About Beyond the Paddock
Animal-Assisted Therapy on the NSW Central Coast.
Our counselling and therapeutic services provide a holistic approach to support each and every client. Our innovative therapy leverages the bond between humans and animals to enhance emotional, social, and psychological well-being and work on capacity building across a range of domains.
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Beyond the Paddock was born from a simple yet powerful belief – that the healing bond between animals and humans can transform lives – especially when combined with professional therapeutic expertise.
Founded from the vision of Laura, our Director, who sought to blend her professional expertise with her lifelong love and understanding of animals, we are all about helping you thrive far beyond the paddock. Having grown up right here on the NSW Central Coast, witnessing first-hand the profound impact animals can have on emotional and mental well-being, Laura was inspired to create a space where others could experience this transformative connection.
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Our Story
With years of experience in both the therapeutic and animal care fields, Laura’s personal journey with animals, combined with her professional therapeutic expertise and passion for helping others, led her to establish a practice that combines the best of both worlds.
As the practice grew, Laura was fortunate to find like-minded therapists who shared her vision and commitment to animal-assisted therapy, expanding the team with individuals equally dedicated to providing compassionate, effective support to those in need. Together, we work collaboratively to create an environment where progress and development can truly thrive.
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Our Space
Set on over 11 acres of private property in Jilliby – just off the M1, 7 minutes drive from Tuggerah Westfield, and moments from Wyong Milk Factory, our facility is dedicated to providing the best possible environment for each client.
Animal Assisted Therapy | Equine therapy New South Wales Central COast
At Beyond the Paddock, we offer customised animal-assisted therapy that harnesses the healing power of animals to promote emotional growth, confidence, and resilience.
Whether through equine therapy, canine support, or other animal interactions, we provide a welcoming, compassionate environment designed to help each person grow at their own pace and in their own way.
Join us and discover how the beauty of this connection can help you take your next step Beyond the Paddock and apply it confidently in everyday life.
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“My son really enjoys attending Equine therapy.”
Laura and her team are lovely and it’s the only activity that we have done that my son hasn’t suffered major anxiety with. It’s such a calming environment and he loves working with the horses. My son won’t participate in traditional therapies anymore, so it’s great that he can go along and participate in a therapy based program, without actually knowing he is doing it.
- K Meredith
"Amazing place. Laura and her staff are very passionate about working with children using horses."
My son (add/ADHD) loves it and I can see how his behaviour has improved over the last few months working with them. Amazing team ! Thank you!! Highly recommend them
- ANNA
"We've loved our time with Beyond the Paddock so far and are so happy to continue with the service."
The facilitators are wonderful - so knowledgeable, compassionate and intuitive. The surroundings are beautiful and we couldn't be happier with our experience with Laura and Ellen. Highly recommend!
- RS
"He looks forward to his sessions each week and is building confidence more and more"
Our son 7.5 has been going to equine therapy for a few weeks now. He loves it and has taken to caring for his horse ice cream well. He retains all the information laura teaches him and is so excited to share it with us. I recommend this service to anyone who's kids love animals and need help regulating and building confidence.
- Amanda Skinner
"Very happy with the experience my at Beyond the Paddock"
Very happy with the experience my granddaughter has been having with Ellen at Beyond the Paddock. She is lovely with her ... kindly and gently engaging with her as they interact with ice cream the pony. I highly recommend Laura and Ellen’s services to others.
- Chrisanya Ashcroft
"I highly recommend"
I contacted Laura to find out about Beyond the Paddock as my daughter has disabilities and was dealing with bullying issues at school, i thought it might help with what was going on at school, she really lost alot of self confidence due to it. Laura's sessions with my daughter really helped build her confidence back up and she is so relaxed and calm when doing them.My daughter has develeped a special bond with the horses,especially ice cream.Its been fantastic for my girl and she looks forward to her sessions and i do as well :)
- megan burdon
" Laura's approach was outstanding."
I had the experience of laura working closely with my two children. Her approach was outstanding. So intune, patient and nurturing to their needs and most importantly building on their confidence in a new setting. Communication, safety, lesson and benefits are outstanding. If we could manage to do it more often we would.
- bree Oregan
"My son has ASD and absolutely loves and looks forward to attending his sessions with Laura."
We started with private sessions and have since moved into small group sessions with 3 other children. It works on so many aspects of my sons therapy including now social as well as regulation, negotiation skills, behaviour, anxiety etc. All whilst being outdoors in a calming relaxed setting and working with beautiful horses, he doesn't realise he is learning skills whilst doing an activity he loves. The location is great on a private property and away from distractions and is complimenting all of his other therapies nicely. I even walk away feeling relaxed after just sitting and watching the session.
