Michaela has been a qualified counsellor for 14 years and an equine therapist for 9 years, Michaela is also a level 2 EQUUSOMA student and a Somatic Experiencing student. Michaela is also trained in Nature-Assisted Psychotherapy, Mindfulness, Somatic trauma therapy, Reiki (level 2 practitioner), Kundalini yoga and Autism and ADHD awareness for therapists.

What makes The Heard Therapy so special is that Michaela is very passionate about working with individuals as individuals, getting to know and value the unique qualities each person has, and meeting clients on a person-to-person level as they are in the moment.

Michaela’s client base includes young people from age 11 up to adults, mostly those who have experienced trauma, in luding complex trauma and developmental trauma and those who belong to the neurodivergence community &/or LGBTQ+ community. The Heard Therapy provides a place of safety and security based upon Michaela’s passion for inclusion, which is the Heard Therapy’s central ethos.

Michaela’s own personal journey with horses supporting her in her life, helped to devolop her passion, from directly experiencing the supportive connection that can be offered by our equine partners. Michaela’s passion for inclusion and safety extends to the wellbeing of the horses to ensure authenticity and choice for human and equine in connection between horses and the clients to build relationships of trust and reciprocity. This helps to develop growing resilience and confidence in both the horse and the client, empowering equines, and empowering people.”

Offering therapy to clients who trust us as professionals is a privilege.

After qualifying and working as a nurse for many years I moved into the arena of counselling – a move I feel blessed to have made. I have now been in private practice for 11 years and am afforded the opportunity of working with children, young people, adults and couples. Becoming an integral part of someone’s process whereby they grow to trust you and allow you to witness their story, is a special experience. I am always inspired by the bravery and resilience of those I work with who choose to embark on their therapeutic journey.

The clients I work with have a wide range of presentations. From milder issues impacting on current life to complex traumatic experiences, difficult childhoods, abusive or unfulfilling relationships. Also, many clients living with diversity for whom it can be distressing at times navigating the world. Every experience we have sits within us in the cells and fascia of our bodies, impacting the body we inhabit and us as a person. So, when we meet, we meet one another as the unique beings we are. As with each of the horses, we all have different stories.

As prey animals constantly scanning their environment to ensure they are safe, horses offer us constant feedback on how they experience us. Something we can take back to our daily lives. In equine assisted therapy we pay due attention to what our bodies are telling us and what the equines might be telling us …… and can often work through unfinished business or unprocessed emotions. As therapists we can facilitate this process by emotionally holding the client as they interact with the horses (if they wish), and perhaps help clients make connections or develop insights about their behaviours and ways of being. Some clients like to be outside in the beautiful surroundings, in nature and in the same vicinity as the horses without touch. Others choose to be more engaged and touch the horses, have a closer connection, perhaps groom and walk them. Our needs are all different.

I first experienced equine therapy myself a number of years ago and was amazed at the power of the work, the connection to the horses I was in contact with. And the skill of the therapist offering equine therapy. To be in psychological contact with horses can be profound. Their relationship with humans is based on respect and choice, meeting us where we are. We grow by communicating with them and listening and observing what they are communicating to us. The herd can teach us so much – emotional regulation, trust in others and ourselves, empathy, and can support us to develop self-confidence. From then onwards it was always a wish that I too could offer this way of working.

Having been trained by Michaela herself, I embrace the ethos at the Heard Therapy where the client and horses develop a reciprocal relationship where they both give and receive from one other. Permissions are sought from both client and horse to interact with one another, and boundaries are important and respected - which translates often to our own lives away from the equines. It is a pleasure to see the horses live as naturally as possible, their day is not dictated by human expectations or demands.

I look forward to hearing from you if you might be interested in working together. I work with children from age 9 upwards and with adults also.

Nico who is Michaela’s partner, shares her passion and commitment to The Heard Therapy. As a qualified project manager, Nico is responsible for the majority of the administration duties, including management of The Heard Therapy’s finances.

As well as administration duties, you can often find Nico on site carrying out general maintenance, yard duties and aiding Michaela in meeting the welfare needs of the horses.

Never having had any experience with horses back in his native Italy, Nico could hardly have imagined that he would one day be the doting owner of five of them!

