Cardinia Equine & Animal Assisted Counselling
Suzanne - Founder
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 Play Therapist and Interplay Therapist with Interplay - Play Therapy Australia, where she also serves as a Senior Facilitator. She is also a licensed Circle of Security Parenting™ (COSP™) Facilitator, supporting parents and caregivers to build secure, healthy relationships with their children.
Suzanne lives and works on her beautiful 90-acre farm, Kiltie Park, in Catani, Victoria, where she offers a unique, animal and nature-based therapeutic experience alongside a team of deeply attuned therapy animals.
She provides equine and animal-assisted psychotherapy, play therapy and counselling, working with children, teens, and adults from all walks of life. Her approach is warm, nurturing, and person-centred, drawing on the healing power of connection – with animals, nature, and each other.
Originally from Scotland, Suzanne moved to Australia at the age of 18. With a lifelong love of animals and a strong professional background in both the corporate and agricultural sectors, she brings a wealth of lived experience to her work. After facing workplace bullying and sexual harassment, which led to depression, burnout and anxiety, Suzanne made the courageous decision to step away from her career and reconnect with what truly mattered to her. This led her to the Equine Psychotherapy Institute in Daylesford, where she found her calling. For Suzanne, the training was both life-saving and life-changing and inspired a complete career shift into therapeutic work.
Kiltie Park is home to a delightful crew of therapy animals including horses, goats, sheep, cows, cats, and birds – all of whom play a special role in supporting emotional growth and healing. Whether through playful engagement, quiet companionship, or interactive therapy, there's something truly special for everyone here.
Qualifications and Professional Memberships:
- 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, coupled with extensive professional training, allows her to support her clients with authenticity, compassion, and insight. Her therapeutic work is deeply grounded in the healing power of nature, safe relationships, and the presence of animals – offering a space where people of all ages can reconnect, grow, and thrive.
Shannon
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
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.