Meet Meagan Chivers

The Founder and Counsellor @ Pinecrest Farm

Welcome to Pinecrest Farm, a long held dream that is now a reality.

Meagan's journey to becoming a counsellor is truly inspiring. After over a decade spent in various roles, from crafting boots at Blundstone to cleaning for Rentokil and working as an assistant manager for Bennetts Petroleum, she found her true calling.

In 2015 Meagan completed a Diploma in Community Services, and with a keen interest in wanting to help people, started working at Relationships Australia, from there Meagan's life goals started to evolve.

In 2017 At the age of 33, she took a bold step, enrolling in university, whilst working full time, to pursue a degree in Counselling. Her determination paid off, and at age 36 she graduated, ready to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Meagan's journey is a testament to resilience and determination, as she was nominated and became a finalist in the Belief category of the Weekly Times & Harvey Norman 2022 Shine Awards. This prestigious award celebrates the remarkable achievements of rural and regional women, highlighting their contributions and inspiring stories. Meagan's recognition is not just an honour; it reflects her commitment to making a positive impact in rural and remote communities.

Meagan's motivation is both simple and profound: "I believe it's important to meet people where they are, to ensure they feel heard and not confined to a label. My goal is to provide the support I wish I had received years ago."

Meagan has a naturally easy going, unbiased and approachable nature, with her professional counselling approach being trauma informed, eclectic and adjustable interventions based on the needs of the person seeking therapy.

Meagan is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. With a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, Meagan aims to help people navigate challenges, build resilience, and achieve personal growth.

Expertise and Experience

Professional Qualifications

Education

Meagan has undertaken a Bachelor of Counselling from the Australian College of Applied Psychology (ACAP) and undertakes ongoing professional development to maintain competence, stay updated on best practices, and enhance their ability to provide effective and ethical care to clients.

Meagan has also completed specialist training in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy with the Equine & Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute, alongside professional development with Kylie Peters of Groundwork Therapy.

Certifications

Meagan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and is listed on the Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP).

PACFA regulates the training and practice of its members to the highest standards of safety, quality and professionalism.

Meagan is also a certified Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Practitioner, and a professional member registered with Animal Therapies LTD.

Experience

Meagan has 10 years experience working for not-for-Profits such as Relationships Australia, Partners in Recovery and The Royal Flying Doctor Service Tas ( RFDS), and has worked with diverse populations facing various mental health challenges.

Meagan has worked with RFDS as a mental health worker providing vital support to both adults and youth in rural and remote Tasmania since 2019.

In 2024, Meagan started as the Team Lead of the RFDS Tas Mental Health Services, where she still works alongside Pinecrest Farm. Meagan plays a crucial role in supporting and supervising the mental health staff, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure that the RFDS programs continue to deliver exceptional care and support to those in need.

Specialisations

Meagan has knowledge, skills and experience in a wide variety of counselling styles and modalities, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness practices to provide holistic support.

Meagan also specialises in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) .

Meagan's areas of expertise include, but are not limited to, youth and adult mental health, anxiety, depression, trauma recovery, PTSD, relationship difficulties and grief and loss.

Meagan is dedicated to helping individuals overcome whatever obstacles they are experiencing and lead fulfilling lives.

Approach

Meagan believes that the most important factor toward a positive therapeutic outcome is the safe relationships that develop between the client and the therapist, and the horse/s if engaging equine assisted therapies.

Meagan's therapeutic approach is tailored to each individual's unique needs, drawing from various modalities to create a personalized experience that fosters healing and self-discovery.

Meagan's EAP approach has been developed with underpinnings from The Equine & Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute's AWARE Approach™ and Groundwork Therapy and the AIA Invitational Approach™

Values and Mission Statement

At Pinecrest Farm, we are dedicated to creating a welcoming environment that prioritizes mental health and personal growth.

With compassion, empathy, and authenticity at our core, Pinecrest Farm's mission is to foster a safe, respectful, and non-judgmental space where everyone feels understood and valued.

Media
New move for Meagan with equine therapy clinic, Tas Country, Jan 2025.

How You Can Support Your Youth's Mental Health, RFDS Tasmania, Jan 2025.

Shining, boots and all, Northern Midlands Courier, Dec 2022.

YouTube Clip from RA TAS, 25 Oct 2017.
Meagan never could have dreamed that 8 years later Pinecrest Farm would be a reality!