyond to give my son the best care. Definately recommend Andrew. So blessed and thankful, finally found this form of therapy along with a caring counsellor.

Andrew provides fantastic support. The non clinical and non intimidating experience has been perfect for my autistic daughter who had previously struggled and refused to attend therapy sessions in an indoor environment. I would highly recommend.

Great time, I felt safe and Ben was great with me

Jordy complained on the way home that TJ was in the pool with me for just a little time not a long time with him. He is really looking forward to next fortnight already though.

The three of us had such a good time at your gorgeous patch of serenity. It really just comes down to BEING, to cuddle Dinner, chat with Andrew Snr, watch Tonto revel in being able to back-bend and wiggle, it’s something so simple, but so very therapeutic❤️❤️❤️ I’m so looking forward to seeing your anxious filly progress in sync with my anxious boy😘 Andrew you are wonderful, and you’ve made my day!!!!!😊 THANK YOU💋💋💋💋💋Sues

When my family doctor first suggested Equine Assisted therapy to me, I knew straight away that this was something that my son would love. My son has Autism which can be incredibly challenging at times, especially when it comes to having his feet off the ground. Since he was just a couple of years old, he has always had a fascination with horses and I thought this could just be a therapy for him, and help to address some of his fears. We arrived at the property for the initial “Meet & Greet” and I knew right from that moment that this was a good decision, he was so excited, he just loved it. We are now three sessions in and he gets so excited knowing what is planned for the day, his confidence has improved out of sight in such a short time. I am so grateful that this was recommended to us, and I can’t thank Andrew enough for his professionalism and patience.

I never thought anyone would teach this old dog a new trick. I was wrong. Recently I went on a pleasure ride with Andrew and a couple of others at Nelson Park. We had a lovely day, the horses, and a few of us enjoyed the water as well, some not by choice. As we were riding along the coast, Andrew had noticed how I was holding my reigns and suggested I try both different weighted reigns and to hold them differently as well. I was surprised what a difference it made. Thanks mate, you certainly helped this old fella out.

Absolutely loved my session with Andrew. We had a great chat before we started. He cares about my health and asked lots of questions about my health, which shows he really cares 🙂

I enjoyed today’s session, the little lambs were my favourite

Brodi loves her sessions with Andrew, it gives her someone else other than mum and dad to talk about her problems. She was looking forward to yesterday’s session as she got to ride the horse. These sessions have helped Brodi a lot. Thanks

It was chill, easy going

I’m a hard nut to crack having built all sorts of fortifications to keep people out – especially those head shrinks that want you to talk about things 🤦‍♂️
Andrew provides a judgment-free and safe space where before you know what you’re doing, you’re talking about things you didn’t know you wanted off your chest 👍
Bloody scary but strangely satisfying 🤷‍♂️
If you need a hand to get your head together, make a booking with this bloke. He and his Equine helpers will be there to guide you to the answers you’re looking for (& probably already know if you’d let your guard down for a second if you’re anything like me 🤪)
Be prepared to ruminate on the cold, hard truth as part of the process and goals can become a thing, not be just for everyone else 👍

All the best 🖖

P.S. I’m Autistic with ADHD & Andrew gets me – buggered if I know how 😳

My son enjoyed his time there this afternoon. He always has a big smile on his face, when spending time with the animals

Andrew is a very welcoming, kind, compassionate gentleman. Andrew has an incredible amount of patience and ensures to build a great rapport with clients to be able to increase their communication and willingness to participate in the Equine Therapy sessions. The horses and other animals are well cared for and very fitting for their purpose. It is always an enjoyable morning attending the property.

What a wonderful experience. Today I took part in my very first Equine Assisted Therapy session with Andrew and it was just fantastic. At first I didn’t know what to expect, was this all what it is cracked up to be, but right from the start I felt so welcome and knew this was going to be a special day. I got to meet Storm, what a beautiful horse, so wished I could have kept her. I loved working with the horses and learning more about myself while working through some of my issues that had been holding me back. Thanks Andrew, I can’t wait until my next session.

