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:
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 Ltd Australia directory Service Providers » Animal Therapies Ltd, Animals Helping Humans.
For someone closer or that provides services you are looking for.
Not at all.
You don't need a diagnosis, a label, or a mental health care plan to work with me. You don't have to be "unwell enough" or in crisis to deserve support.
Plenty of women reach out simply because something feels off, they're struggling to cope, or they just want a safe space to talk things through.
Whatever has brought you here is reason enough, and you're welcome exactly as you are.
Yes.
The bond we share with our animals is real and deep, and losing a pet can be one of the most painful experiences there is, yet it's a grief that often goes unacknowledged by the people around us.
If you're grieving an animal you loved, or navigating other kinds of loss and change, you're welcome here.
As someone whose life has always been shared with animals, I understand how significant that bond is, and how much it can hurt to lose it.
Your grief is valid, and you don't have to carry it alone.
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.
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.
So 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.
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.
Sessions are tailored to you, but may include:
There is no set “formula” your needs guide the process, and its important to be flexible depending on what comes up during the session so this is a basic guideline of what a general session might look like.
Your first session is always held online this allows you to have a relaxed, unhurried conversation from the comfort of your own home, so we can get to know each other and decide if working together is a good fit.
There's no pressure to share everything at once, it can be retraumatising and unhelpful to retell your life story in one go especially to a stranger you don't know.
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.
That's completely okay, you are human and its natural to express emotions during difficult conversations.
Neither of us are robots and sessions are a safe space for whatever you're feeling, there's no need to hold it together or apologise for tears.
Getting emotional isn't a sign of weakness or that something's gone wrong; often it's a sign that something important is being touched on that we can have open curiosity about once you have expressed the emotion and feeling able to proceed.
We go at your pace, and if you need to pause, breathe, or sit quietly for a moment, that's always welcome. You never have to hide your emotions or pretend to be okay during our sessions.
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.
I offer sessions across the week, including evenings and weekends, so you can find a time that fits around work, family, and everything else you're carrying.
Evening online sessions are available for women who can't make daytime appointments.
My current availability is shown in my online booking system, and if you can't see a time that works for you, please reach out, I'll always do my best to find something that suits.
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.
Getting started is simple: