Suzanne Underwood has personally experienced the personal growth and enhanced wellbeing that can be gained from having a connection with animals and the natural environment. The nourishment, regulation, teachings, and deep sense of relatedness that the natural world and horses has offered her has been the driving force behind establishing the outdoor therapy services at Nature’s Therapy Room® where she offers Equine Assisted Therapy, Nature Based Therapy and Outdoor Psychology services.
As a psychologist she has worked alongside specialist healthcare multidisciplinary teams, the criminal justice system, the domestic violence sector, and in private mental health hospital facilities. She has worked with children, teens and adults who have presented with a multitude of differing mental health conditions.
Suzanne has pioneered psychological services into pre-existing programs, has been awarded Australian Federal Government contracts to act on their behalf, and has successfully founded, directed and managed her own businesses.
In 2017, Suzanne was excited to move away from the indoor clinical settings and take a step out into the fresh air with the establishment of her Equine Assisted Therapy practice. Horses have played a major role throughout Suzanne’s life providing her with opportunities to develop a depth of knowledge, skills and abilities in horsemanship. She feels privileged to be able to work alongside her trusty steeds Paddy, Toby and Koko.
Her vision is to deliver outdoor therapy services that are evidence based, trauma informed, and supports a person to be on the pathway of personal growth and inner peace. When she is not out with her horses and the great outdoors, she likes to spend time with her husband and dog Billy, photography, reading and attending to her vegie patch and chickens.
Suzanne holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with Honours and has completed all subjects and supervision components of a Doctor of Clinical Psychology Degree. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Society and is a Certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapist (EAP). She undergoes regular professional development to keep her skillset and knowledge base relevant and up to date.