Protect in Place
Early intervention for burnout and PTSD in high risk occupations


This one-day program is specifically designed for First Responders and Corrections Officers. Increase your awareness, education and training in the area of burnout, traumatic stress injuries and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Build capacity and skills to assist those around you as well as take care of yourself and your family.

In addition to high threat situations, there is the ongoing daily stress of the workplace environment. Routine matters such as shift rosters, staffing and interpersonal issues all contribute to underlying stress. Those serving in high risk occupations face a range of potential associated health concerns from physical health issues to chronic stress, anxiety, burnout, anger, risk-taking behaviours and PTSD.
Equine Assisted Learning (EAL)

In this unique program, experienced professionals use EAL to enhance the training and provide experiential learning opportunities.

The facilitators use the horse's powerful presence and instinctive way of responding to a person's intentions, behaviours and body language, to assist with teaching and skill development.

Horses are prey animals with keen instincts for sensing what may be a threat to their survival. We work in a respectful partnership with the horses through a range of activities.
Program Focus:

  • Understand the impact of frontline work on the body, brain, nervous system and relationships.
  • Recognise the symptoms and early warning signs - physical, psychological, behavioural and social/family relationships.
  • Increase skills and knowledge to support early intervention - for yourself, a colleague or partner.
  • Strategies to manage the cumulative effect of stress and traumatic stress when exposed to high threat environments.
  • Optimising resilience of workers in high-risk occupations.
No prior experience with horses is needed. All teaching and learning activities are conducted on the ground.

We encourage you to bring team members or colleagues who also work in these high risk occupations. Small teams may find it beneficial to attend together. Partners welcome.

Lunch & all refreshments provided. Limited places.

Cost: $90 per person inc GST (inclusive of lunch & resources)*

Location: Rothwood B&B, 782 Welshpool Rd East, Wattle Grove WA
Your Facilitators:

Mel Keen:
Registered psychologist and certified EAL/P Practitioner (Director of Horse Horizons).
BA(Hons), GradDipEd, MCouns. Assoc MAPS
Mel has a personal understanding and appreciation of the experiences of First Responders.

Mel also provides individual appointments and counselling for First Responders, Corrections Officers and their families.
Horses are being used in therapy for First Responders with PTSD in the US and Canada, in programs such as Equine Response (news story on FOX31 Denver). More information about "why horses?" can be found on the Equine Assisted Therapy page.

Guest facilitators join us for this one day program to assist with the horses.
*Note re cost/bookings: 50% deposit required at time of booking to secure a place - cancellation within 48 hours prior to the program commencing may mean loss of your deposit. Deposit/payment is fully refundable should the program not go ahead due to unforeseen circumstances. 

For expressions of interest and bookings, please call Mel on 0408 149 121 or visit the Contact page to get in touch.