Lead The Way

10/03/2026

Language matters 🥰🐾💙

In 2019, Animal Therapies Ltd listened carefully to the voices of the people and communities we serve.

We recognised that the term “interventions” carried negative associations for many — including First Nations peoples — and did not fully reflect the strength-based, preventative, and life-enhancing role our sector plays in supporting mental health and su***de prevention.

That same year, the ATL Board made a conscious decision to lead change — adopting the term Animal-Assisted Services to better reflect dignity, partnership, prevention, and community wellbeing.

In 2025, we were proud to see other leading global organisations such as AAII and IAHAIO adopt the term Animal-Assisted Services — reinforcing a shared international direction for our field.

Language matters.
Respect matters.
Prevention matters.

And together, our global community continues to evolve.

09/03/2026

In these quiet moments, the human–animal bond speaks louder than words 💙 🐾

06/03/2026

More schools are recognising the power of trained wellbeing dogs.

At Lead The Way, we support schools to implement ethical, evidence-informed animal-assisted wellbeing programs in two ways:

• Training and Certification of school staff and their own dog
• Delivering in-school programs, where our Mental Health Practitioners and their Therapy Dogs, work directly with students

Lead The Way is also an approved provider on the School Mental Health Menu, meaning funding may be available for eligible schools to access these programs.

Schools interested in exploring a wellbeing dog program are welcome to reach out to discuss the options available 🐾

https://www.schools.vic.gov.au/therapy-wellbeing-dogs

05/03/2026

What actually happens in a therapy session with a dog?

In Animal Assisted Psychology, the dog isn’t simply there for comfort. Their presence is thoughtfully and intentionally integrated into the therapeutic process.

The psychologist leads the clinical work — guiding the conversation, supporting reflection, and helping clients develop strategies that support their wellbeing.

Alongside this, the presence of a calm Therapy Dog can help create a sense of safety and connection. For some people, interacting with an animal may make it easier to settle, regulate emotions, and engage in the therapeutic process.

If you’re curious about whether Animal Assisted Psychology may be right for you, feel free to contact our clinic to discuss appointment availability.

☎️ (03) 9761 0973

04/03/2026

Different Journeys offers an array of safe events for autistic individuals and their families to connect, have fun, and support each other in a meaningful way. Check out their upcoming events here!

02/03/2026

What does it really take to certify a Therapy Dog? 👀

Swipe through to see our full 5-level pathway, from first steps to professional level.

You can progress all the way through, or stop at any level if that’s exactly where you want to be.

We offer flexible course dates plus Fast Track options for teams ready to hit the ground running.

Ready to take the next step?

Head to our website or send us a message today.

Link in the comments 👇

27/02/2026

Not every lovely dog is meant to do therapy work, and that’s okay.

At Lead The Way, we believe animal-assisted services should feel safe, structured and genuinely beneficial for everyone involved, especially the dog.

Certification isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about understanding temperament and preferences, reading subtle body language, creating environments where dogs can thrive, and ensuring handlers are equipped to support both human and animal wellbeing.

When therapy and wellbeing work is implemented with intention, beautiful things happen.

If you’re feeling called to share your dog in a school, healthcare or community setting, start with strong foundations - for you, and for them.

Explore our certification pathways via the link in comments 🐾🤍

26/02/2026

If you’ve ever felt the calm of standing beside a horse… you’ll understand the power of Equine Therapy 🤍🐴

While we love working alongside dogs and small animals at Lead The Way, horses offer something beautifully unique. Their size, sensitivity and steady presence can create a deeply grounding and transformative therapeutic experience.

If you’re drawn to horses or curious about exploring Equine Therapy, get in touch with Mullum Road Psychology Clinic, Equine and Animal Assisted Therapy

24/02/2026

If your Certification is due, or you’re ready to sit your Level 2 Assessment, now is the time to book.

Our next Certification Assessment Day is schedule for Monday 23rd of March.

Places are limited and these days typically fill quickly, so we encourage you to secure your place now!

📍Lead The Way Training Centre, Ferntree Gully
🕘 9am–5pm

Bookings now open. Link in Comments.

19/02/2026

This matters more than most people realise.

Understanding how to respectfully interact with assistance animals helps protect someone’s independence, dignity and safety. A little awareness goes a long way in creating truly inclusive communities 🫶

Seeing an assistance animal in public is becoming more common — and that’s a good thing. These animals help people live safely, independently, and with dignity.

Here’s how to be respectful and inclusive:

✅ Do allow access
Assistance animals are legally permitted in places where pets are not — including cafés, shops, public transport, hospitals, and workplaces.

🚫 Don’t distract the animal
No patting, calling, whistling, or eye contact. The animal is working and needs to stay focused on their handler.

🗣️ Speak to the person, not the animal
Always address the handler directly. The animal is not there for interaction — it’s there to assist.

❓ Don’t ask about the person’s disability
This is private medical information. You don’t need to know why the animal is required.

📄 Know what you can ask (if necessary) Businesses may only ask limited questions about whether the animal is trained to alleviate the effects of a disability.

🙌 When in doubt, choose inclusion
Assistance animals are highly trained, well-behaved, and essential. Respecting access is not just kind — it’s the law.

At Animal Therapies Ltd, we support education that creates safer, more inclusive communities for everyone.

17/02/2026

Level 1 FAST TRACK has begun!

Today we welcomed a new group of teams into Day 1 of our Level 1 Fast Track Course.

Fast Track is designed for teams who already have substantial training and socialisation* and are ready to move at an accelerated pace. The teams in this course have the ability to complete the full Level 1 Learner course in as little as 4 weeks!! 🙌

This intake is now underway, however our next FAST TRACK is scheduled for July.

If you’ve been thinking about taking the first step in your Therapy Dog journey, this could be your moment 💙

👉 Check the link in comments for full course details.

*Dogs and Handlers must meet Suitability Requirements. Available on the website.

13/02/2026

Love is in the air 💗

We never want to take for granted the work we get to do. There is something incredibly special about witnessing a dog truly connect with humans. The soft eye contact, the steady presence, the way both seem to exhale at the same time. To see the joy, calm and comfort that flows both ways is something we feel deeply grateful for. Those moments of connection remind us why this work matters so much.

Here are a few happy snaps from our days doing what we love… because really, what could be better than this? 🐶 ☺️