Talking Tails therapeutic service, situated in the quiet environment of Samford Valley, draws inspiration from the breathtaking beauty of its surroundings. The valley offers a gentle and recuperative environment which is found on softly undulating hills surrounded by high trees and serene flowing creeks.  The connection to nature is a vital part of our approach, offering clients a peaceful environment where they can disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. Sessions with our animal assisted therapist may incorporate the outdoors, whether through mindful walks, quiet reflection in natural spaces, or simply being enveloped by the soothing sounds of the valley’s wildlife. At Talking Tails, therapy becomes more than just talking—it becomes a holistic experience of mind, body, and spirit, grounded in the nurturing power of nature.

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At Talking Tails we provide therapeutic interventions personally tailored to the individual and their specific needs. This may include working with our highly experienced Psychiatrist or our Credentialed Mental Health Nurse/Therapist who works as part of our Animal Assisted Therapy team. 

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Tracy, our senior mental health clinician, therapist and credentialed mental health nurse, has spent over 27 years working in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry in the UK and Australia. As a qualified mental health nurse registered with AHPRA, she also has a Bachelors Degree in Mental Health Practice, a Masters in Advanced Practice and post-graduate training in various treatment modalities, including: Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Circle of Security and Animal Assisted Therapy. Whilst individual, couple and family sessions can be offered, Tracy and her dog Beau can also offer Animal Assisted Therapy, also known as AAT.  AAT offers a different approach to talking based therapies in which the therapy animal (Beau) is introduced into sessions as part of your care.  As with other therapies, these sessions are goal directed, allowing you the time and space needed to process your thoughts and feelings, as well as supporting you to understand your experiences. Within sessions, Beau can offer you emotional support whilst you are dealing with overwhelming feelings. If sitting in an office feels uncomfortable, Walk Talk Therapy could be a great alternative. It combines the therapeutic benefits of sunlight, movement, exercise, and nature with conversational therapy. Feel free to chat with Tracy if you feel this mode of therapy will suit you best.

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David, our psychiatrist, has over 30 years experience in the speciality. He trained in the UK as a Child and Adolescent specialist, working in Inpatient care before developing specialist community youth services. David was then involved in the establishment of psychosis services for 14-35 year olds and was a co-author of 'The National Treatment Guidelines for Psychosis in Children and Adolescents'. He has extensive psychotherapeutic training and experience including psychodynamic, family, acceptance and commitment, cognitive and dialectical, behavioural, EMDR as well as others. David has a particular interest in trauma, neurodevelopmental disorders, mood, eating and psychotic disorders. In Australia, David has worked in community child and adolescent services and early psychosis services in rural and regional settings as well as inpatient and day patient services within metropolitan areas. He has also had the opportunity to work with adults, particularly in the field of ADHD, ASD, trauma and eating disorders.

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At Talking Tails, we provide a secure environment where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgement. Within this safe space, you will be able to explore your thoughts and emotions, as you embark on a journey towards holistic healing.