Providing Animal-Assisted Learning to children and adults in Gold Coast – Paradise Point, Helensvale, Palm Beach

Nurturing Growth Through Animal-Assisted Learning

Discover the transformative power of companionship at Steps Therapy, where we harness the unique bond between animals and humans to foster personal growth and learning through our Animal-Assisted Therapy. 

Animal-Assisted Learning: What We Do

Learn about how we can help

At Steps Therapy, we understand that each individual’s journey towards personal growth is unique. Our bespoke animal-assisted therapy sessions are designed to engage and inspire individuals.

Nestled on the banks of Paradise Point, and extending our services to Helensvale and Palm Beach, we bring a refreshing approach to therapeutic interventions.

Our clients are introduced to the gentle companionship of our therapy dogs, Sunny and Otee, who play a pivotal role in revitalising therapy goals.

Happy disabled boy in wheelchair laughing with Animal-Assisted Therapy dog

Our Animal-Assisted Learning Services

Supporting you to reach your goals

Starting on a journey towards your goals can be challenging, but with Steps Therapy, you’re not alone. Our individualised animal-assisted learning programs are more than just sessions; they are stepping stones towards achieving your ambitions. We channel our passion and expertise as special education teachers into creating a nurturing environment where learning needs are not just met, but exceeded.

Animal-Assisted Therapy dog sitting on couch next to boy with down syndrome using laptop during Animal-Assisted Therapy & Teaching session

Animal-Assisted Learning

All ages

We offer a unique approach to learning and healing for all ages, where our therapy dogs, Sunny and Otee, enhance each session with their comforting presence.

Young boy sitting at desk reading book

Special Needs Tutoring

Customised tutoring for all ages, to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy, complemented by the encouraging presence of a therapy dog to achieve targeted learning goals.

Happy young girl cuddling golden labradoodle Animal-Assisted Therapy dog

Early Childhood Intervention

Under 9 years old

Tailored support for young children, with a family-centred approach that aligns with the child’s existing therapeutic goals and the family’s vision.


Exercise Support

 

All ages

We work with your physiologist to follow your excercise goals.  Fun and engaging exercise games to help increase your strength and function.

Happy woman sitting in the background holding lead of happy dog in the forefront of the image

Steps Dog
Training

For you and your dog

Do you have a companion dog at home who you would love to work with? We can work with you and your dog to help build your own relationship.

Happy young girl cuddling golden labradoodle Animal-Assisted Therapy dog

Early Childhood Intervention

Tailored support for young children, with a family-centred approach that aligns with the child’s existing therapeutic goals and the family’s vision.

Happy mum holding baby both smiling at camera

Special Mums and Special Bubs Play Group

A nurturing gathering for mothers and their babies under 18 months to connect, share experiences, and embrace their unique journey with special needs.

Animal-Assisted Therapy dog sitting on couch next to boy with down syndrome using laptop during Animal-Assisted Therapy & Teaching session

Special Needs Tutoring

Customised tutoring for children, teens, and adults with special needs, complemented by the encouraging presence of a therapy dog to achieve targeted learning goals.

Young boy sitting at desk reading book

Remedial Literacy and Numeracy Tutoring

Strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy skills at all ages with engaging, dog-assisted activities that motivate and inspire learning.

Companions in Healing

Every step forward is a paw print on the path to happiness

Two happy labradoodle Animal-Assisted Therapy dogs

Understanding AAT

What is Animal-Assisted Therapy?

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a revolutionary approach that integrates the innate qualities of animals into the therapeutic process to achieve psychological and physical benefits. 

At Steps Therapy, AAT is not merely a service we provide; it’s a carefully orchestrated experience that brings about transformational changes in individuals with special learning needs. 

Our therapy dogs, Sunny and Otee, are not just pets; they are trained companions who actively participate in sessions designed to address and support clients’ therapy goals.

Enjoy the benefits

Why AAT is so good

At Steps Therapy, we witness the daily miracles that occur when our clients interact with Sunny and Otee. The presence of these gentle creatures can transform therapy into a more inviting and less daunting task. 

The reasons for AAT’s effectiveness are manifold; it promotes relaxation, decreases isolation, encourages communication, and offers unconditional acceptance. Our clients often find a sense of companionship and non-judgemental support that is sometimes lacking in human-only interactions. 

The therapy dogs are trained to be sensitive to the clients’ needs, providing a comforting presence that can lead to significant breakthroughs in therapy sessions. 

This approach is especially beneficial for clients with special learning needs, as it offers an alternative pathway to achieving therapy goals that are engaging, enjoyable, and profoundly effective.

Young disabled girl with down syndrome sitting on floor reading a book with support worker and Animal-Assisted Therapy dog

Our pawesome doggo's

Meet the team

Sunny and Otee are not just therapy dogs; they are the heart and soul of Steps Therapy. With their wagging tails and soothing presence, they welcome each client into a world where therapy is interspersed with joy and comfort.

Happy animal-assisted therapy dog chocolate labradoodle sitting outside happily with Steps Therapy bandana

Sunny

Sunny, a sociable 5-year-old black-silver labradoodle, delights in companionship and learning new tricks for her favourite veggie treats

Happy animal-assisted therapy dog golden labradoodle sitting outside happily with Steps Therapy bandana

Otee

Otee, our 3-year-old golden labradoodle, is a gentle soul who loves playtime and will happily settle down with her head on your feet after a session of tricks for vegetable rewards.

Image of Tammy with animal-assisted therapy dogs, Otee and Sunny, sitting outside

Our founder

Get to know Tammy

Tammy is the visionary behind Steps Therapy, a special education teacher with a profound understanding of the unique learning needs of her clients. Her journey into animal-assisted therapy was born out of a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of the human-animal bond. 

Certified as a therapy-dog handler and with extensive studies in dog training, Tammy brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her practice.

Contact Us

Get In Touch

We are always available to discuss our unique animal-assisted therapy services, provide more information about our programs, or schedule a session in Paradise Point, Helensvale or Palm Beach.

Join us in a journey of learning and development as our therapy dogs, Sunny and Otee, guide you towards achieving your goals with their intuitive presence and consistent support.