Public Space Counselling - Mickleham & Narre Warren

Public space counselling means meeting somewhere that feels safe and appropriate for the work we're doing together. 

Rather than a fixed office, the location is chosen collaboratively — somewhere that suits your comfort, your goals, and the nature of the session.

Sessions use the same integrative, evidence-based counselling approaches as all Pawsitive Directions services, adapted for a more open and flexible environment. 

Possible locations include quiet cafés, outdoor seating areas, community spaces, and calm public environments.

Meeting outdoors or in familiar community spaces can feel more relaxed and less intimidating than a traditional therapy room. 

Being in a real-world setting reduces the clinical feel of the session, which for many women makes it easier to open up and do meaningful work. 

Public space sessions can also support gradual exposure for social anxiety and help you practise coping strategies in the environments where challenges actually occur — bridging therapy and everyday life in a way that office-based sessions sometimes can't. 

Where appropriate, public space sessions can gently incorporate your own animal companion, observation of wildlife or animals in natural and managed environments, and grounding and nature-based therapeutic practices. 

All animal involvement is guided by welfare, consent, and safety — animals are never required to participate. 

To ensure your safety and comfort in a public setting, please keep the following in mind before booking.

Complete confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in public environments. 

We will always choose quieter locations that minimise the likelihood of being overheard or interrupted, and privacy considerations will be discussed together before your first session.

Noise, weather, and other people may occasionally affect the session environment. We will always have an alternative plan in place.

All locations are chosen collaboratively to ensure they feel safe, accessible, and appropriate for therapeutic work.

Clear professional boundaries are maintained in all settings, and your safety and comfort are always the primary consideration.

Public space counselling takes place in shared environments and carries some specific considerations that differ from indoor or home-based counselling. 

Before your first session we will discuss and agree on a suitable meeting location, a backup plan if the environment is unsuitable on the day, how privacy will be managed, and any accessibility needs that may affect your comfort. 

By proceeding with public space counselling you acknowledge that you have read and understood these considerations. 

Full informed consent documentation will be provided and completed prior to your first session. 

Public space counselling is not a crisis or emergency service. 

If you are in immediate distress, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or call 000. 

This approach may suit you if: 

• You feel more comfortable outside traditional therapy rooms

• Prefer a flexible and informal counselling environment

• Are working through social anxiety or building confidence in everyday settings

• Simply want therapy that feels more connected to real life

We'll explore your preferences and suitability together during your initial session. 

For returning clients, occasional sessions at special locations — including Melbourne Zoo and the Melbourne Aquarium — may be available throughout the year. 

These sessions are offered on selected dates and are a unique opportunity to combine therapeutic work with meaningful animal and nature experiences. 

Keep an eye on this section or join the mailing list to be notified when dates are released. 

Your first step is a free 15-minute introductory call — a no-pressure conversation to see if we're a good fit and to explore which session format works best for you.