What is Animal assisted counselling?

Animal Assisted Counselling is a gentle, integrative approach to therapy that invites animals into the counselling space as supportive companions in the healing process.

Pawsitive Directions does not believe in animals being “used” as part of treatment, animals are respected as sentient beings who naturally bring a sense of calm, presence, and connection. Their quiet, non-judgemental way of being can help you feel more at ease, support emotional regulation, and create space for deeper reflection and understanding.

For many people, animals can make it easier to open up, feel grounded, and reconnect with themselves in a way that feels safe and natural. Animals are only ever invited to be involved with sessions in a gentle, optional and guided way that works for the client and animal with safe rest areas the animal can remove themselves to when they feel like it.

Some clients choose active involvement, while others prefer a quieter, observational presence—or no animal involvement at all.

There is no right or wrong way—only what feels safe and right.

Who animal assisted counselling can support

Animal Assisted Counselling at Pawsitive Directions is designed to support adult women experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional overwhelm. By gently integrating the calming presence of animals and the grounding support of nature, this approach can help you feel more at ease, build emotional regulation, and reconnect with yourself in a way that feels safe and natural. Sessions are personalised to your needs, offering a compassionate space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace.

I am also happy to help search for a provider if you have a child or Adult male that would like to attend Equine or Animal Assisted or visit Institute Alumni - Our Practitioners In An Area Near You

how can animal assisted sessions help support you

Animal Assisted Counselling offers a gentle, relational approach to supporting anxiety and depression by combining therapeutic conversation with the calming presence of animals and, at times, nature.

Research and clinical experience show that the inclusion of animals can support emotional wellbeing in several meaningful ways:

Supporting emotional regulation
Reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation
Creating a sense of safety and trust
Encouraging gentle engagement and motivation
Supporting mindfulness and present-moment awareness
Strengthening emotional connection and self-compassion

Animal Assisted Counselling is a gentle, evidence-informed approach that works to enhance traditional therapy and techniques. It aims to Support nervous system regulation, strengthen the therapeutic relationship especially when humans are considered unsafe, and working with animals and nature allows us to create a more engaging and personalised experience!

WHAT SESSIONS MIGHT LOOK LIKE

Animal Assisted Counselling sessions are gentle, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs. In your initial session, I will take time to get to know you and develop a collaborative care plan, exploring your goals, preferences, and how you would like to work—this may include animals, nature, or a more traditional counselling approach with or without creative therapies. In ongoing sessions, we begin with a brief check-in to understand how you’re feeling and identify what you would like to focus on. We then incorporate grounding and regulation practices, including breathing and mindfulness, to help you feel settled and present in the here and now. Where relevant, we will also review any safety guidelines specific to your chosen session type (e.g. in-person, walk and talk, online, or working with animals). The main part of the session is guided by you and may include:

Talk-based counselling
Reflective or mindfulness-based practices
Experiential interactions with animals, or observational
Nature-based experiences (where appropriate)

We will then take time for reflection, allowing you to process what has come up during the session. Regulating and ensuring you are in a good space to continue with your day. Before finishing, we may discuss any optional between-session supports or practices, and ensure your next session is booked, so you feel supported moving forward.

WHAT ANIMAL ASSISTED COUNSELLING IS NOT

Animal Assisted Counselling can sometimes be misunderstood, so it’s important to clarify what this approach is NOT.

It is not counselling animals. (As Smoosh is demonstrating in the image)
It is not providing behavior training or guidance for assistance animals
It is not about 'USING' animals as tools during sessions
It is not a replacement for counselling, animal assisted counselling is still counselling provided by a trained qualified professional who works with animals and nature as an additional professional therapeutic support.
It is not forced interaction or for entertainment
It is not about doing it 'right', animal assisted counselling is all about exploration and experiences along side the animals and nature.
It is not One-size-fits-all, every session is personalised to meet the clients needs and animal involvement may look different depending on the type of session, your preferences and the needs of the animals.

support between sessions

Pawsitive Directions is not a crisis or emergency support service.If you require immediate or additional support between sessions, please reach out to one of the following services:

Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 (24/7)
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467 (24/7)
Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636
eheadspace – Online chat support
Emergency Services Australia – Call 000 if you are in immediate danger

You are encouraged to seek support whenever you need it. Reaching out—whether to a trusted person or a support service—is an important step in caring for yourself.

WHY I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THIS WORKS

Unlike traditional therapy settings that can sometimes feel clinical, intimidating or even an interrogation, animal assisted counselling offers a more relaxed, welcoming environment—one that supports comfort, ease, and a sense of connection from the moment you arrive.

Sessions are designed to feel safe and supportive, and may include gentle observation or interaction with animals, time in nature, or even noticing wildlife in the environment—always guided by what feels right for you, at your own pace.

Blending Evidence-based therapy with real-life connection.

While the environment may feel different, the therapeutic work remains grounded in evidence-based approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other integrative methods.

What makes this approach unique is the way your sessions are personalised to you—your needs, your preferences, and even your interests—creating a more engaging, meaningful, and experiential way to explore challenges and support growth.

With the gentle support of animals and nature, therapy can feel more natural, accessible, and connected to everyday life.

No two sessions will ever be the same with flexible, personalised sessions incorporated into the different service types.

Walk and talk sessions in particular offer a unique opportunity to move gently while exploring thoughts and emotions, or simply pausing and being present in the moment.

For many people, being outdoors can make it easier to open up, feel grounded, and step away from the pressures of daily life.

If you’re unsure whether this approach feels like the right fit, you’re warmly invited to reach out.

You can book a free 15-minute chat or send an email—whatever feels most comfortable for you—and we can explore whether this style of counselling aligns with your needs.