MORE ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST

Professionally...

Dan Gillen has a:

Diploma of Counselling & Certified Equine Assisted Mental Health Practitioner through Equine Assisted Therapy Australia

Level 1 ACA (Australian Counselling Association)

Certificate in Trauma-Focused ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Course

Certificate in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training)

Certificate 3 in Carpentry

Apart of the Maryborough Fraser Coast Mates Committee

And Co-hosts the Annual Charity Event – Doing it Tuff

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Personally...

Dan pursued a footy career in his early years, playing Full Back and Winger for East Tigers Colts in Brisbane. Dan also completed his Carpentry trade whilst living there.

He spent 6 years working on Cattle Stations in the Northern Territory, and throughout this time lived for extended periods in New Zealand and Kenya, doing volunteer work and sailing up the Kenyan coast on a traditional sailing dhow.

Dan’s also spent time in India where he completed a Vipassana (10-day silent meditation) Retreat in Bod Ghia.

He’s even tried his hand at Bull Riding in multiple Rodeos and won a buckle for an Open Steer Ride!

A tragedy struck his family in 2021, re-directing the course of his life. He decided to combine his passion for horses with his purpose to help others improve their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Dan is now a Certified Counsellor and Equine Assisted Therapist, with an integrated trauma informed and person-centred approach.

He’s also an active part of the Fraser Coast Mates, a non-for-profit organisation which assists in providing counselling to those in need on the Fraser Coast.

And Co-hosts with his family the annual charity event ‘Doing it Tuff’.

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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

"Dan has a calm and steady presence that immediately helps people feel safe and supported. He draws on his own life experiences in a thoughtful and humble way, which allows him to connect with clients honestly and with genuine care.

In both the counselling room and the paddock, Dan is attentive and present. He reads people and horses alike with sensitivity and responds with patience and understanding, creating a space where growth and healing can happen naturally.

What stands out most about Dan is his integrity and the kindness he brings to every interaction. His empathy is evident in the way he listens, supports, and holds space for others. He works in a trauma-informed, client-centred way and continually reflects on his practice to ensure he is offering the best support possible.

Dan’s combination of personal insight, compassion, and steady presence makes him a skilled and grounded therapist. I am confident he will continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those he works with."

Jane Faulkner
Director
Equine Assisted Therapy Australia

Jason