This presentation will focus on the practical aspects of delivering psychology services outside the therapy room. We will discuss important considerations when working outdoors and/ or in animal assisted therapy contexts related to: 

• Frameworks and modalities 
• Safety and Risk Management 
• Ethical Considerations
• Policies and Procedures 
  
  

In addition, we will address how these therapies fit within Ahpra parameters as well as primary funding agencies such as Medicare and NDIS. This will be discussed for both individual and group therapy settings. 

The information provided will be relevant to any psychologist interested in understanding the practical aspects of taking therapy outdoors whilst ensuring adherence to ethical practice and sound psychological principles.   

About our presenters:  Sue Jakes and Mauro Vieira

Sue Jakes has worked as the senior psychologist providing outdoor and animal assisted therapies at Valley Psychology since 2015 working on Wonnarua land in the beautiful Hunter Valley. She has worked in public, non-government and private organisations, been privileged to teach into the Psychology program at the University of Newcastle and finds great joy in providing supervision to new career therapists as well as consultation and training for those seeking to incorporate nature and animals into their practice. 

More recently, Sue co-founded Nature Based Therapies Australia where the focus is on providing professional development in outdoor therapies. Nature based and equine assisted EMDR is the cornerstone of Sue’s integrative clinical practice which is heavily influenced by Mindfulness based approaches, parts work, attachment theory, somatic therapy and other body based approaches. Her key areas of interest are: 

• PTSD and C-PTSD
• Mood disorders
• Attachment and Relational Trauma
• Living with a Disability
• Training and Group Facilitation

• Supervision/ Consultation

One of Sue’s many loves is escaping to the bush with her horses and dogs.  

Mauro Vieira is a Registered Psychologist and Board Approved Supervisor with over 18 years of experience in mental health care and psychological services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Graduate degree in Psychology, and Post-Graduate qualifications in Art Therapy and Psychological Practice in Institutions. Trained in Brazil, Mauro has worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families, addressing complex emotional disorders, illnesses, and life challenges.

His career includes roles as a university professor, supervisor, and internship manager in psychology courses. Mauro is passionate about humanistic care and has extensive experience with existential therapy, existential phenomenology and client-centred therapy. 

Founder of Hawkesbury River Psychology, Mauro delivers outdoor psychology sessions on the Hawkesbury River – NSW, on a boat, in the bush or boat access only beach setting. His unconventional approach encourages participants to embrace their uniqueness and fundamental aspects of life through being-with-nature.

Webinar timing: 7:00 – 8:00 pm AEST

Access to the recording of this webinar: A recording of this webinar will be available through the CPD Webinar Library, but for the best experience and the opportunity to ask your questions, join us live. Everyone who registers will be advised via email as soon as the recording is available. Members have unlimited access to the recording, and non-members will have access for 6 months.