As always we leave the centre with a sense of calm and ready to enter the next week with a smile on our faces. An hour with Andy or Ben (and all the animals) really does change the whole demeanour and thought processes of my teenager and we appreciate it. It is brilliant to have these superstars in our corner. Thanks team 🙂

Got to meet some gorgeous little lambs today out with Ben and Andrew . A great place to heal . They both make you feel safe and heard

Even though I only walked this time it helped ease the cork in my upper thigh muscle. As usual, the horse behaved brilliantly.
The dogs aren’t part of therapy but they are now.

Aidan enjoys his time at the farm no matter what he is doing. From horse riding to helping with the cows and sheep. He enjoys his conversations and spending time with Ben

Ben was great. It was very reassuring for us that he will be there in our journey.

Andrew is amazingly patient and resilient. I really appreciate the no nonsense approach especially as it’s so important to keep the kids and ponies safe.

I first started counselling due to some bullying issues through my later years at school. Andrew listed very quietly to my experience as we discussed the underlying cause of the problem which helped me to recognise why I was experiencing these issues. After a few months of counselling with Andrew, I was able to go back to my day to day life as usual. I felt the experience was extremely beneficial to me and helped me come to terms with who I really am and my place in the world. Andrew is an excellent counsellor and I highly recommend him.

Our daughter loved the therapy session, she was smiling the entire time. The horses are so well trained, they didn’t flinch when she patted there faces, eyes and rear ends. It was truly an amazing experience for her and a delight to see as a parent. Our daughter came home happy and calm and willing to engage in conversation. I am over the moon to see her so happy!

I can happily recommend Andrew to anyone who is looking for some assistance for their kids when it comes to riding a horse well. I had my three children (aged 9 to 14) spend a couple of hours a day for the first week of school holidays over Easter with Andrew and was amazed at the difference in their riding capability at the end of the week. They went from three kids just plodding around the paddock to working with the mechanical cow, trotting around very confidently, and my eldest boy even cantering around the arena looking very confident. Thank you Andrew, what a fabulous activity for the kids. Beats Xbox any day.

Finally got to meet Little Mak hes pretty cute . Someone different to talk to and get to know . Giving and receiving affection from the animals without judgement is a pretty awesome experience. Thank you guys

“I’m Isla and I am 10. I like going to Andrew’s to see the horses, lolly is my favourite. Sometimes we talk about School but most of the time it’s fun.”

Even in the rain it’s an awesome place to work through the hard stuff

I had a great session with Ben. I was a bit nervous before I got on the horse but Ben was wonderful in helping me. I felt when I was on the horse I was in a calm environment and I could be me. Thank u Ben for giving me the chance of understanding and helping me.

My ASD L2/ADHD/ODD 9 year old has been attending every fortnight for over a year now and what a difference it has made in all of our lives. She is becoming better equipped to handle her emotions in a most constructive manner and she looks forward to giving pats to all the ponies!

Our her 10th birthday, our daughter out-of-the-blue said “I want to learn how to ride a horse”. For six months I silently prayed that this was a phase and it would quietly disappear as quickly as it arrived. We live in town, no place for a horse, let alone a horse float and everything else that goes with riding a horse. Well, here we are, two years down the road and guess what? We now own a horse, and a horse float, and a garage that is fast starting to fill with “horse stuff”.

We spent the first 12 months getting some advise from the lady we bought the horse from, although I felt that she just needed something more. Another person we know, who also knew Andrew suggested that we speak to him and see what he thought. So… six months later, she went from clinging to the saddle with both hands looking slightly horrified to riding very confidently over low jumps, riding amongst the cattle and having a ball. This has been an incredible exercise for her confidence and confirmed for us that we just might need a bigger garage. Oh well…

Thank you Andrew for everything you have done for B******, it is lovely to see your child sooooo happy

My son has been involved with many Counsellors/Psychiatrists over the last 10 years. Both he and I have felt that none of these have been able to get him to the breakthrough that he needs to be happy and reach his full potential. He had his first appointment with Andrew this week and came home and said to me, “Mum, that is the first time I feel like I have spoken to a normal human. We just sat and chatted for the appointment, and I was ok with it all.” Needless to say, this mum is hopeful we have found the support he needs.

