Joanne McIntyre, OT, MS (Psychology), PhD Candidate
UNBRIDLED LIVING EQUINE ASSISTED OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY was created from my personal journey to optimise wellness. It is a branch away from my work at Integrated Listening Australia and the Polyvagal Academy Australia.
I work from an integrative model based on best practice and incorporate neuroscience, nature and equines into our sessions. My approach is unique, as I support your nervous system from the inside out, integrating the Polyvagal Safe and Sound Protocol or Rest and Restore Protocol with Equine-Assisted Therapy for a transformative experience. We all need to do "the work", and I have been on my own journey of understanding my nervous system defence patterns and letting go of limiting beliefs to create the life that fills me.
I had an off-the-track thoroughbred when I was younger, building a connection with him that I never truly appreciated until looking back with a more mature and educated lens.
Life took me in different directions until I found my way back to horses again. My therapy partners include Off the Track Thoroughbreds and Clydesdales. With their help, I am continually learning to be a better person for them and the other people in my life.
My clinical journey has included learning across diverse fields. However, partnering with horses adds a depth that just needs to be experienced to understand.
I look forward to supporting you. Our work together is collaborative and unfolds based on your goals.
Meet The Team
Finnley
I was a racehorse in my younger years and have been on a path to learn to feel safe. I am quiet and thoughtful.
Bragnar
I love people. I will meet you at the gate so say hi and hope for a scratch or two.
Odin
I am learning my way of feeling safe. My racing life created a lot of stress
Bragnar our young Clydesdale and Braemar our yealing Shire. Both sweet boys.
Formal Bio​
Joanne has spent over 30 years developing clinical skills from diverse fields, supporting families and individuals with mental health, neurodevelopmental, and neurological conditions. Joanne is a Clinical Occupational Therapist and completed a Master's in Psychology while residing in Florida, USA for 23 years. She also pursued many clinical specialisations; Board Certification in Neurofeedback, biofeedback, iLs Focus and Pro Systems, Sensory Integration Certification, the Safe and Sound Protocol, Rest & Restore Protocol, EMDR Practitioner, ARCH trained, and other physical and mental health training, to name a few. She was accepted into the PhD program at the School of Psychology, La Trobe University, Melbourne.
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Joanne is also the Clinical Director at Integrated Listening Australia, the official distributor for Australia and New Zealand for Dr Porges' Safe and Sound Protocol. She provides clinical mentorship, workshops, and continuing education classes. Joanne provided a series of webinars for the Australian Psychological Society and Occupational Therapy Australia about Polyvagal Theory, Neuroplasticity, Neurobiology of Stress, and Heart Rate Variability. Joanne is also a Director at Polyvagal Academy Australia