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Still Have Questions?
You are always welcome to reach out before booking for a FREE 15 minute phone consultation to see if this service is right for you! We’re here to support you in finding an approach that feels safe, comfortable, and aligned with you.
This approach can support people of all ages and genders however at pawsitive directions we focus on supporting adult women experiencing:
This approach may suit you if you:
Animal Assisted Counselling can be helpful for many people, particularly those experiencing:
However, it may not be suitable in all situations, and I will work with you to determine the best approach for your needs.
If you have a child or family member you feel would benefit from equine or animal assisted counselling please visit the list of alumni on: Institute Alumni - Our Practitioners In An Area Near You or animal therapies limit Australia directory Service Providers » Animal Therapies Ltd, Animals Helping Humans.
For someone closer or that provides services you are looking for.
That's more common than you might think — and it doesn't mean counselling can't work for you.
It often means the format, setting, or approach wasn't the right fit.
Pawsitive Directions offers something genuinely different from traditional talk therapy in a clinical room.
If sitting across from someone in an office has never felt comfortable, working outdoors, in your own home, or alongside animals can change the experience entirely.
If you've been put off by counselling before, the free 15-minute introductory call is a no-pressure way to see whether this approach feels different — there's no commitment required beyond that conversation.
Unlike traditional counselling in a clinical office, sessions at Pawsitive Directions can include:
This approach often feels more relaxed, natural, and supportive—especially if you find traditional settings overwhelming.
Animal Assisted Counselling is an emerging and growing area of practice in Australia.
While it is not a separately regulated profession, it is typically delivered by qualified counsellors who are aligned with professional bodies such as the Australian Counselling Association and/or International Institute for Complementary Therapists. And holds relevant Insurance through these governing bodies.
Practitioners are expected to follow ethical guidelines, including but not limited to:
Animal Assisted Counselling is supported by a growing body of research showing benefits for:
It is not a standalone treatment, but rather an integrative approach that works alongside established counselling methods.
At Pawsitive Directions, animal-assisted experiences are thoughtfully incorporated into a professional counselling framework to ensure your support is both meaningful and ethically grounded.
Research and clinical experience show that animals can help:
This approach works alongside evidence-based counselling methods to create a more supportive and personalised experience.
Sessions are tailored to you, but may include:
There is no set “formula”—your needs guide the process.
Your first session is always held online — a relaxed, unhurried conversation from the comfort of your own home.
There's no pressure to share everything at once.
We'll take time to get to know each other, talk through what's brought you here, and start building a picture of what support might look like for you.
Together we'll discuss which session format feels right going forward, whether that's continuing online or moving to one of the in-person options.
By the end of the session you'll have a clearer sense of the direction we're heading and what the next steps look like — at a pace that feels right for you.
Nothing at all.
Just yourself, somewhere reasonably private and comfortable to take the call, and a reliable internet or phone connection.
You don't need to prepare what you're going to say or have your story ready — the first session is designed to be a gentle introduction, not an assessment.
If your pet happens to wander in, they're very welcome to stay.
This is different for everyone and depends on what you're working through, your goals, and how you like to work.
Some people find a handful of sessions gives them what they need; others prefer longer-term ongoing support.
We talk about this together during your initial session and check in regularly to make sure the support is still meeting your needs.
There is no minimum commitment — you are always in control of your own care, and we'll adjust the plan as we go.
Yes, absolutely.
Many clients start with online sessions and move to walk and talk, in-home, or public space sessions as they get more comfortable — or mix formats depending on what they need from week to week.
We talk about this together and adjust your care plan as things evolve.
The goal is always to find the format that helps you do your best work, and that can change over time.
In Australia, there is currently no single national licensing body that regulates therapy animals specifically for counselling settings.
However, ethical and professional practice requires that animals involved in sessions are:
At Pawsitive Directions, animals are never forced to participate and are only included when it is safe, appropriate, and aligned with both your needs and the animal’s wellbeing. Which is in alignment with the qualification obtained through EAAPI Animal Assisted Psychotherapy.
Animal welfare is a core priority.
This includes:
Animals are never forced to participate.
Yes—depending on the type of session you choose, you are welcome to include your own animal.
This is often possible for:
Working with your own animal can be especially beneficial, as it allows you to:
We will always guide you on whether your animal is suitable for inclusion in a safe and supportive way.
That’s completely okay.
You may:
As with any counselling approach, there are considerations such as:
These are discussed with you beforehand, and appropriate risk management is in place.
Yes.
All sessions follow the same privacy and confidentiality standards and limitations as traditional counselling, in line with Australian professional guidelines.
However there are additional privacy considerations to consider when participating in walk and talk and public spaces sessions which will be discussed before any session is undertaken.
Session fees reflect more than just the time we spend together.
They include:
This allows for a more flexible and individualised therapeutic experience.
Yes 😊
Shorter 30-minute online check-in sessions are available for current and returning clients at $75, which can help maintain regular contact between longer sessions at a lower cost.
Bundle options can also be discussed — please reach out to talk through what works for your situation.
Currently Pawsitive Directions does not offer Medicare rebates, as counsellors are not registered under the Medicare Better Access scheme, which is limited to registered psychologists and certain other allied health providers.
If cost is a concern, please reach out before booking and we can talk through the options available to you.
Yes.
Travel and setup time are already included in:
There are no additional travel fees, unless discussed prior to booking.
No referral is required.
You can book directly through our online system and complete your intake forms prior to your first session.
Yes.
30-minute online check-in sessions are available for current and returning clients at $75.
These are a great option for maintaining momentum between longer sessions when time or budget is limited.
Please note that shorter sessions are only available online and are not offered as in-person, walk and talk, or public space sessions.
Getting started is simple: