Public Space Counselling - Flexible, real-world therapy

Experience a more natural and flexible approach to therapy with public space counselling in Mickleham, Leongatha or Narre Warren. 

At Pawsitive Directions, sessions can take place in calm, neutral environments such as cafés, quiet outdoor seating areas, or other agreed public spaces such as Zoo's, pet stores, reserves etc.

This approach supports you to engage in counselling in a way that feels less clinical and more connected to everyday life.

Public space counselling involves meeting in a mutually agreed location that feels safe, comfortable, and appropriate for therapeutic work.

Sessions may take place in:

• Quiet cafés 
• Outdoor seating areas 
• Community spaces 
• Calm public environments 

If financially viable, sessions could also be held at paid venues such as aquariums, zoo's or nature reserves depending on location and accessibility.

All sessions use integrative, evidence-based counselling approaches, adapted to suit a more open and flexible setting.

Public space sessions can:

• Feel more relaxed and conversational 
• Reduce anxiety linked to formal therapy settings 
• Support gradual exposure for social anxiety 
• Help you practice coping strategies in real-life environments 

This style of counselling gently bridges the gap between therapy and everyday life.

Public space counselling includes flexible session lengths to suit your needs:

• 60-minute session + 30 min admin/travel
  Standard session for ongoing support 
• 90-minute session + 30 min admin/travel
  Extended sessions for deeper exploration 

Pricing:
Public space sessions are typically slightly higher than standard in-room sessions due to:

• Travel time between locations 
• Time required to set up and ensure a safe, appropriate environment 
• Additional planning to maintain confidentiality and professional standards 

(Exact pricing is available at booking.)

• Comfortable & Less Clinical
      Meet in environments that feel more natural and familiar 
• Supports Social Confidence
      Ideal for working through social anxiety or avoidance 
• Real-Life Integration
      Practice strategies in the environments where challenges occur 
• Flexible & Engaging
      A dynamic and adaptable approach to therapy 
• Optional Animal Inclusion
      Where appropriate, your own animal companion may be included 

To ensure safety and ethical practice:

• Privacy Limitations
      Complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in public settings 
• Environmental Factors
      Noise, weather, and other people may impact sessions 
• Pre-Agreed Locations Only
      All locations are chosen collaboratively to ensure suitability and accessibility
• Professional Boundaries
      Clear boundaries are maintained to ensure a safe and respectful experience      

Public space counselling may include:

• Your own animal companion (where appropriate and safe) 
• Observing nature or wildlife 
• Observing animals in enclosures 
• Grounding and exposure-based therapeutic support 

All animal involvement is guided by welfare, consent, and safety.

This approach may suit you if you:

• Feel more comfortable outside traditional therapy rooms 
• Want a flexible, informal counselling environment 
• Are working through social anxiety or confidence-building 
• Prefer therapy integrated into real-life settings 

We will explore your preferences and suitability during your initial session.