About Hills Psychotherapy & Education
Our practice focuses on building relationships, regulation, and resilience through safe, supported, and experiential interaction.
What We Offer
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy at Hills Psychotherapy offers a powerful alternative to traditional talk therapy. Working alongside highly trained horses in a calm and safe environment, clients are supported in building emotional awareness, trust, confidence, and resilience. Sessions are guided by a registered psychotherapist and take place entirely from the ground—there is no horse riding involved. This modality is ideal for individuals who benefit from experiential, relational, and body-based therapeutic approaches.
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What is Equine Therapy and What Are the Benefits?
Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is a powerful, ground-based form of therapy involving the client, a horse, and a registered psychotherapist. Horses respond to human behaviour and emotion in real time, making them ideal therapeutic partners. Through guided interactions, clients build trust, develop emotional awareness, and foster self-confidence—all without needing to speak directly about difficult experiences.
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Benefits of EAP:
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Emotional regulation and self-awareness
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Confidence and communication skills
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Trauma support and nervous system regulation
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Relational development and trust building
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Grounding and mindfulness through physical presence
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All sessions are unmounted—no horse riding is involved.
Nature-Based Psychotherapy
​Adventure and Nature-Based Therapy combines traditional talk therapy with the healing qualities of natural environments. Sessions are held outdoors—often along the Heysen Trail or within Mount George Conservation Park—where movement, fresh air, and a sense of spaciousness provide a powerful backdrop for emotional exploration and healing.
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Rather than sitting face-to-face in a room, these sessions take place while walking, sitting, or pausing in nature, allowing the conversation to unfold more organically. The natural world supports emotional regulation and nervous system balance, helping individuals feel calmer, more grounded, and better able to process difficult experiences.
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This therapeutic approach is ideal for those who may feel overwhelmed in clinical settings, find it hard to open up in traditional talk therapy, or simply benefit from movement and open space while exploring their inner world. Nature acts as both a grounding presence and an active part of the therapeutic process, helping to spark insight, calm the body, and bring clarity.
Whether the focus is on anxiety, life transitions, grief, relationship challenges, or personal growth, sessions are tailored to individual needs and move at a pace that feels safe and supportive. Activities may include mindfulness practices, reflective pauses, sensory engagement, or gentle bushwalking, all guided by a registered psychotherapist.
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Benefits may include:
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Reduced stress and anxiety
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Improved emotional regulation
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Greater clarity and self-awareness
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Enhanced connection to self and surroundings
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A sense of freedom and empowerment through movement
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Adventure and Nature-Based Therapy is an invitation to step out of the everyday and into a calm, nurturing environment—one that encourages deeper connection, reflection, and emotional healing through the steady presence of the natural world.
Equine Assisted Learning
Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) is an experiential approach that focuses on developing life skills such as confidence, communication, and problem-solving through interactive experiences with horses. Ideal for any age group, EAL sessions are engaging, relational, and tailored to individual needs.
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This hands-on, ground-based modality supports the development of essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills in a calm and supportive environment. Through guided activities with highly attuned horses, children and young people build self-awareness, emotional regulation, responsibility, and resilience.
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Sessions are facilitated by a registered teacher and can be customised to suit individual learning goals:
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Boosting motivation and self-esteem
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Supporting social-emotional development
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Enhancing executive functioning
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Developing focus, patience, and responsibility
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Encouraging positive behavioural regulation​
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EAL is particularly helpful for learners who thrive outside traditional classroom settings or who may need extra support with attention, confidence, or anxiety. Horses offer immediate, non-verbal feedback and help create a safe space for connection, reflection, and personal growth.
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Every session is grounded, unmounted, and paced to suit the learner—offering a unique, meaningful, and supportive learning experience.
