Individual Sessions
I’m a Clinical & Performance Psychologist who lives the horse life too. From arena nerves, recovering from injury, fears, or falls, to the daily stress of life; your wellbeing matters as much as your performance.
As an active competitor, I understand firsthand the unique pressures riders face because I live them too. Whether you ride on the elite international circuit or balance horses around a busy career, high-pressure environments take a toll. You can read my personal story about overcoming fear after a riding accident and stepping back into competitive success on my About Me page.
I work with elite professionals, ambitious competitors, and grassroots riders across all disciplines. My individual sessions give you a dedicated space to work through challenges in both your riding and your personal life, including:
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High-pressure competition environments and show-day anxiety
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Rebuilding confidence after a fall, injury, or scary moment
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Adjustment to injury and Work Cover claims for professional riders.
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Mental blocks, training plateaus, and burnout
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Career demands, family life, and daily stress that can impact your riding performance.
Together, we build practical mental strategies tailored to your specific goals so you can ride with clarity and enjoy your horse again.
iding.
And ecause I am a registered Psychologist in Australia, your sessions may be eligible for Medicare, Private Health, Department of Veteran Affairs, or Work Cover funding.
Who I Work With
Whether you’re a Grand Prix professional, a young rider finding your feet, or a recreational rider who simply wants to get more enjoyment in their riding, we all face those moments when nerves, frustration, or "perfectionist" thoughts take the reins. Performance isn't just about what happens in the arena; it’s about how we handle the pressure, the setbacks, and the high-stakes environment of the equestrian world. I work with riders across every discipline and at every level—as well as the coaches and parents supporting them—to help you build the mental flexibility needed to find consistency, confidence, and clarity, even when things don't go exactly to plan.
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
Out of pocket costs
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Clients who qualify for a Medicare rebate (via a GP referral) will only have an "out-of-pocket" cost of about $85 for an individual session, depending on session length.
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If you are insured with a Private Health Fund and have Extras Cover, you may be eligible for rebates for psychology services, which can also significantly reduce the "out of pocket cost". To determine your eligibility, see Rebates section for details on item numbers that I use and call your fund to confirm your rebate details.
Initial Session ~ 75 minutes ~ $270 AUD
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Assessment & Goal Setting
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We identify core mental barriers
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Establish clear, achievable goals.
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Introduce 1-2 initial strategies to start practicing
Follow Up Session ~ 50 min ~ $230 AUD
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Review strategy implementation
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We focus on one or two key areas (like show nerves or consistency)
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Introduce tailored, practical techniques you can use immediately.
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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
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These sessions are perfect for competitors who need a pre-event boost.
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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 Clinical & Educational and Developmental Psychologist. I have completed 6 years of advance formal 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's the difference between seeing a Psychologist compared to a mindset coach or my riding coach?
As a registered and experienced Performance and Clinical Psychologist, I have extensive higher-degree training in the science of how your brain and body handle stress, anxiety, and performance pressures and how to develop personalised support to address these concerns. I use well researched and evidenced based methods to help you address mindset barriers preventing you progressing toward your riding goals. We also work to "clear out" the mental blocks holding you back so you can actually apply what your riding coach teaches you. As a registered psychologist, I maintain my professional registration through regular, ongoing training and supervision. I also abide by a strict national code of ethics, giving you full confidence that your care is safe, professional, and up to standard.
On the other hand, your riding coach focuses on physical mechanics and horse training, and that can help you build your confidence by improving your technical skill. Depending on their experience and training, they may also be able to provide you some support with your mindset, however this advice is often based on their own personal experience rather than specialised skills and training in this area.
Mindset or Neuro-linguistic Programing (NLP) coaches can offer basic ideas on motivation and habits. However, coaching is an unregulated field, so qualifications vary wildly—ranging from short weekend workshops to no formal training at all. Anyone can call themselves a coach without formal qualifications, registration, or a regulatory board to answer to if they give you the wrong advice. Unregulated coaches aren't taught the sport psychology principles required for genuine peak performance strategies, nor are they qualified to treat anxiety, trauma, or deep riding fears. A registered psychologist brings years of university education and experience and regulated standards to support your care and performance safely.
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. Some people may also be eligible for Work Cover or DVA rebates.
Why are the no testimonials?
As a registered Psychologist in Australia, regulations prevent me from publishing individual rider testimonials, however, industry leaders, clubs, and equestrian organisations across Australia have relied on my presentations, workshops, and advice to give their riders a competitive edge.
Click here for details of some of my recent partnerships and collaborations.
How do I book?
Click below to book your session or a free 15 phone call to discuss what support is right for your situation
How do I join a session?
The online session link will be provided upon booking confirmation (also at the bottom of my emails).
Computer/Laptop: Simply click the link (no Google Account or download needed).
Smartphone/Tablet: You must download the Google Meet App and sign in with a free Google Account. If you don't have a Google account, you can sign up here.
Do you work with children and teens?
Yes, absolutely. I started my career as a child and adolescent psychologist. I have worked as a psychologist in schools and have broad experience in working with children from all backgrounds, experiences, presentations, and ages. If you'd like to know more about my approach to working with young clients, please feel free to book a free 15 phone consult.