I came there today with the lady I live with, Sue. I felt very comfortable and relaxed. There was no pressure put towards me about anything. Andrew let me know that I would be safe and I could work towards my own goals.

Thank you immensely to the AMAZING team at Abbwell for the huge change I’ve seen already in my teenager. I was truly at my wit’s end and lost as to where to turn next for help and support prior to the commencement of counselling sessions. Others before now had made little to no progress and even my teenager made that comment on day one “the others didn’t work & this one is no different”…. Well it is!!. He said it the first day but hasn’t said it again since. You have a one-of-a-kind service like no other in Bundaberg which gets teens out of a clinical environment so much so that they likely don’t even realise they are participating in counselling as they aren’t confined to four walls in a room opposite someone.

I am a sincerely grateful parent ♥️ for the changes I am seeing as it has a big ripple effect for our household & everyone’s well-being ♥️

My daughter smiles and laughs with Andrew. She enjoys spending time there. It’s difficult for her to be around people and struggles with communication, but Andrew has a knack for making her feel comfortable and safe. All of the animals put her in a good headspace.

Aidan has been really enjoying his time at the farm and working with Ben

Some weeks are just hard , life throws curveballs and you gotta deal with the meltdowns and wildness .. Andrew never backs down from the challenge and always manages to calm our storm .. so thankful for the unjudging space he provides us and his patience with my son 🙏.

I thoroughly enjoy my time with Ben like always I love coming and experiencing new things and I thank Ben so much for everything he does

Gemma has been doing equine-assisted therapy for some time now. She really looks forward to her once fortnightly session she is always very happy to go and meet her friend Missy a donkey. She has formed a very close bond and today she had an opportunity to hop on a horse and have a ride she said she’ll never forget this day. I would highly recommend these services, my daughter has got a lot out of them.

Andrew is so patient with our son. Our son is generally coming off his medication when Andrew gets him, leaving with a hyperactive ball of energy to deal with. Andrew takes everything in his stride and still manages to guide and teach our son. Job well done and hard earned.

Our Ignite Program which works with disengaged students from several State High Schools in the local area has started taking groups of students to Ben at Willow Park. After our first session, we had students making comments like.
“I wanted to take the big dog (Nigel) back on the bus with me.” Peter
“It was really good. Ben was a good person.” Angel
“I liked the whole set-up.” Lachie
Having such a positive response means they are looking forward to returning for the well-planned program provided by Ben and Willow Park.

This session is for my son, who struggles socially and has anxiety. He is enjoying the interaction with the horses which helps him to talk to Ben. He looks forward to the sessions with Ben, it puts a smile on his face.

Andrew has helped my 6-year-old so much, and being with the animals has helped him build his confidence. Mr 6 loves going, and it is helping him so much it is so worth it for us

Since the first time I met Andrew, and with each session, Andrew is always incredibly warm, genuine and welcoming with a clear client focus. Throughout all of my sessions with Andrew and his beautiful team of horses and donkeys, I always feel heard, understood, and respected in a supportive environment where I feel safe. Andrew has a very natural and intuitive gift working with people and animals alike, I feel so fortunate to grow through my experiences with Andrew and his delightful team supporting me.
Thank you Bundaberg Equine Therapy!

It was going to be a hit or miss for Miss 10. She lost her dad earlier this year and I wasn’t sure if meeting another male was going to be beneficial or detrimental. Suffice to say, at the end of our introduction session, she was jumping up and down, looking forward to her next.
Thank you Ben.

I had my first visit with Andrew today and can’t recommend him more highly, after a single session! I found Andrew to be someone who cares deeply for both his clients needs and (even more importantly to me), his ‘team’. Andrew’s love for his animals is almost tangible it is so obvious. And to top it all off, he’s a genuinely nice guy who I found myself talking to more than I’ve ever managed in initial sessions previously with other practitioners.