Tracy spent many of her teenage years helping at local stables and volunteering at ‘Riding for the Disabled’. After reducing her working hours in the recruitment sector, Tracy was keen to spend some time doing something to support her local community. Her love of horses and desire to support people less fortunate than herself led her to start volunteering at The Heard Therapy in July 2022. This voluntary role involved general horse care and site maintenance on a weekly basis.

After leaving full time employment in October 2023 Tracy became a Director at The Heard Therapy and, as well as continuing to help with the horses and upkeep of the yard, she took on responsibility for the onboarding and administration of new volunteers.

Tracy is our events co-ordinator who brings us all together for exciting adventures outside of The Heard.

Anne's journey in the equine world began after leaving school at 16 when she pursued a national diploma in horse care and management at an equine college in Northern Ireland. Despite her passion for horses, life led her away from regular involvement in the equestrian world, and she eventually lost confidence in her abilities, resigning herself to the idea that horses would no longer be a part of her life. A chance encounter on Facebook led Anne to The Heard Therapy, where she discovered a profound sense of fulfilment and belonging. In the nurturing and supportive environment provided by The Heard, Anne rediscovered her love for horses and gained confidence in herself once more. Embracing the opportunity to contribute, she took on administrative responsibilities and played a pivotal role in developing The Heard's fundraising strategy.

“Under Michaela’s guidance, I have been granted the freedom and support to explore my ideas, which has been instrumental in my personal growth journey”

Charlotte, our dedicated Groom, has been an integral part of our team for approximately two and a half years. She diligently tends to the well-being of our horses, overseeing their exercise routines and providing attentive care during foot trimming and veterinary visits. Alongside her responsibilities with us, Charlotte keeps her own horse, Bea, while balancing her last year of school!

Charlotte is quiet, efficiency and possesses a wealth of experience in equine care. Her composed and centred approach to working with the horses instils in them a sense of confidence, safety, and security. It's evident that the horses find comfort in her presence, with Reggie, in particular, often seen shadowing her steps. We deeply admire Charlotte for her unwavering dedication and the positive impact she has on both our team and our beloved equine companions.

Growing up in Oxfordshire, Clare has always retained her passion for the countryside, so for Clare becoming part of The Heard it allowed her to find independence from motherhood, a supportive community with shared values, and to rekindle her love for horses.

With a background in marketing, Clare is our marketing guru, she needs little encouragement to unleash her creativity on Canva, crafting captivating brochures and flyers to promote The Heard. Overflowing with ideas, her enthusiasm for The Heard knows no bounds. When does she have time for sleep?!

Among Darcy's admirers, Clare delights in quiet moments, offering him massages and plenty of cuddles.

Cath, a cherished member of our Sunday crew, serves as a carers group coordinator at Somerset Carers, bringing invaluable expertise in local fundraising to The Heard. We deeply appreciate her knowledge on sourcing and applying for funding, enriching our community with her experience.

Finding solace in the tranquillity of The Heard, Cath considers poo picking among her favourite tasks. For her, The Heard offers a haven to slow down, pause from the bustling life of a working mother, and simply relish the present moment.

Cath's heart melts for Tigger and Gizmo, often seen fussing over these little fellows with affection. What she treasures most about The Heard is the freedom to contribute her time whenever life permits, devoid of pressure or obligations. Knowing she's always welcomed with open arms, Cath finds comfort in the warm reception she receives every time she visits.

Meet Lou, Poster Woman for The Heard, embodying the transformative power of Michaela and the herd's work.

Lou's journey with The Heard began after enduring a series of seizures that ultimately led to brain surgery. Despite having parts of her brain removed, Lou embarked on the challenging path of rebuilding her life. The Heard became her steadfast ally in this journey, playing a monumental role in helping her navigate through emotional regulation and rebuilding.

Lou's presence is synonymous with inspiration at The Heard, her vibrant personality reflected not only in her ever-changing hair colours—whether it's a bold pink, blue, or purple—but also in the warmth of her embraces that greet everyone she meets.

One of the most beautiful connections at The Heard is between Lou and Star. Their bond has been instrumental in Lou's recovery, showcasing the profound healing power of connection. Witnessing the bond between Lou and Star is a testament to the healing potential that exists within genuine connections.