Meet the Team

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Hi! I’m Sophia, founder and owner of Phoenix Rise Equine Therapies. I specialise in somatic therapy and utilise a range of different techniques and strategies that best suit each individual person to reach their goals and meet their needs in their healing journey. I am also on the path to being accredited for resource therapy and EMDR in the future with a focus on trauma processing. My passion and experience is within the trauma space, as I come from a background of working with young people who have experienced complex trauma and challenging behaviour patterns, I pride myself in having a trauma informed and person centred approach, I love helping people to learn more about who they are authentically and to lead fulfilling lives by healing from past traumas. 

I have gained multiple diplomas and certificates during my adult life as well as experience in the child protection and NDIS space. I have a Diploma of Counselling and Equine Assisted Mental Health certificate as well as a Diploma of Community Services including therapeutic crisis interventions and working with children and young people with complex trauma and attachment needs with a person centred and trauma informed approach. 

I am ACA accredited and offer my counselling services to anyone above the age of 5 years old, and NDIS participants who are self and plan managed.

Australian Counselling Association Registration Number: 27717

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Named after Sophia when she was born, Power by Fire as her race name has been in the family from the beginning. It was only in 2017 that she came into the full care of Sophia, starting their special journey together. Power by Fire (Sophia) is a bay/brown Thoroughbred, standing at 15.3hh tall and has a heart of gold. She is looked to as the leader of her herd as she has a lot of wisdom and life experience. She is kind and gentle with beginners and allows them space to express themselves. Her favourite thing on this planet is spending time with her family, her human and of course… having a relaxing massage, oh and don’t forget the treats!! 

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Wade is the biggest smooch, he’s always first at the gate and is the perfect therapy horse, he takes his job very seriously and he’s really good at it! He’s absolutely a favourite! I call him my gentle giant being 16hh. He knows exactly when you need support, and when you require space to work through your emotions and feelings. It’s always love at first sight with this guy. 

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Hope is a brumby that arrived with her mum Faith, she is a chestnut and stands at approximately 12hh tall (or around 120cms). Hope has a big personality and can be cheeky at times, she loves to play and loves a good scratch and groom. She’s very honest and open in her communication, and will tell you exactly how she feels. She has a strong awareness, like all horses, to your presence and will let you know when you have energetically “left the room”. She’s a peoples pony and loves to be doted on. 

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Gemma is a palomino quarter horse standing at approximately 14.3hh. She is the kindest soul and takes her job as a therapy horse very seriously. She loves to be brushed and going for walks, and connecting with her humans. Gemma can’t wait to meet you!!

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Simba is a bay Thoroughbred who stands at 14.1hh, she’s a very sweet and quiet girl. Simba enjoys her time spent with her herd mates, Faith and Hope as well as a good brush and spending time with people. She loves going for walks and having some down time.