MAJ Counselling and Therapies

20/10/2025

We need the whole piano of feelings - emotional flexibility is the goal.

16/10/2025

There is nothing more profitable in our lives than merging in with nature.
Human beings are originally members of nature, therefore it is after we blend ourselves with nature that we are able to feel the joy of living.
To commune with nature we need to make ourselves free and jump into her.
Then simply look into what we see with our eyes, hear with our ears, and feel with our skin, to learn as much as we can from it.

Dr. Tomitarō Makino (1862–1957) was a pioneering Japanese botanist known as the Father of Japanese Botany. Largely self-taught, he discovered and named hundreds of plant species and created the Illustrated Flora of Japan. His lifelong passion for plants helped lay the foundation for modern botanical research in Japan.

Picture from kochi prefectural makino botanical garden

03/10/2025

Happy 6th birthday to my gorgeous boy Duke 🥳🥳🥳
Six years of loving you - thank you for all the joy you bring to me and everyone around ❤️ always my fun, cheeky bubba!!!

01/10/2025

I am so grateful to walk alongside the people I work with and witness their courage and growth. If you have seen me for counselling and feel comfortable, I would be truly thankful if you could leave a review on my Google page.

Your words can help others feel safe to take that first step toward support.

You can leave a review here:
https://share.google/FYWFxgATYYi1Yyw8y

Thank you for trusting me and for helping others find their way forward.

Mental health service in the Tallebudgera Valley, Queensland

30/09/2025

Leo is inspiring because he bravely speaks about being Autisic and living with ADHD, helping others understand his world and encouraging greater understanding and inclusion.

26/09/2025

What fills your cup?

For me, it’s the simple things that bring me back to balance. Time in nature, feeling the sun on my skin, listening to the birds, and hearing Harley beside me. It’s the quiet presence of my horses, who remind me to slow down and breathe or Dukes gentle playfulness. It’s music that shifts my mood, laughter shared with friends, and those small glimmers that appear when I least expect them - a flower in bloom, a gentle breeze, seeing whales playing on my morning walk.

We all need ways to refill our cup, especially when life feels busy or overwhelming. When I take the time to notice what nourishes me, I can show up more fully for myself and others.

So I’m curious- what fills your cup?

25/09/2025

This kookaburra sat with us most of the day at today. Others came and went, but this one stayed close.

In many traditions, kookaburras are teachers. They symbolise laughter as medicine, the power of joy to shift heavy energy, and the reminder not to take life too seriously. They also speak of community, connection, and sharing space with others. Their watchful nature teaches patience and presence - being still, grounded, and attentive to what is around us.

In a therapeutic space, the kookaburra’s teachings are clear: healing can include laughter, connection, and presence. Sometimes the most powerful moments come not from words, but from sitting together in calm awareness.

Animal Assisted Therapy - wisdom in nature’s presence.

19/09/2025

Such a wonderful opportunity for those in need to access animal-assisted mental health support - thank you to JFCF and Animal Therapies Ltd for making this possible 🙏

𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱: 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀

For those living on the Gold Coast or Northern NSW.

Are you a single parent with children, a young person, or an at-risk adult who has limited options to access the help you need through animal-assisted mental health support?

If so, you can apply for animal-assisted mental health funding via:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LXY6VK2

This funding round has been made possible through the generosity and ongoing support of our partner, the James Frizelle Charitable Foundation (JFCF).

We acknowledge and thank JFCF for their commitment, care, and incredible contribution to our communities. Through this valued partnership, ATL is able to provide animal-assisted mental health support to some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people, for which we are very grateful.


James Frizelle Charitable Foundation

06/09/2025

Balancing Tasks and Connection in Groups and Families

Every group or family has two important needs:

TASKS – the things that need to get done, like planning, problem solving, or keeping daily life on track

CONNECTION – caring for each other, listening, encouraging, and easing tension

It’s natural to get stuck sometimes. We might focus so much on tasks that relationships feel strained, or spend so much energy on keeping everyone happy that things don’t get done.

A few gentle ways to balance both:
- Pause and notice how people are feeling, even briefly
- Share responsibilities so no one person carries everything
- Acknowledge both effort and emotions

Allow moments for connection alongside getting things done

It’s not easy, and every group or family finds its own rhythm. Small, consistent steps toward balance can help tasks get done while relationships stay strong.

Dragon and Coco - our Golden Pheasants
❤️

27/08/2025

More …. RESTORE Participant Feedback

“Such an amazing experience. Absolutely unique and I definitely recommend it to anyone starting the journey of healing from DV. I so looked forward to attending each week.

Mel, Tracey and Lee are fantastic, loving and caring. Thank you is not enough. They held a calm, safe and healing space for us. I love what they do.” 💚

❤️

27/08/2025

Broken to Brilliant TM RESTORE Participant Feedback

“I am not on my own. I can go into a paddock with horses in it. I learnt different ways to regulate my emotions.
A great way to start the healing process from domestic violence. It was challenging and confronting, but in a good way. The horses were amazing. Mel, Lee and Tracey were very supportive, non-judgmental and patient. I would highly recommend this course.”
Womens Wellbeing and Consulting and WildStride Animal Solutions - Mel Spittall

💚 Our 6-week RESTORE program offers a safe space for healing, connection, and growth. We are so grateful for the courage and honesty of our participants who share their journeys.