About sarah at Pawsitive Directions

Pawsitive Directions

Pawsitive Directions Animal Assisted Counselling is an ABN registered sole trader private practice business registered in Victoria, Australia since 2026.

After completing the diploma of counselling through Australian Institute of Professional Counselling, I decided to study Animal Assisted Psychotherapy with the Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy Institute in Victoria.

While also undertaking numerous short courses and research about methods that interest me especially around anxiety (generalised and social), depression, panic disorder and agoraphobia. I am Currently registered with ACA (Australian Counselling Association) as level 1 and hold the relevant insurance that includes working with animals, and actively engage in supervision to ensure best practice and support.

About Sarah

Animal Assisted Counselling allowed me the opportunity to

combine a lifelong love of animals and nature from growing up on cattle farms in South Gippsland (Leongatha), with dairy and beef cattle, chickens, horses, dogs, cats and native wildlife.

I have experienced my own lifelong battle with mental health, as well as actively supporting family members who. This is why I feel that I have a more lived experience view of the counselling process then those that have just completed the theory behind the course.

Giving me a more in-depth understanding, empathy and compassion not only for those currently going through mental health struggles but those providing care for loved ones with mental health conditions.

I have a particular passion for working with animals and women who have experienced chronic anxiety and depressive symptoms who have not found traditional talk therapy inside a clinical room helpful in the past, and that feel more comfortable around animals then people.

I am dedicated and enthusiastic about expanding my own knowledge, skills and experience to best support others that have faced challenges along their mental health journey but have the resilience to never give up and keep the hope alive.

Because there is always hope that we can head in a more Pawsitive Direction together on this journey!

At Pawsitive Directions

My Mission

At Pawsitive Directions, my mission is to provide individualised support to adult women while on their journey to reconnect with themselves, rediscovering their inner strength and sense of self with compassion and without judgement, with the assistance of nature, animals and their innate wisdom through personalised, integrative and creative counselling sessions.

I am dedicated to providing a safe, empathetic and compassionate space where healing unfolds at your own pace, guided by meaningful connection, emotional safety, and the grounding presence of animals and the natural world helping clients to find their own Pawsitive directions in life.

My Vision for Pawsitive Directions

I hope to be recognised as a trusted provider of animal assisted and nature-based counselling in Victoria and across Australia (online), known for ethical, personalised, and deeply supportive care for women with anxiety and depression.

I plan to expand into group programs around 'animal wisdom' in the near future as well as adding video games into sessions.

My Commitment to you

Is to offer a high-quality, evidence-based counselling service that gently integrates the support of animals and nature, while continually investing in ongoing training, professional development, ongoing supervision and personal counselling to ensure best practice is being upheld so that you receive thoughtful, ethical, and effective care.

Taking your needs, pace and personalised care plan into account during each session, while regularly checking in to ensure we are meeting your expectations for sessions.