Counselling and Wellbeing Services
I believe in supporting children early, giving them a safe space and trusted relationship to understand their feelings and build skills for life. Counselling sessions are delivered in a calm, confidential environment and are tailored to to the unique needs of each child.
Working with Children Families and Schools.
An overview of my counselling approach, therapeutic framework, and collaborative processes for supporting the wellbeing and development of children in partnership with families and schools.
-
My counselling approach is informed by over 10 years of experience as a primary school teacher and is grounded in child-centred support that is tailored to each child’s developmental and emotional needs. I provide a warm, safe, and inclusive space where children feel heard, respected, and supported. My work is delivered ethically and professionally in line with ACA standards, and I value working collaboratively with parents and carers to support each child’s wellbeing.
-
I understand that every child is unique and that seeking counselling can feel like an important step for families. My approach is gentle, respectful, and guided by each child’s individual needs and developmental stage. I support children by creating a safe and welcoming space, drawing on my experience as a primary school teacher to understand learning and school-related challenges, and helping children develop emotional awareness, coping skills, and confidence. I work collaboratively with parents and carers and, where appropriate, incorporate therapy-dog support with Winnie to help children feel calm and at ease. My focus is on helping children feel safe, understood, and supported as they develop skills to manage emotions, relationships, and everyday challenges.
-
Coming to counselling can feel like a big step for children and families. I aim to make the first session calm, supportive, and reassuring, focused on building rapport and understanding your child’s needs and strengths. Sessions are conducted at a gentle pace, with clear communication, and collaborative goal setting. Therapy-dog involvement occurs only where appropriate and with consent. If you’re unsure whether counselling is the right step for your child, I’m happy to discuss your concerns and talk through how support might look for your family.
-
I value working collaboratively with schools to support student wellbeing, engagement, and emotional development. My background as a primary school teacher informs my understanding of school environments, learning needs, and the importance of holistic support for students. I provide collaborative, ethically aligned wellbeing support informed by over 10 years’ experience in primary education. Flexible options are available for counselling and therapy-dog–assisted programs. Partnerships can be arranged as one-off supports, short-term interventions, or part of a broader wellbeing initiative.
-
Individual counselling provides a confidential and supportive space for children and young people to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Sessions are delivered in accordance with the ACA Code of Ethics and are tailored to the child’s developmental stage, individual needs, and therapeutic goals.
Counselling is grounded in a child-centred, strengths-based approach and may support emotional awareness, coping skills, confidence, and overall wellbeing. With consent, collaboration with parents, carers, schools, and other professionals may form part of the counselling process to best support the child.
Who is this for?
Individual counselling may be suitable for children and young people who:
Experience anxiety, worry, or emotional distress
Have difficulty managing emotions or coping with change
Are navigating social, friendship, or school-related challenges
Would benefit from additional emotional and wellbeing support
Fees
Individual Counselling Session - 50 minutes - $180
One-to-one counselling tailored to the child or young person
Delivered by an ACA-registered counsellor
Parent/carer collaboration included where appropriate and with consent
-
Animal-assisted therapy integrates the presence of a certified therapy dog as part of the counselling process to support engagement and emotional regulation. This approach is offered as an adjunct to counselling and is guided by ACA ethical principles, including informed consent, professional boundaries, and duty of care.
For some children, the presence of a therapy dog can help reduce anxiety, build trust, and support emotional expression. Participation is always guided by the child’s comfort level, preferences, and therapeutic goals, with the wellbeing of both the child and the therapy dog carefully monitored.
Who is this for?
Animal-assisted therapy may be suitable for children who:
Feel anxious or hesitant in traditional counselling settings
Find verbal expression challenging
Respond positively to animals and gentle interaction
Benefit from a calm, relational, and supportive approach
Fees
Animal-Assisted Counselling Session - 50 minutes - $180
Delivered as an adjunct to counselling
Includes the presence of a certified therapy dog where appropriate
Participation is optional and guided by the child’s comfort and needs
-
Therapy dog–assisted wellbeing sessions for schools, workplaces, and community groups
Paws for Wellbeing offers structured, therapy dog–assisted wellbeing sessions that support emotional wellbeing, connection, and positive engagement. These sessions are designed for schools, workplaces, and community groups and are delivered in line with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics.
Sessions are adaptable and may complement existing wellbeing initiatives. The presence of a certified therapy dog can help create a calm and supportive environment, encouraging emotional regulation, social connection, and engagement. Paws for Wellbeing focuses on promoting wellbeing rather than providing clinical therapy and does not replace individual counselling or psychological treatment.
All sessions prioritise safety, consent, professional boundaries, and the wellbeing of both participants and the therapy dog.
Who is this for?
Paws for Wellbeing may be suitable for:
School communities supporting student and staff wellbeing
Workplaces seeking to promote wellbeing and stress management
Community groups looking to enhance connection and emotional wellbeing
Settings where a gentle, inclusive wellbeing approach is appropriate
Fees
Single Wellbeing Session - Up to 60 - minutes - $250
Half-Day Wellbeing Visit - Up to 3 - hours - $800
Full-Day Wellbeing Visit - Up to 6 hours - $1,500
Ongoing / Term Packages - Quote on request
Pricing includes:
Certified therapy dog and professional handler
Planning and coordination
Session delivery within reasonable travel distance
Fees may vary based on location, group size, session structure, and preparation requirements. A personalised quote will be provided.