I have ASD (Asperger’s Syndrome) and trust is very difficult for me, as is eye contact and opening up to people. Within a very short time, I was talking, making eye contact instead of reading lips and felt genuinely at peace on some level I’m yet to unpack. As a ‘city kid’, I am amazed at the ability of Horses to remove barriers, whether self-imposed or otherwise. Storm had me wanting to engage upon my first tentative touch. I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of Andrew’s Equine team in upcoming visits.

I have seen Andrew for counselling a few times now and I am really happy with the service he provides which is supportive and straight to the point with whatever issues I am facing. His raw honesty and helpful advice are truly appreciated

Very lucky to have been referred to you guys . Recommend it to anyone that has felt stuck and In need of moving forward . Little steps but we’re getting there . Cheers

Andrew was excellent. My son wanted to go back to see Andrew and the horses the very next day. Looking forward to our next session.

My son Brendan has always had what I would term, a quick temper. As he reached his teenage years and throughout puberty, this escalated out of control, constantly lashing out at his mother, other siblings and myself. The problem reached boiling point when he was suspended from school for assaulting another student. This was a massive low point for us, and a turning point for Brendan. We were desperate to find some help and hopefully a solution for him. After we had seen a phycologist and a couple of other counsellors, a family friend told us about the Behaviour Management and Equine Therapy programs that Andrew was running. We thought, what have we got to loose?

Brendan has spent 3 x 90 minute sessions with Andrew so far over the last month and we are definitely seeing signs of improvement. We have longer periods of calm and control as well as less episodes of lashing out at others in the household.

I would be foolish to believe that everything was going to be all good now, we are only in the early days, although, there are some very promising early signs there. I have to thanks Andrew for his professional nature and “take no nonsense” attitude, it is certainly proving effective with Brendan so far. I hope to be coming back in another couple of months with an update and more positive news. Thanks Andrew

It was great, lots of fun and loved the horses. Also liked the dogs – Bobbi, 13. Mum says – when I asked about her session once she got home, Bobbi gave a huge smile and said it was great, she got to see horses and a donkey. A positive start to her day. Thank you.

I’ve been a client of Andrew and his team for a little while now and my message to those considering Equine Assisted Therapy is that this modality changed my life.

The mere presence at the farm is almost meditative.

On top of this, the animals (horses, donkeys, goats, sheep and more) seem to ‘size you up’ in terms of your needs and character before you’re even aware of them.

I have fallen big time for almost all the Equine team – the ‘understanding, compassion, empathy and knowing’ the animals display (mainly with their eyes) around me is something I will never forget nor take for granted 🙏

Ardie, Storm and China have taken me from a person of extremes (cold as ice implosion v volcanic eruption) to a somewhat more balanced persona, although I’m very much still a work in progress.

I trust Andrew and his team to help me progress further and anyone who has struggled with the challenges of clinical therapy setting should give this a go – I know after a very short time, that trust will develop for others too.

Don’t listen to the ‘haters’ who have probably never attended such therapy – make up your own mind – I’m sure you’ll be glad you did 🖖🏻

Had a great time, and really enjoyed talking with Ben and Andrew as well as them making it more comfortable by involving my Sister for the first session.
It was a bit of a new experience especially interacting with the different farm animals but loved playing/interacting with the dogs, but will definitely need to get some proper boots.

Andrew, Andrew Snr and Ben are amazing with my daughter and son. My children instantly feel comfortable and trust them. The lessons they learn and they have no idea they are learning. Watching them overcome anxiety and build resilience, follow direction, confidence, compassion, empathy and respect. Just to name a few. Amazing service.

