Professional Supervision, Mentoring & Coaching in AAS
Our expert team offer a range of supervision and consultation options for graduates of our institute, and professionals and students who are seeking to deepen their understanding of working in Animal Assisted Services
Individual supervision & consultation
Organisational Consultancy
Lead the Way can assist organisations with the process of beginning an Animal-Assisted Interaction (AAI) programme, or refining existing programmes. There is more to effective engagement than simply having an animal present – understanding the benefits of Human-Animal Interaction (HAI) and developing goal focussed interactions can make the difference between a successful and a failing service.
Individual Consultancy
Professionals working in the field of Animal-Assisted Interactions (AAI) may find themselves isolated and in need of strategic direction. This is where one-on-one clinical supervision or professional mentoring can be helpful. From gaining general knowledge to problem solving specific cases, we can assist professionals to make the most of their working partnerships with their animals.
By appointment only. Contact Reception on 03 9761 0973
Group supervision, coaching & mentoring
Skill Building: Animal-Assisted Support Programmes for Wellbeing and Learning
This group explores the how, when, and why of incorporating an animal into your work with clients or students. Resources, references and learning materials are supplied. It is ideal for professionals in mental health, community settings, education settings and support roles, who wish to explore professional applications of working with various animal species. Each session focuses on a particular animal-related skill or activity (and will involve practical elements where relevant). Participants have the opportunity to share difficult cases or contexts (de-identified), and explore solutions and successes. Lead The Way Certified dogs are welcome to attend.
Facilitators: Melanie Jones (psychologist, therapeutic dog trainer) & Leanne Winter of Mullum Rd Clinics (clinical psychologist, equine/eco assisted psychotherapist)
When: 6pm – 7.30pm Bi-monthly, on the second Monday of the month
Where: Hybrid online and in person. Rotating venues:
– Mullum Rd Warrandyte Clinic, 71 Yarra Street Warrandyte, Vic 3113
– Mullum Rd Therapeutic Farm, Panton Hill, Vic. 3759
– Lead The Way Institute Training Centre, 5/91 Dorset Road, Ferntree Gully, Vic. 3156
Information & Bookings: Cost $120 + GST. Call 03 9761 0973 for more information and to register for our online booking portal
NOTE: The first hour of sessions are recorded for later distribution. A minimum booking of 6 participants is required (by the preceeding Friday) for sessions to go ahead
Reflective Practice: Animal-Assisted Therapy in Mental Health
Facilitators: Melanie Jones (psychologist, therapeutic dog trainer) & Kaye Griffin of Mind Matters Counselling (psychotherapist, trauma therapist)
When: 6pm – 8pm Bi-monthly, on the second Tuesday of the month
Where: live online
Information & Bookings: Cost $120 + GST. Call 03 9761 0973 for more information and to register for our online booking portal
NOTE: The first hour of sessions are recorded for later distribution. A minimum booking of 6 participants is required (by the preceeding Friday) for sessions to go ahead
Group Timetable
| GROUP | DATE & TIME | AAT TOPIC | VENUE |
| Reflective Practice with Kaye & Mel | Tuesday September 10th 2024, 6-8 pm | AAT and Non suicidal self harm | online |
| Skill Building with Mel & Leanne | Monday October 7th, 2024, 6-7.30 pm | Consent & body autonomy. Managing conflicting needs between animals & people |
Hybrid online & Warrandyte (LTW certified dogs welcome) |
| Reflective Practice with Kaye & Mel | Tuesday November 12th 2024, 6-8 pm | AAT and Polyvagal theory and developmental trauma/abuse | Online |
| Skill Building with Mel & Leanne | Monday December 9th, 2024, 6-7.30 pm | Observation and tracking of human-animal interactions – Practical workshop with multiple species |
Hybrid online & Panton Hill farm (Farm friendly LTW certified dogs only) |
| SUMMER BREAK | JANUARY 2025 | ||
| Reflective Practice with Kaye & Mel | Tuesday February 11th, 2025, 6-8 pm | AAT and Managing change – Life transitions in youth, adulthood & older adulthood | Online |
| Skill Building with Mel & Leanne |
(Monday public holiday) Tuesday March 11th, 2025, 6-7.30 pm |
AAT Counselling theories and techniques |
Hybrid online & Ferntree Gully (LTW certified dogs welcome) |
| Reflective Practice with Kaye & Mel | Tuesday April 8th 2025, 6-8 pm | AAT and Neurodiverse children | Online |
| Skill Building with Mel & Leanne | Monday May 12th, 2025, 6-7.30 pm | Safety and risk with children and animals | Online |
| Reflective Practice with Kaye & Mel | Tuesday June 10th 2025, 6-8 pm | AAT in suicidal ideation and moral trauma | Online |
| WINTER BREAK | JULY 2025 | ||
| Skill Building with Mel & Leanne | Monday August 11th, 2025, 6-7.30 pm | Verbal and non-verbal communication in people and animals | Online |
| Reflective Practice with Kaye & Mel | Tuesday September 9th 2025, 6-8 pm | AAT in death and bereavement | Online |
| Skill Building with Mel & Leanne | Monday October 6th, 2025, 6-7.30 pm | tbc |
Hybrid online & Warrandyte (LTW certified dogs welcome) |
| Reflective Practice with Kaye & Mel | Tuesday November 11th 2025, 6-8 pm | What keeps us stuck? AAT and growth in various life stages | Online |
| Skill Building with Mel & Leanne | Monday December 8th, 2025, 6-7.30 pm | The role of play! – Practical workshop with multiple species |
Hybrid online & Panton Hill farm (Farm friendly LTW certified dogs only) |
