Eddi provides support through equine-assisted therapy, online coaching, workshops and training for individuals and businesses to support adults working through trauma, pain and menopause management.
I have seen many times over in my work in the hospital system the challenges that people experience when trying to manage pelvic health problems and how this impacts their day-to-day life.
I was curious around how people then coped when they entered menopause transition as symptoms can be so varied, may not be recognised as being related to menopause by women and health professionals, with many women reporting feeling unheard, getting dismissed or fobbed off when they have spoken about their symptoms.
This led me down the path to commencing a PhD to see how we can improve this situation. I have also seen the benefits of getting people outside in nature instead of a clinic room and looking at problems from a completely different approach.
Being in nature with the horses brings awareness, curiosity and regulation for the nervous system allowing people to reconnect with themselves in a gradual safe way.
Each step I have taken along this journey has taught me something new about supporting people through life’s challenges. Whether I am working online or in the paddock, my goal is to help clients feel seen, heard and to explore new possibilities to reach their goals.
I have been working as a physiotherapist for over 30 years with the majority of this in women’s / pelvic health. Working in this area involves creating a safe space for people to talk about some of the most personal parts of their lives – bladder, bowel and sexual health often with clients disclosing a history of trauma.
Seeing the healing that can come from just providing a safe space for clients to be listened to and the positive impact that this can have on physical health when combined with gentle trauma informed reconnection to the body led me to undertake further training in mental health.
My area of special interest is working with adults transitioning through menopause and assisting workplaces to create a supportive work environment for staff during this transitional period.
I work in partnership with the client (for online sessions) or with the client and the horses/s (for equine therapy sessions). I have a passion for lifestyle medicine and the connection between brain and body. Lifestyle medicine considers the whole person, focuses on health rather than disease and looks at systems that affect health such as physical activity, stress management, social support, environmental factors and lifestyle changes to improve wellbeing.
As prey animals, horses live in the present moment, they are very aware and in contact with their other herd members. These abilities are profoundly important for human health and wellbeing – we need the capacity to live in the present moment, be aware and create healthy, honest, respectful relationships.
They are also beautiful, sensitive and strong animals which can illicit strong feelings or responses / needs which are then available for processing. Horses can see the real you, being seen is very powerful for healing.
I started my PhD in 2024 to explore the impact of menopause and its symptoms on staff at Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford Hospitals.
I have a particular interest in whether some symptoms are more bother in the workplace than others and whether it affects patient care, work performance and engagement. I have just completed the first study and am currently analysing results. Watch this space for publications over the coming months.
I am registered with the Allied Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a member of the following associations:
I have a husband, 2 adult daughters and a granddaughter that I spend time with in between working and studying.
I am a keen supporter of Parkrun so Saturday mornings will usually find me at one of the many local Parkruns.
I also recognise the importance of keeping my brain active as I age and the benefits of community connection so I enjoy being part of a local community choir which challenges my memory, coordination and singing ability!