Experience a different approach to Allied Health. Our qualified therapists provide Nature-Based & Animal-Assisted Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Counselling from our 10-acre property in Kangy Angy on the Central Coast, NSW.
Individualised, evidence-based therapy designed around each participant’s goals, interests and needs — with nature, animals and meaningful real-world experiences incorporated into sessions where therapeutically appropriate.
NATURE-BASED & ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY
Allied health services
Multidisciplinary team of highly trained, dedicated Therapists.
Qualified Allied Health Team
We aim to create learning experiences that are both enriching and effective. Whether through the calming presence of animals, the dynamic outdoor setting or the indirect, subconscious learning experiences that naturally reflect and influence your everyday life!
Our approach blends professional expertise with the natural world, offering personalised, hands-on therapy that resonates with every individual. The animals aren’t just part of the process – they are instrumental in helping each participant achieve their goals and thrive.
Our Approach
Nature-Based Therapy brings therapeutic support beyond the traditional clinic environment and into natural, everyday spaces.
At Influential Growth, our therapists can use our 10-acre property, bushland, open spaces and outdoor environments as part of Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Counselling sessions.
Depending on the individual and their goals, sessions may incorporate movement, exploration, play, sensory experiences and practical activities within the natural environment.
Nature isn't simply the backdrop to therapy — it provides opportunities for meaningful, real-world experiences that can support engagement, participation, skill development and connection.
WHAT IS NATURE-BASED THERAPY?
Animal-Assisted Therapy is the purposeful incorporation of animals into evidence-based therapeutic practice to support an individual's identified goals.
At Influential Growth, our Allied Health professionals may incorporate interactions with our animals into Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology and Counselling sessions where it is appropriate and meaningful for the participant.
Working alongside animals can create opportunities to support areas such as communication, emotional regulation, social interaction, confidence, engagement and the development of practical skills.
Importantly, the animal isn't the therapy. Our qualified Allied Health professionals remain responsible for assessment, therapeutic planning and intervention, with animals incorporated purposefully when they can enhance the therapeutic experience and support the participant's goals.
WHAT IS ANIMAL-ASSISTED THERAPY?
Our specialised team of registered Allied Health professionals – across Occupational Therapy, Counselling, and Speech Therapy, design each session to meet the individual needs of our participants, ranging from early childhood to adulthood, across NDIS and private clientele.
Our Services
Counselling
At Influential growth, our animal-assisted counselling services are delivered by a registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA).
Our counsellors engage with animals in a safe and nurturing environment, fostering emotional connections that can enhance the therapeutic process. Each session is tailored to meet the unique needs and goals of the participant, integrating animal interactions, in the form of equine therapy, dog therapy or other Animal-Assisted Therapy to facilitate communication, comfort and expression.
Some Benefits:
- Enhance communication
- Reduce Anxiety and stress
- Improve Social Skills
- Increase engagement and community participation
- Assist in capacity building across a range of domains
Price:
Price can range between $156.16 and $193.99 inline with the NDIS price guide.
(50 minute face-face + 10 minute clinical note taking)
Registered counsellors:
COST OF THERAPY: $156.16
Registration: Australian Counselling Association (ACA) - 30081
Qualified Counsellor and Registered Behaviour Practitioner
Ellen Gould
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy (also known as OT) can assist with supporting individuals to gain skills that optimise their independence and promote increased capacity across all aspects of daily living – physically, mentally and emotionally. Here at Influential Growth our animals work along side out participants to assist them in meeting their OT goals.
Some areas our Occupational Therapists may focus on are:
Sensory processing, play/social skills, emotional regulation, gross/fine motor skill development, visual processing, self-care skills and equipment prescription.
Our Occupational Therapist use a range of standardised assessments to assist with goal setting, these may include but not limited to the below:
- Functional Capacity Assessment
- Activity of Daily Living Assessments
- Sensory Profile Assessments
- Fine and Gross Motor Assessments
- NDIS reports/assessments
Price:
$193.99 per session (1:1 individual session)
$160 per person for group sessions (group of two)
(50 minute face-face + 10 minute clinical note taking)
Registered Occupational therapists:
COST OF THERAPY: $193.99
COST OF THERAPY: $193.99
Registration: Occupational Therapy Board – AHPRA - OCC0002429721
Registration: Occupational Therapy Board – AHPRA - OCC0002001854
Qualified Occupational Therapist
Qualified Occupational Therapist
Amy Dawson
Rebecca Baker
Speech Pathology
Speech Pathology (also known as Speech Therapy) can assist with developing an individual's speech, listening, language and communication skills and also specialising in the assessment and prescribing of augmentative and alternative communication systems. Here at Influential Growth our animals work along side our participants to assist them in meeting their Speech Therapy goals.