Outdoor Learning Support
Outdoor Learning Support offers a unique and holistic approach to education, combining the benefits of nature with personalised learning. These sessions take place in natural environments, fostering a relaxed and interdisciplinary atmosphere that enhances literacy, numeracy, social-emotional skills, and confidence. Whether conducted in the open air or through engaging Equine-Assisted Learning experiences, these sessions are ideal for children and young people who benefit from additional support outside the traditional classroom setting.
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What is Outdoor Learning and What Are the Benefits?
Outdoor Learning integrates multiple subjects—such as math, science, and English—into a real-world context, creating a dynamic and engaging educational experience. By learning in nature, students not only connect with the environment but also develop critical life skills in a calm, sensory-rich space.
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Benefits of Outdoor Learning:
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Improved focus and engagement
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Reduced anxiety and stress
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Increased motivation and self-esteem
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Enhanced emotional regulation and social connection
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Holistic development of academic and life skills
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Encouragement of interdisciplinary learning
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All sessions are tailored to the needs of the individual, supporting academic growth and emotional well-being while connecting learning to real-life experiences.
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services
Psychotherapy and Counselling Services offer a compassionate and holistic approach to mental health support for children and young people. These sessions may take place in a variety of settings—indoors, outdoors, or a combination of both—to create a safe, flexible environment that fosters emotional growth, resilience, and self-awareness. Tailored to the individual, the services support mental well-being through evidence-based therapeutic approaches designed to meet each young person’s unique needs.
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What is Psychotherapy and Counselling and What Are the Benefits?
Psychotherapy and counselling provide a space for children and youth to explore thoughts, feelings, and behaviours with the guidance of a trained professional. Using a variety of therapeutic techniques, these services help young people develop coping strategies, build confidence, and improve emotional regulation. Incorporating elements such as mindfulness, talk therapy, and movement, the approach adapts to suit the individual, encouraging healing and personal growth.
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Benefits of Psychotherapy and Counselling:
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Improved emotional regulation and self-awareness
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Reduced anxiety, stress, and behavioural challenges
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Increased resilience and coping skills
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Enhanced social connection and communication
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Support for mental health and developmental concerns
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Flexible and personalised to individual needs and preferences
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All sessions are designed to promote holistic well-being, empowering children and young people to navigate challenges and build meaningful connections with themselves and others.
Art Therapy
Art Therapy Services offer a creative and holistic approach to emotional and psychological wellbeing for children and young people. Sessions use the process of art-making within a safe and supportive environment to help individuals explore their feelings, express themselves, and work through challenges. Tailored to each child’s needs, art therapy combines therapeutic guidance with creative expression to foster healing, self-awareness, and personal growth.
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What is Art Therapy and What Are the Benefits?
Art therapy uses visual arts—such as drawing, painting, and collage—as a means of communication and emotional exploration. It provides a non-verbal way for children and youth to express complex feelings and experiences that may be difficult to articulate in words. Through creative processes supported by a qualified therapist, young people develop insights, build resilience, and enhance their emotional wellbeing in a relaxed, nurturing space.
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Benefits of Art Therapy:
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Supports emotional expression and self-discovery
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Reduces anxiety, stress, and behavioural difficulties
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Builds self-esteem and confidence
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Enhances coping skills and emotional regulation
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Provides a safe space for processing trauma and complex feelings
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Encourages creativity and sensory engagement
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Art therapy sessions are personalised to meet individual needs, empowering children and young people to explore their inner world and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.
Mobile Therapy & Education Services
Mobile Therapy & Education Services provide flexible, personalised support for children and young people delivered directly in the comfort of their own home or familiar community settings. This approach removes barriers to access and allows therapeutic and educational strategies to be embedded in daily life, creating practical, real-world opportunities for growth and healing.
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What Are Mobile Therapy & Education Services and What Are the Benefits?
Mobile services bring counselling, psychotherapy, early intervention, and education support to children and youth in their natural environments. By working within the home or community, these services help to create a sense of safety and ease, encouraging engagement and consistent progress. Tailored to each individual’s needs, mobile therapy and education address emotional regulation, behaviour support, social skills, learning goals, and developmental growth.
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Benefits of Mobile Therapy & Education:
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Increased accessibility and reduced barriers to support
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Sessions delivered in a comfortable, familiar environment
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Practical application of strategies within daily routines
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Enhanced family and caregiver involvement
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Support for emotional, social, and academic development
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Flexibility to adapt to the child’s needs and preferences
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These mobile services promote holistic wellbeing by integrating therapeutic and educational support seamlessly into everyday life, empowering children and young people to thrive in their own environments.
NDIS, Private Sessions & Pricing
NDIS
Hills Psychotherapy is able to support clients who are self-managed or plan-managed under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Our Psychotherapy, Counselling and Educational Support sessions may be claimed under the relevant NDIS categories. If you're unsure whether our services are covered under your plan and we are happy to provide assistance or documentation to support your claim.
NDIS Pricing
Hills Psychotherapy operates in line with the current NDIS pricing guide and is able to support both self-managed and plan-managed participants.
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Services can be claimed under the following categories:
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Early Intervention Supports for Early Childhood Supports (Under 9)
Early Childhood Intervention Professional-Early Childhood Teacher -
Therapy Supports
Counselling, Psychotherapy, Equine-assisted & Nature-based Therapy -
Therapy Supports
Art Therapy -
Assistance with Social, Economic and Community Participation
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Individual Social Skills Development
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Travel for mobile services is charged at $0.99/km
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Fees are based on the hourly rates set by the NDIS for the 2025–26 period and are reviewed annually. We are happy to provide invoices, support letters, and session documentation to assist with NDIS claims.
Private Sessions
(Non-NDIS Participants)
We welcome clients who are not currently accessing the NDIS. Private sessions are available across all of our service offerings, including Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Educational Support, Outdoor Learning, and Nature-Based Therapy.
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Our current private rates are:
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All Therapy Sessions: $150 per hour
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Educational Development & Support Sessions: $150 per hour
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Tutoring for one child: $80 per hour
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Travel for mobile services is charged at $0.99/km
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Unfortunately, we are not able to offer reduced rates for Medicare or Private Health Care Card holders at this time. However, we are currently in the process of setting up Private Health Care Rebates and anticipate these will be available by the end of 2025.
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Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions about pricing or how our services can support your individual needs. We are committed to providing accessible, impactful support for all individuals and families.
Meet Holly Stratton
Founder of Hills Psychotherapy, Holly holds a Master’s in Counselling and Psychotherapy from Adelaide University, a Master’s in Teaching (Primary) University of South Australia, and a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Adelaide University. She is a registered teacher with the Teaching Registration Board of South Australia (TRB) and a registered psychotherapist and counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA).
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Holly's career spans both education and mental health sectors, with experience in:
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Primary teaching across multiple independent and government schools.
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Youth wilderness therapy (Operation Flinders).
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Child protection (Department of Child Protection).
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University student support and coordination (Arcadia University, Bond, Griffith, Queensland University of Technology, University of Queensland, James Cook University).
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Trauma-informed care, program development, and emotional wellbeing.
Holly warmly welcome clients of ages 10 years and up seeking a grounded, relational, and experiential approach to therapy and learning.
Meet The Herd
Each horse in our herd brings their own unique personality, energy, and wisdom to the session. Calm, curious, and deeply intuitive, these incredible animals play an important role in supporting emotional connection and growth. Get to know the gentle souls who make this space so special.
Location & Facilities
Sessions are held at The Academy of Dressage Pty Ltd.
Located in Mount George, South Australia. Just 20 minutes from the Adelaide CBD (take the Bridgewater Exit).
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This stunning property offers:
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State-of-the-art equestrian facilities, indoor and outdoor - allowing sessions to take place in all weather conditions
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Calm and responsive, highly schooled, therapy horses
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Direct access to the Heysen Trail for nature and hiking-based sessions
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A peaceful and private environment that supports healing, growth and empowerment
