Individual Sessions
Whether you're aiming for the winner's circle, a peaceful trail ride , or a fulfilling partnership with your horse, the mental game is just as crucial as the physical or technical skills. Individual sessions offer a personalised and tailored approach to focus on your specific goals.
As a registered Performance Psychologist and active competitor in cutting horse events, I understand firsthand the unique pressures riders face—because I’ve lived them.
I help riders of all ages, all levels and all disciplines to:
-
Regain confidence after injury, accidents, or setbacks
-
Achieve peak performance
-
Thrive under pressure
-
Eliminate distractions
-
Build a resilient mind.
To keep our work together accessible and stress-free, all appointments are held via Telehealth (Google Meet). I love this platform because it is incredibly simple—just one click and you’re in, with no tech headaches. It is also highly secure, ensuring our conversations remain private and confidential. This approach gives you the flexibility to fit mental training into your busy schedule without the commute, knowing that your privacy is protected
Who can benefit?
Pro & Competitive Riders
You're a driven athlete, and with that comes a unique set of pressures. Maybe your progress feels at a standstill, or you can't quite get the results you want when it means the most to you. We'll work on practical strategies to help you navigate those moments. The goal is to help you show up for your ride, not fighting with the nerves or the "what-ifs," but instead focusing on the task at hand. We'll build a toolkit of mental skills that helps you stay present and perform effectively, even when the stakes are high, so you can consistently move toward the kind of rider you want to be.
Amateur & Recreational Riders
You ride because it brings you joy, peace, and a special connection with your horse. But what happens when that enjoyment is replaced by fear, or when a challenge on the trail or in the arena starts to feel overwhelming? Perhaps you've lost confidence after a fall, or you find yourself constantly worrying about what could go wrong. We can explore mental skills that help you build trust in yourself and your horse, so you can get back to simply enjoying your time together. We'll focus on how to recognise and work with those unhelpful thoughts and feelings so you can stop fighting with them and instead stay connected to the reason you started riding in the first place—to have fun and feel confident.
Junior & Young Riders
It's a huge commitment to be a young equestrian athlete, and it's easy to get caught up in the pressure to perform, to meet expectations from coaches, parents, or even yourself. When performance anxiety creeps in, it can take the fun out of the sport. The mental skills we'll work on are designed to help you navigate these pressures and find your footing. You'll learn to handle those moments of self-doubt and nerves, not by trying to wish them away, but by building resilience and a focus on what's truly important to you. This support is all about helping you stay grounded in your love for the sport and for your horse, ensuring your journey as a rider is both successful and rewarding.
Fees
Initial Session ~ 75 minutes ~ $270 AUD
-
Assessment & Goal Setting
-
We identify core mental barriers
-
Establish clear, achievable goals.
-
Introduce 1-2 initial strategies to start practicing
Follow Up Session ~ 50 min ~ $230 AUD
-
Review strategy implementation
-
We focus on one or two key areas (like show nerves or consistency)
-
Introduce tailored, practical techniques you can use immediately.
-
Further follow up sessions may be needed to continue to integration, review your progress, refine the techniques, and establish a long-term plan to help make these skills second nature.
Review appointment ~ 30 min $120
-
These sessions are perfect for competitors who need a pre-event boost.
-
We will refresh your strategies and workshop any last-minute mental barriers so you can enter the ring with confidence
Potential Rebates
Private Health Rebates
Many private health providers will provide a rebate for sessions with a Psychologist. The private health items and codes I use are listed below.
Initial session (75 minutes) with a Psychologist (online) - 701
Follow up session (50 minutes) with a Psychologist (online) - 801
Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP)
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be able claim a rebate through Medicare. You first need MHTP and a referral from your GP to a registered psychologist.
After your session, you must pay the full fee and I will provide a receipt. You can then claim a portion of the cost back from Medicare by submitting the referral letter, MHTP details, and your paid invoice via the myGov website or the Express Plus Medicare app. Please let me know before booking if you are thinking of using a MHTP to access sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications does Deena hold?
I am a Board Approved Psychologist and endorsed Educational and Developmental Psychologist. I have completed 6 years of advance training (to Masters Level) plus a further two years of supervised practice to achieve my endorsement. My professional registered as a health practitioner is with AHPRA (PSY0001956513) and I am also a member of Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi).
What is the cancellation policy for individual sessions?
Full refunds are provided for appointments cancelled with more than 48hrs notice. Cancellations between 48 hours and 24 hours notice will be refunded minus a $50 late cancellation fee. Cancellations within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment will incur the full scheduled fee (no refund will be given except in the unusual case of emergencies or other extreme circumstances).
Do you offer rebates?
Yes! I am a registered Psychologist and therefore many clients are able to claim a rebate either through a Mental Health Care Plan provided by their GP or through their Private Health Insurance.
Why are the no testimonials?
As a registered psychologist in Australia, I am required to adhere to strict legal and ethical advertising guidelines, which specifically prohibit the use of client testimonials. This policy is governed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the National Law. The reason for this is to to uphold the integrity of the profession and protect the public, for example, to protect client confidentiality - even a seemingly anonymous testimonial could risk unintentionally confirming a therapeutic relationship, which is a breach of client confidentiality. My commitment to meeting these legal and ethical standards means I do not feature testimonials on this website. However, I welcome all feedback from all my clients at any time.
How do I book?
You can view and book some available times here: Session Booking Link Or send me an email for more options: Email Deena
How do I join my online session?
The session link will be provided upon booking confirmation (also at the bottom of my emails). Computer/Laptop: Simply click the link (no Google Account needed). Smartphone/Tablet: You must download the Google Meet App and sign in with a free Google Account (sign up here: https://accounts.google.com/signup).