Nice to be outside in the sunshine and rain today . Feeling grounded

I am the very lucky Mum of a 6 year old beautiful daughter who has been diagnosed at the age of two with Cerebral Palsy. My world was turned upside down at the time with all the uncertainty  of what life would hold for our beautiful little angel, although my husband and I were determined to make every opportunity available to her. I was lucky enough to know Andrew through work and had the opportunity to visit his family farm on a number of occasions to spend time with all the animals which Amy really enjoyed, as did my other two children. When Andrew commenced delivering Equine Therapy, I jumped on board without a question asked. Our beautiful little daughter has just blossomed, loving every minute that she spends with Andrew and the horses. I am so grateful for his support and can’t stop smiling when I think of how far Amy has come in such a short time. I couldn’t recommend Andrew and his beautiful helpers high enough. Thank you.

Thank you Andrew for all that you do for our 10 year old son who has autism and ADHD. He feels such a connection to Biscuit and you. “Mum when do I have equine?”…. says in itself what he looks forward to. His behaviour has improved since seeing you and your strategies in helping with autistic meltdowns have been invaluable. We are so grateful to have found someone to help our son through the challenges. Its so hard but we know Andrew is there for us all.

When can I go back to see Andrew? Andrew was able to reach “I” at her level. He was patient, kind and responded with understanding. Andrew was able to read body and verbal cues to very quickly make the environment feel safe and non- threatening. Working with the animals made the therapy less threatening and connections easier to make. Miss “I” cannot wait to visit again!

Our daughter had her first session with Andrew today and simply loved it. She can not wait to go back again and see all the little friends she made today. She can take a little while to warm up to new people, but has responded well to meeting Andrew. We can’t wait to see where this takes her.

After my first counsellor resigned and I was left searching for another, Andrew was recommended to me by a friend who knew him through his Equine Therapy experiences. I was at probably the worst point when my life had just been completely turned upside down. I remember my first appointment with Andrew, I was very anxious about whether or not Andrew would be the right person to help me sort out all my problems. During that very first session, my anxiety started to lift, not only by Andrew’s ability to not only listen to me  and my problems, but he also showed he understood my situation. I really appreciate Andrews ability  and honesty allows you to see things differently, without telling you might be wrong. I continue to see Andrew and would highly recommend him to anyone who is suffering from anxiety, or as in my case, PTSD.

I am a veteran of 20+ years with the Australian Defence Force, may of these years served o/s away from family, friends and support. I had been discharged (injury) for nearly two years, believed I was coping just fine, then BAM, PTSD caught me totally off guard. I found myself totally consumed, spending a significant amount of time in hospital in the Trauma and Rehabilitation Unit. The experiences, and what I had seen have affected me so much, some of those things just never leave you. After my psychologist recommended Equine Therapy to me, I was a little apprehensive, although after my first couple of sessions with Andrew, I truly am a convert. I am slowly learning to deal with some of my issues, and the time I spend with both Storm and PK (The staff Andrew calls them) can only be described a wonderful. My journey is not over, but thanks to Andrew and the team, I am feeling much better about life and learning to deal with the flashbacks and my anxiety. Watch this space.

I have Ben as a counsellor, and I really like his easygoing, thoughtful approach to our talks. He doesn’t sit and take notes while I talk with him. He actively engages in the conversation, and I feel he understands my feelings.

Real great … I’ve seen the old me again

First intro session for miss 13 with Ben and it was brilliant. Informative to what the sessions will look like and realistic expectations. A no rubbish, kind and fair approach and experience. Looking forward to developing and watching their sessions grow.

Brodi was in a bit of a mood (due to girl things) before she saw Andrew, nobody could say anything to her. Whatever she talked about while with Andrew, she came back with a different attitude. Thank you Andrew, you’re a legend.

I think it is an awesome opportunity to work with Andrew and the team with the animals. Gets me out of my comfort zone but able to speak freely along with great responses. The animals are a great stress relief and so relaxing in a quite setting helps a lot when constantly on the go. I would go every day I could to be with the horses. All in all if I had to rate it from 1 being the worst and 100 being the best I’d give it 100.

It was good, I liked the horses & the session was helpful.

I had a fantastic session today riding Biscuit. An activity I used to love before I had a massive life change & now have the opportunity to experience this again. Such a relaxing experience with the added benefit of a quiet ride on the property while easily chatting with Andrew. Thanks again for a very helpful & positive session.