Frequently Asked Questions

This approach can support people of all ages and genders however at pawsitive directions we focus on supporting adult women experiencing:

• Anxiety (general and social)
• Depression 
• Stress and overwhelm 
• Emotional disconnection 

 This approach may suit you if you:

• Feel more comfortable in relaxed or non-clinical environments 
• Love animals or feel calmer around them 
• Experience anxiety, overwhelm, or emotional disconnection 
• Prefer a more flexible and personalised therapy experience

Unlike traditional counselling in a clinical office, sessions at Pawsitive Directions can include:

• Animal Assisted Counselling 
• Nature-based or outdoor sessions 
• Walk & Talk therapy 
• Working in your own home or a familiar environment 

This approach often feels more relaxed, natural, and supportive—especially if you find traditional settings overwhelming.

Session fees reflect more than just the time we spend together.

They include:

• Personalised session planning and preparation 
• Integration of animal-assisted and/or nature-based approaches 
• Travel and setup for mobile sessions (where applicable) 
• Clinical notes and ongoing care planning 

This allows for a more flexible and individualised therapeutic experience.

Each session includes + 30 minutes additional professional time for:

• Clinical notes 
• Session planning 
• Tailoring approaches to your needs 
• Animal welfare considerations 

This ensures your care is thoughtful, consistent, and personalised.

Yes 😊

A 25% welcome offer is available for your first and second session to support you getting started.

There are also shorter online sessions available if you’re looking for a lower-cost option.

As well as bundle options that can be discussed.

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:

• Client safety and informed consent 
• Animal welfare and ethical inclusion 
• Scope of practice and professional standards
• Continued education to ensure they are providing best practice services for their clients
• Attending regular supervision provided by registered supervisors in the animal and equine assisted fields

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:

• Carefully assessed for temperament and suitability 
• Comfortable in the environments they are working in 
• Monitored for stress and wellbeing at all times 

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.

Yes—depending on the type of session you choose, you are welcome to include your own animal.

This is often possible for:

• Online sessions 
• In-home counselling (clients home)
• Walk and talk therapy 
• Public space sessions 

Working with your own animal can be especially beneficial, as it allows you to:

• Continue therapeutic practices between sessions 
• Strengthen your existing bond 
• Integrate support into your everyday environment 

We will always guide you on whether your animal is suitable for inclusion in a safe and supportive way.

Animal Assisted Counselling is supported by a growing body of research showing benefits for:

• Anxiety and stress reduction 
• Emotional regulation 
• Building trust and therapeutic engagement 
• Reducing feelings of isolation 

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:

• Calm the nervous system 
• Reduce feelings of isolation 
• Support emotional regulation 
• Increase engagement in therapy 

This approach works alongside evidence-based counselling methods to create a more supportive and personalised experience.

Sessions are tailored to you, but may include:

• Checking in about the client would like to discuss during the session
• Regulation (breathing, grounding and resourcing)
• Talking through current challenges 
• Reflective or mindfulness-based exercises 
• Gentle interaction or observation of animals 
• Nature-based grounding (where applicable) 
• Check out about what the client found helpful through the session
• If AI note taking is being used a summary of the session can be sent to the client to review between sessions.

There is no set “formula”—your needs guide the process.

As with any counselling approach, there are considerations such as:

• Allergies or sensitivities to animals 
• Emotional responses during therapy 
• Environmental factors (for outdoor sessions) 

These are discussed with you beforehand, and appropriate risk management is in place.

Animal Assisted Counselling can be helpful for many people, particularly those experiencing:

• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Stress or overwhelm 
• Disconnection or burnout 

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 completely okay.

You may:

• Work with the counsellor’s animals (in applicable sessions) 
• Engage with nature 
• Or choose a traditional counselling approach without animals

Animal welfare is a core priority.

This includes:

• Monitoring for stress signals 
• Limiting session involvement and working hours 
• Providing rest breaks 
• Ensuring animals can choose whether to engage 

Animals are never forced to participate.

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.

No referral is required.

You can book directly through our online system and complete your intake forms prior to your first session.

Yes.

Travel and setup time are already included in:

• Walk & Talk sessions 
• Public space sessions 
• In-home sessions 

There are no additional travel fees, unless discussed prior to booking.

Yes.

You can book:

• 30-minute online sessions 
• 30-minute check-ins (for returning clients) 

These are great for ongoing support between longer sessions.

Getting started is simple:

1. Choose the type of session that suits you 
2. Book a online session via our secure system 
3. Complete your intake and consent forms 
4. Begin your journey at your own pace