Counselling Support & Wellbeing
with a Pawsitive Touch
At Counselling & Canine Connections, we offer a gentle, supportive approach to counselling — combining professional therapeutic expertise with the calming presence of a therapy dog.
Based in the Mackay–Whitsunday Region, we support
children, adults, and families.
If you are navigating anxiety, grief, trauma, and emotional overwhelm, you can join us on a journey of growth and connection, where compassion meets expertise.
Gentle, supportive counselling with the calming presence of a therapy dog
Tailored services to meet your unique needs and goals.
Our counselling approach focuses on creating a safe and supportive environmentto explore your emotions and experiences.
Counsellor Andrea sitting with her therapy dog counselling a young adult
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating something difficult, you don’t have to do it alone.
At Counselling & Canine Connections, I offer a warm, compassionate space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what’s going on for you — with the unique support of a therapy dog by your side.
Based in Mackay/Whitsunday Region, I provide counselling for adults, children, and families, supporting a range of experiences including anxiety, grief and loss, and trauma.
Therapy Dog Milou lying on the couch with a smiling face
Animal assisted counselling gently incorporates a trained therapy dog into the counselling process.
For many people, the presence of a dog can:
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Create a sense of safety and calm
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Reduce anxiety and overwhelm
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Make it easier to open up
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Support emotional regulation
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Bring comfort during difficult conversation
There is no pressure to interact in any particular way — your experience is guided by what feels safe and right for you.
How I Can Support You
I offer counselling in Mackay /Whitsunday Region for:
Anxiety & overwhelm
When your thoughts feel busy or your body feels on edge, counselling will create space, build awareness, and find steadiness again.
Grief & loss
Grief can feel heavy and isolating. Counselling offers a gentle space to process your experience at your own pace.
Trauma & emotional distress
Counselling has a focus on safety, trust, and choice, we move carefully and respectfully through your experience.
Children & young people
Therapy dogs can help children feel more comfortable, supported, and engaged in the counselling process.
A Gentle, Person-Centred Approach
My approach is grounded in person-centred counselling, where you are the expert in your own life.
I work alongside you with:
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warmth and empathy
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unconditional positive regard
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a focus on your strengths and resilience
Where helpful, I may also draw on evidence-based approaches such as Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Psychodynamic and Play Therapy for the little people.
Always at a pace that feels right for you.
What to Expect
Our counselling sessions are relaxed and guided by you.
You might talk, sit quietly, or simply take a moment to breathe.
Milou, the Therapy Dog, may sit beside you (or not), offer comfort, or be part of the process in a way that feels natural.
There is no “right way” to do counselling here — just your way.
Ready to make the next step?
Reaching out can feel like a big step — and you don’t have to have it all figured out.
If you’re curious about how counselling with or without a therapy dog might support you,
I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch to book a session or ask any questions.
Supporting the Mackay Community
Individuals, Couples and Families across
Mackay and Whitsunday Region