Shelby is a Clinical Psychologist offering nature-based and animal-assisted therapy in the outer North-Eastern suburbs of Melbourne. She provides a calm, supportive, and engaging space where therapy is enriched by the involvement of therapy animals. Shelby supports individuals of all ages and is particularly passionate about working with neurodivergent clients, including those who are autistic, ADHD, or experience Tourette’s.
Paws and Claws Psychology
St Andrews, VIC, 3761
Mullum Road Clinic
Panton Hill, VIC, 3759
You can attend privately without a referral, or you can access Medicare rebates with a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). The current Medicare rebate for sessions with a Clinical Psychologist is $136.35 per session (as of 2024). This means there will be an out-of-pocket gap fee of approximately $103.65 at St Andrews or $123.65 at Panton Hill.
Session fees are $240 for a 50+ minute session at St Andrews (Paws and Claws Psychology), and $260 at Panton Hill (Mullum Road Clinic). Medicare rebates or NDIS funding may apply — please contact me if you’d like to discuss your options.
Yes — I see both plan-managed and self-managed NDIS participants.
The first session is about getting to know you and understanding your needs and goals. It’s very relaxed and there’s no pressure — we go at a pace that feels right for you. For children under 12, we start with an initial parent or caregiver session so we can understand your child’s needs and make sure therapy is a safe and positive experience for them.
I draw on a range of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, DBT, Somatic Experiencing®, CBIT, and animal-assisted therapy. I aim to ensure that sessions are person-centred, strengths-based, and neurodiversity-affirming.
Yes — sessions are flexible, low-demand, and adapted to suit each person’s sensory needs, movement needs, and comfort. Some clients like to be outdoors and moving; others prefer quieter spaces or sensory play. You can choose what feels right.
Yes — everyone is welcome at Paws and Claws Psychology. I aim to provide a safe, supportive space for clients of all genders, sexualities, and identities.
No — animal interaction is always optional and based on your consent and comfort. Many clients find connection with animals helpful, but it’s entirely up to you.
I work out of Mullum Road Clinic farm in Panton Hill, and at Paws and Claws Psychology in St Andrews. Both offer flexible spaces - sessions can be indoors, outdoors, or a mix of both, depending on each client’s needs and preferences.
Both clinic locations — Paws and Claws Psychology (St Andrews) and Mullum Road Clinic (Panton Hill) — are located on properties with natural terrain. This means that accessibility for wheelchairs and those with some mobility needs may be limited.
If you (or your child) have any mobility, sensory, or access needs — including wheelchair access, prams, fatigue considerations, or movement preferences — please feel very welcome to contact me. I’m happy to discuss your needs and explore options to help make your visit as comfortable and supportive as possible.
I do not take on clients for stand-alone assessments (such as autism, ADHD, or cognitive assessments). However, if your child (or you) are already engaged in therapy with me, I may offer specific assessments if they are helpful for supporting ongoing therapy goals.
I ask for at least 2 days’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Cancellations with less than 2 days’ notice may incur the full session fee, as this time is set aside especially for you. I do understand that unexpected things can happen — please contact me as soon as possible if something prevents you from attending.
That’s completely okay — there is no expectation to do anything you are uncomfortable with. Therapy is always paced and adapted to meet your needs, and we will take things one step at a time together.
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