Meet our team of therapists
At Unicorn Valley Therapies, our skilled team combines the healing power of equine-assisted therapy with compassionate, creative approaches to well-being. We’re here to provide a safe, supportive space for growth, resilience, and reconnecting with your true self. Meet our team of therapists, each dedicated to guiding you on your healing journey.
Andrea Hegmann
Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Registered, B.A., Hons, PgDipCounsel,
Equine Assisted Learning Practitioner, Director/Owner
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Andrea brings over 30 years of experience in equine instruction, counselling, and equine-assisted learning. A passionate educator, Andrea holds qualifications from Melbourne, La Trobe, and Swinburne universities, including a Diploma in Education, Graduate Diploma of Counselling, Bachelor of Arts Hons, and certifications in Equine Assisted Learning.
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Andrea founded Unicorn Valley in 1998, starting with just a handful of ponies and a small menage. Through her dedication, the business grew into a thriving centre for equine-assisted learning and horsemanship, featuring advanced facilities like an outdoor menage, cross-country course, and indoor stables.
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Andrea is committed to nurturing growth and connection through the unique bond between people and horses. Her programs focus on developing essential skills such as communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy, helping children and adolescents build stronger relationships and self-awareness.
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Andrea combines the power of positive Psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the transformative experience of Equine therapy. This unique approach allows clients to engage in meaningful therapeutic work alongside horses, fostering personal growth and emotional healing in a supportive and dynamic environment. Horses are naturally aware of human emotions, providing immediate feedback that enhances self-awareness and emotional regulation.
Coupled with CBT techniques , clients can develop practical coping strategies, challenge negative thought patterns, and build resilience in real-time. Whether you're working through anxiety, stress or trauma Equine assisted therapy offers a holistic path to healing, helping you unlock deeper insights while connecting with our incredible animals.
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“I love watching our clients develop and grow through their interactions with horses,” says Andrea. "It’s a truly rewarding journey."
Liat Kremer
M.A., AThR, Expressive Art Therapist
Liat is a highly experienced expressive art therapist specializing in trauma-informed care, creative art therapy, and mindfulness. With over 10 years of experience, including 5 years in special needs education overseas, Liat has supported children, adolescents, and families through challenges like trauma, anxiety, grief, and neurodiversity.
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In private practice, Liat focuses on emotional well-being, self-regulation, and fostering growth through creative interventions such as art, movement, breathwork, and mindfulness. Her client-centered approach emphasizes collaboration, empowerment, and creative self-expression, particularly for neurodiverse individuals.
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A professional member of ANZACATA, Liat is fluent in English, Hebrew, and Russian, ensuring an inclusive and accessible practice. She is passionate about integrating neuroscience with creative therapies to provide a nurturing space for healing and personal growth.
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At Unicorn Valley, Liat embraces the intersection of nature, creativity, and therapy to help clients reconnect with their true selves and find balance in today’s fast-paced world.
Louise Hickey
Dip Teaching, post Grad Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language, post Grad Diploma in Counselling
Louise's 35 years of experience includes working in TAFE and university settings, supporting adolescents, emerging adults, and adults through life’s challenges and transitions. She takes a client-centered approach, valuing presence, respect, and empathy to create a reflective and safe space where clients feel truly heard and understood.
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With a foundation in Carl Rogers’ person-centred therapy, Louise incorporates emotional literacy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and self-compassion techniques to help clients navigate anxiety, self-esteem, relationships, and major life changes. She offers counselling, coaching, and support to guide clients toward clarity, confidence, and meaningful growth.
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Outside of her practice, Louise enjoys spending time with her family, walking her dogs, and volunteering with foster care support organisations. She also practices yoga and mindfulness to navigate life’s challenges. Having experienced therapy herself, she understands the courage it takes to seek support and is dedicated to providing a compassionate space for others to take that step.
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To make a booking enquiry, please email loumargh@gmail.com
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Melanie Anderson
Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, ACA Member
Melanie is a dedicated mental health professional, counsellor, and psychotherapist. She holds a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy and is currently expanding her expertise through the Integrated Couples Counselling Course at Relationships Australia. With a deep commitment to client-centred, evidence-based care, Melanie supports individuals, couples, and families in navigating complex challenges, including trauma, grief, relationships, self-identity, and mental health concerns.
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Melanie’s professional journey includes roles as a Mental Health Support Worker, Counsellor, Volunteer Phone Support Worker, administrator, and artist, where she has provided compassionate support to diverse populations.
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Her therapeutic approach is informed by Psychoanalysis, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and art therapy, integrating creative and evidence-based techniques to foster resilience and personal growth. In addition to her clinical experience, Melanie has worked extensively in the arts and environmental sectors, showcasing her versatility, leadership, and commitment to community engagement.
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Passionate about lifelong learning, she actively participates in professional development, including Freudian School of Melbourne seminars, and is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). With a strong foundation in mental health support, counselling, and psychotherapy, Melanie is dedicated to creating meaningful change in the lives of those she works with.
To make a booking enquiry, please email melsanderson@hotmail.com
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