Our Therapy Approach
Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy
What is Equine, Animal, and Nature Assisted Psychotherapy?
Equine, Animal, and Nature Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP & AAP) is a powerful and experiential approach to therapy that invites clients into safe, meaningful relationships with animals and nature. Facilitated by a qualified mental health practitioner, such as a Counsellor, Social Worker, or Psychologist, this modality supports clients in exploring emotions, relationships, patterns, and personal growth in a gentle, non-judgemental space.
Horses and other animals respond to us in the moment, offering honest feedback and calm connection. Their presence can create a sense of safety, regulation, and support that is difficult to find elsewhere.
This growing and evidence-based therapeutic practice is particularly effective in supporting individuals living with anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, and disability. It is also engaging and beneficial for children, adolescents, adults, and diverse communities, including Aboriginal youth, veterans, and those exploring gender identity and sexuality.
Importantly, Equine and Animal Assisted Psychotherapy is not about learning to ride or 'doing therapy to animals', it's about building safe, respectful, and healing connections with them.
Play Therapy
“Toys are used like words by children, and play is their language.” – Dr. Garry Landreth
What is Child-Centred Counselling and Play Therapy?
Child-Centred Counselling and Play Therapy is a developmentally appropriate, evidence-based approach that allows children to express, explore, and process their emotions through play—their most natural form of communication.
In a safe, nurturing environment, children are empowered to make sense of their experiences, develop emotional regulation skills, and build confidence and resilience. This approach integrates therapeutic techniques within the context of play, helping children feel understood, supported, and respected at their own developmental level.
Play therapy is highly effective in supporting children who are experiencing trauma, anxiety, grief, behavioural concerns, attachment challenges, and developmental differences. It is also particularly beneficial for children with disabilities, offering tailored, accessible, and engaging ways to meet their unique needs and strengths.
By meeting children where they are and using the language of play, this approach promotes healing, connection, and growth in a way that feels safe, empowering, and truly child-led.
Art & Creative Expression Therapy
Art and creative expression are powerful tools for healing, self-discovery, and emotional regulation. At Kiltie Park, we offer a range of creative therapy experiences—such as painting, beading, drawing, collage, sculpture, and mixed media—tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of each individual.
This therapeutic approach offers a non-verbal and deeply personal way for children, teens, and adults to explore feelings, process trauma, build confidence, and reconnect with their sense of self. For many, creative work feels safer and more natural than traditional talk therapy, especially when words are hard to find.
Beading, in particular, is a mindful and calming activity that supports focus, fine motor skills, and emotional grounding. Choosing colours, patterns, and textures allows for creative freedom and self-expression—while also helping clients feel empowered and in control of their process.
Creative sessions are always guided with care, curiosity, and respect for your personal pace. Whether you're exploring art for the first time or returning to a form of self-expression you once loved, this space is yours to create, feel, and grow.
Room Based Counselling
Our counselling room is a safe and nurturing space where individuals of all ages are welcomed with warmth, respect, and compassion. Here, your story matters—and your voice leads the way.
We offer a person-centred approach to therapy, grounded in the belief that every individual holds the capacity for healing, growth, and change. Our practice is guided by humanistic values and supported by a wide range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of children, teens, and adults.
Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or life’s everyday challenges, we honour your autonomy and provide a space where you are seen, heard, and supported. For children, this may look like play-based therapy. For teens, it might involve creative expression or time with the animals. For adults, it could be quiet reflection, nature-based engagement, or traditional talk therapy.
Choice and control are central to everything we do. You are always invited to engage in a way that feels right for you, at your own pace, and with the support of a therapist who is committed to building safety in relationship.
Baking & Cooking Therapy
Baking and Culinary Therapy offers a creative, sensory-rich experience that supports emotional well-being, connection, and confidence. Cooking together in a safe, welcoming environment can encourage mindfulness, reduce stress, and offer a sense of accomplishment and joy.
These sessions are not just about making food—they're about creating moments of calm, connection, and choice. Whether it’s baking cupcakes, preparing popcorn, or trying a simple new recipe, each activity is guided by the client’s interests and abilities, fostering autonomy, creativity, and life skills.
Baking and Culinary Therapy is particularly beneficial for clients who may feel overwhelmed by traditional talk-based approaches. It provides a hands-on, nurturing alternative that helps build emotional regulation, sensory integration, and positive self-expression.
All baking and cooking sessions are facilitated by qualified therapists who hold certification in Food Safety and Food Handling, ensuring a safe and supportive experience for every participant.
Online Services
Telehealth Counselling
If you're unable to attend in person, we offer Telehealth sessions from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Online counselling provides the same level of care, compassion, and therapeutic support as face-to-face sessions—delivered in a way that suits your needs and circumstances.
Telehealth is ideal for those who live remotely, face mobility challenges, or simply feel more comfortable engaging from home. We ensure a secure, confidential space for connection, reflection, and support—wherever you are.
Testimonials
"Suzanne has been working with my daughter for the last year and from the moment my daughter met her she wanted to come back. She refused to go to traditional room-based counselling but she begs me to take her to see Suzanne and tells all her friends about Suzanne and her animals. Suzanne has given her strategies to work with her anxiety and emotions and we are so grateful, we couldn't imagine not having Suzanne in our life. Thank you Suzanne!" -Steph and Lily
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"Suzanne and her animals helped my daughter to develop some thinking and coping strategies to manage stress and emotions. Highly recommend!!! A safe and supportive environment for learning!!! " - Laura and Georgia
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"During 2022 my son Hudson experienced a set back with his mental health and whilst he was seeing a psychologist at the time, I felt he needed additional support. A friend recommended Suzanne, and after a lengthy discussion with her, Hudson was booked in. Hudson took to Suzanne from the very first visit, he thoroughly enjoyed spending time meeting the animals and helping her around the farm. He grew a connection with both Miss Burger and Miss Molly which continued to develop the more Hudson spent time on the farm. Suzanne has taught Hudson to understand and accept his emotions / fears by providing a variety of tools that can be used daily and help strengthen his mental health. Hudson now asks if he can call Suzanne when feels his emotions are high or when he would like to spend with her. As a parent who has experienced a child at their lowest point, it fills my heart knowing Cardinia Equine and Animal Assisted Counselling and Learning has been the best thing for Hudson and his mental health" - Kristine and Hudson
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"From the moment we stepped onto Suzanne’s farm, we knew we had found the perfect place for our 4yo son. The care Suzanne showed for him from the second they met was incredible. She had so much compassion and patience to allow him to explore and feel safe. The bond he has developed with Suzanne and her animals has been beautiful to watch. The horses are so in tune with him, they have picked up on cues from my son that I missed! The animals are so loved and well cared for, you can see how happy they are to be part of the therapy and that it is their choice to participate - the cats come running over to join when we arrive! We feel so lucky to be able to take him to see Suzanne and know that he is being treated with so much love and respect. We can’t recommended CEAC highly enough :) " - Bec & Michael
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"We visited a few Equine Therapy services but after meeting Suzanne at CEAC the choice became a “no-brainer”. Suzanne and her relaxed manner immediately won over our 2 children, as did the number and variety of animals at her property. We couldn’t be any happier with the choice we made. Her personable interaction with the children has to be experienced to be believed. The children have made great gains in emotional and calming behavior thanks to Suzanne and her animals. We couldn’t recommend her Equine Therapy services more highly" - Trevor & Trish
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"Suzanne has not only helped my child through some pretty tough stuff and still is but our whole house hold runs so much more smoothly because of how she has educated us about the challenges our child faces... she is so much better within herself and we are more confident knowing we are doing the right things by her..
Suzanne is so genuine and caring.
Im so glad we found you.
Your knowledge, caring and compassion has made such an impact on our childs life and well being. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart" - Lauralee
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"I've only just started here .To me it's walking into a world of safety, it's my happy place to be with nature and animals..Suzanne is amazing loving and kind..Looking forward to getting on top things in future" - Linda
