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 certified Humanistic and Interplay Play Therapist with Interplay Play Therapy Australia. She is also a licensed Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP™) Facilitator, supporting parents and caregivers to build safe, secure, and connected relationships with their children.

Based on her 90-acre therapeutic farm, Kiltie Park in Catani, Victoria, Suzanne offers a unique counselling experience grounded in nature, relationship, and the healing presence of animals. Alongside her deeply attuned team of therapy animals, she provides equine- and animal-assisted psychotherapy, play therapy, and creative counselling for children, adolescents, and adults from all walks of life.

Suzanne’s work is trauma-informed, person-centred, and attachment-based, drawing on polyvagal-informed practice and humanistic psychotherapy. She believes that healing occurs through safety, connection, and attuned relationships, with both people and the natural world. Sessions are gentle, collaborative, and carefully paced, meeting each client exactly where they are. Using evidence-informed and experiential approaches, including expressive, sensory, and nature-based interventions, Suzanne supports emotional regulation, self-awareness, and meaningful growth.

Originally from Scotland, Suzanne moved to Australia at 18 and brings rich lived experience from both corporate and agricultural backgrounds, alongside a lifelong connection to animals. After experiencing workplace trauma and burnout, she made the courageous decision to realign her life with her values and purpose. Her training with the Equine Psychotherapy Institute in Daylesford was both life-changing and deeply affirming, inspiring her to dedicate her career to supporting others on their own healing journeys.

Kiltie Park is home to a diverse and much-loved group of therapy animals, including horses, goats, sheep, cows, cats, and birds, each playing a unique role in supporting emotional regulation, connection, and wellbeing. Whether through playful interaction, quiet companionship, or reflective time in nature, clients are offered a space of safety, authenticity, and belonging, a place to slow down and simply be.

Suzanne’s practice is grounded in warmth, integrity, and deep respect for the individuality of every person. Her commitment to ethical, heart-centred, and evidence-informed care ensures that all who step onto the farm feel 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) 
• Animal Therapies Ltd- Registered and Approved Animal-Assisted Services Australia Professional Member (including eligibility to participate in the ATL Mental Health Outreach and Pathways Program)
• 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 Diploma 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.

Siobhan is a compassionate and intuitive practitioner who specialises in equine-assisted psychotherapy, Breathwork, and mindfulness-based approaches to emotional healing. With a deep understanding of anxiety and the transformative power of presence, Siobhan offers a unique, embodied path to mental wellness through her work with both horses and humans.

Drawing from Gestalt therapy principles, somatic awareness, and trauma-informed care, Siobhan supports clients to reconnect with their inner resources, release old patterns, and cultivate emotional resilience. Her sessions are grounded, safe, and heart-led—inviting each individual to feel seen, supported, and empowered.

Siobhan works with a range of clients  but has a special interest in supporting adults navigating anxiety, burnout, emotional overwhelm, and those drawn to holistic and nature-based healing modalities. Through one-on-one equine-assisted therapy or her Breathwork sessions, she helps clients quiet the mind, regulate the nervous system, and rediscover a sense of ease in their bodies and lives.

Whether in the paddock or on the sofa, Siobhan’s presence is calm, curious, and gently transformative. She believes healing happens in connection—with self, others, and the natural world.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

1. Registered Counsellor: Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
2. Diploma of Counselling
3. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training: Equine Psychotherapy Institute
4. Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher Training
5. Certified Breathwork Healing Practitioner
6. Trauma-Informed Manifestation Coach

Siobhan is available for sessions on a Monday & Friday, and loves supporting people from all walks of life.