Some areas our Speech Therapist can assist with:
- Articulation (speech sounds)
- Language (understanding and expressing language)
- Social Skills (play skills, turn taking, making friends, conversation skills)
- Fluency difficulties
- Voice Problems
- Literacy (reading, writing, spelling)
- Key Word Sign
- Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Price:
$193.99 per session (1:1 individual session)
$160 per person for group session (group of two)
(50 minute face-face + 10 minute clinical note taking)
Registered Speech Pathologists:
COST OF THERAPY: $193.99
Registration: Speech Pathology Australia Membership - Member No: 22946
Qualified Speech Pathologist/Therapist
Melanie Gibson
How to Work with Us
1.
Reach out via our contact page
2.
Our lovely Admin Charlotte will be in contact with available days and times
3.
Onboarding and signing of required documents (Including risk waivers)
4.
Risk Assessment/Goal setting phone call with assigned therapist before ongoing face-face sessions can commence
5.
Begin your chosen therapy at our beautiful property on your assigned day and time with your therapist and meet your teachers (the animals)!
Our Space
Animal Assisted Therapy | Nature Based Therapy | Central COast New South Wales
Set on 10 acres in Kangy Angy, our space has been thoughtfully designed to support our nature-based and animal-assisted approach to Allied Health.
Rather than therapy being confined to four walls, our natural environment becomes part of the therapeutic experience. With open green spaces, bushland, outdoor activity areas and animals, our therapists can incorporate nature, movement, play and meaningful real-world experiences into sessions while working towards each participant's individual goals.
Our dogs and rabbits have already joined us, with goats and other animals planned as our purpose-built enclosures are completed. We are developing our animal-assisted programs alongside our participants, ensuring the animals and experiences we introduce are safe, purposeful and genuinely support therapeutic outcomes.
Sessions may take place indoors, outdoors, exploring the property or alongside our animals depending on each participant's goals, interests and needs.
WHY CHOOSE US?
Animal Assisted Therapy Benefits
Engaging
The natural setting, combined with the calming and non-judgemental presence of an animal, creates a more relaxed, peaceful and engaging atmosphere than traditional therapy within four walls
Empowering
Provides an opportunity to empower individuals to expand personal comfort zones while building confidence & self esteem
Nurturing
Provides an opportunity to attain immediate, honest and observable feedback with cause and effect situations
Transformative
Develops abilities to be smart risk takers and fair-minded team players
Our rabbits and dogs have already joined us at our new Kangy Angy home! Following our recent move, we’re taking the time to thoughtfully establish our animal spaces, with our goats and other furry friends joining us as their purpose-built enclosures are completed.
We’re also working alongside our participants to help shape which animals join the Influential Growth family next — ensuring our animal-assisted services continue to grow in a way that is safe, purposeful and meaningful for the people we support.
Hey, I’m Lola, the smallest but mightiest member of the four legged brigade. If you give me a good belly tickle I’ll be loyal to you forever, and will always keep you company during your therapy session.
Dog
Lola
Hey, I’m Oscar! I’m Lola’s son and I definitely inherited her love of people. I’m friendly, curious and always keen to be involved in whatever is happening. Whether we’re exploring outside, learning something new or just hanging out together, I’m always happy to join you during your therapy session.
DOG
OSCAR
Hey! We’re friendly flock of chickens – we’ve each got our own quirky personality. We’re always ready to bring plenty of smiles with our cheerful antics, a sense of calm with our gentle clucks.
Chickens
Nugget, Goldie, Sonic, Maggie
I’m Daisy – a super calm and sociable Kelpie/Border Collie mix. I love learning, being challenged and being a super comforting presence in every therapy session.
Dog
Daisy
We’re the sassiest, most affectionate dynamic duo this side of Fountain Lakes. We’re inseparable twin Boer goats that love hanging out and following you everywhere, we’re playful, and we love creating a bond with everyone we meet.
Goats
Kath and Kim
Our Rabbits are calm and affectionate mini lop bunnies. Our gentle nature and soft presence bring a sense of peace and comfort to everyone we meet – and of course, we love a little snack!
Rabbit
Rabbits
Our Teachers
WE ARE A NDIS REGISTERED PROVIDER
NDIS Registration ID: 4-GEHG8SM
0110 – Specialist Positive Behaviour Support
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
0127 – Management of Funding for Supports in Participants’ Plans
Plan Management
0128 – Therapeutic Supports
Allied Health
0132 – Specialised Support Coordination
Support Coordination
0117 – Development of Daily Living and Life Skills
0118 – Early Childhood Supports/Early Intervention
NDIS INFORMATION
Given the recent NDIS changes, are you wondering if you can still utilise your NDIS Therapy budget (Capacity Building – Daily Living Funding) with us?
Great news – you can!
WHAT THE NDIS CHANGES MEAN FOR YOU
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Thank you for enquiring with us! We aim to get back to you within 24-48hrs.
Don't have time to complete the intake form but don't want to miss out
Join the Waitlist
Complete Intake Form
[email protected]
Mobile: 0423 967 697
ALLIED HEALTH LOCATION
358 Pacific Highway, Kangy Angy NSW 2258
Nature-Based & Animal-Assisted Allied Health
Allied Health
Contact Details:
The property can be a little tricky to find, so please watch the video below explaining how to get here.