Cardinia Equine & Animal Assisted Counselling

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Meet Suzanne – Counsellor, Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapist, and Play Therapist

 Suzanne is a fully qualified and registered Counsellor, Equine and Animal-Assisted Psychotherapist, and a certified Humanistic and Interplay Play Therapist with Interplay – Play Therapy Australia. She is a licensed Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP™) Facilitator, supporting parents and caregivers to build secure, healthy relationships with their children.

Living and working on her 90-acre therapeutic farm, Kiltie Park in Catani, Victoria, Suzanne offers a unique, nature and animal-based counselling experience alongside her deeply attuned team of therapy animals. Her approach integrates equine and animal-assisted psychotherapy, play therapy, and creative counselling, supporting children, adolescents, and adults from all walks of life.

Suzanne’s work is trauma-informed, person-centred, and grounded in attachment theory, polyvagal-informed practice, and humanistic psychotherapy. She believes that healing happens through safe relationships, nature, and connection. Her sessions are gentle, collaborative, and paced to meet each client where they are. Using evidence-based and experiential methods—such as expressive, sensory, and nature-based interventions—she creates space for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and growth.

Originally from Scotland, Suzanne moved to Australia at 18. With a strong background across the corporate and agricultural sectors and a lifelong love of animals, she brings rich lived experience to her therapeutic practice. After experiencing workplace trauma and burnout, Suzanne made the courageous decision to realign her life with her values. Her training through the Equine Psychotherapy Institute in Daylesford was both life-saving and life-changing, inspiring her to dedicate her career to supporting others on their own healing journeys.

Kiltie Park is home to a joyful herd of therapy animals—including horses, goats, sheep, cows, cats, and birds—each playing a special role in supporting emotional growth and regulation. Whether through playful engagement, quiet companionship, or reflective time in nature, Suzanne’s clients find safety, authenticity, and connection—a space to simply be.

Suzanne’s practice embodies warmth, integrity, and deep respect for the individuality of each client. Her commitment to ethical, heart-centred, and evidence-informed care ensures that every person who steps onto the farm feels seen, valued, and supported on their journey toward wellbeing.

• Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapist – Equine Psychotherapy Institute
• Professional Registered Counsellor – Australian Counselling Association (ACA) 
• Registered Practitioner – Australian Register of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (ARCAP) 
• Certified Humanistic Play Therapist, Interplay (Clinical) Therapist and Senior Facilitator  – Interplay, Play Therapy Australia 
• Licensed COSP™ Facilitator – Circle of Security International 
• Level 1 & Level 2 Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ – International Institute for Animal Assisted Play Therapy™ 
• Horse Powered Reading™ Certified Facilitator
• Regsitered Mental Health Practitioner, Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Association  
• Diploma of Mental Health, 
• Associate Degree in Applied Science and Laboratory Technology 
• Tertiary Qualifications in Agriculture and Competitive Systems
   

 Suzanne’s lived experience of trauma and mental health challenges, together with extensive professional training, allows her to support clients with authenticity, compassion, and deep insight. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in the healing power of nature, safe relationships, and the presence of animals—creating a space where people of all ages can reconnect, grow, and thrive. 

Shannon is a qualified and dedicated Mental Health Practitioner, bringing 29 years of experience in education and disability support to her practice. A passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals and those with disabilities, Shannon’s personal journey as a mother of two adult children, including one who is Autistic, deeply informs her professional work. 

Shannon's career began as an Early Childhood Educator and Mothercraft Nurse, where she built a strong foundation for nurturing young minds. She later transitioned into the roles of a Primary School Kitchen Garden Teacher and Education Support, working closely with children experiencing trauma, complex behaviours, and diverse disabilities to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

In addition to her clinical and educational roles, Shannon flourished as a Café Owner, providing meaningful employment opportunities for adult disability workers and fostering warm, community-centred spaces. Shannon is dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges by promoting the development of social and independent skills while providing therapeutic services.  

With qualifications in Early Childhood Development, Mental Health, Signed English, and Auslan, Shannon communicates effectively with a wide range of individuals, including members of the deaf community.

Known for her empathetic, approachable demeanour and LGBTQ+ friendly stance, Shannon has also supported those facing depression, anxiety disorders, and substance use issues. Shannon's passion for learning and growing shines through in everything she does. 

Every day, Shannon is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of those she serves, always seeking new ways to help and support others. As a counsellor in training, Shannon is excited to continue expanding her skills and deepening her care for the community.

Shannon is a registered practitioner with the Australia and New Zealand Mental Health Association and has capacity Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and every 2nd Thursday. 

Zoe is a dedicated Counsellor and Psychotherapist with a deep commitment to fostering healing, growth, and self-discovery. She believes that every individual has the capacity to self-actualise and embrace their most authentic self, given the right support and therapeutic relationships. She is passionate about the power of creative expression and connection to nature as healing modalities, and she strives to create a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their inner and outer worlds.

With a diverse background spanning construction, farming, hospitality, and childcare, Zoe brings a wealth of life experience and a deep appreciation for the many different paths people walk. Before pursuing counselling and psychotherapy, she also studied holistic lifestyle coaching, shaping her strong belief in the importance of a holistic approach to mental health and wellbeing.

Zoe has a special interest in working with neurodivergent youth and adolescents, as well as those navigating anxiety, eating disorders, and depression. As a neurodivergent person herself, she has faced her own mental health challenges, fuelling her passion to support others with similar experiences. 

While she has a particular focus on these areas, Zoe warmly welcomes individuals of all ages and backgrounds into her practice, offering a compassionate and inclusive space for healing and transformation.