Flourish Health Group is a new, architecturally designed hub for medical & allied health professionals.
Based in Highett, Bayside, Flourish Health Group is home to a diverse range of highly skilled health professionals. We offer a range of medical & allied health-care services to promote holistic health care to the community.
Maria Russell is a child counsellor who supports children experiencing anxiety,
emotional difficulties, behavioural concerns, and school-related challenges. Her work focuses on helping children feel safe, understood, and more able to engage in their everyday lives.
With over a decade of experience as a primary school educator, Maria brings a deep understanding of children’s real-world experiences at school and at home. She has a strong appreciation of children’s everyday emotional worlds, and the impact big feelings can have on learning, relationships, and confidence.
Maria works with children whose emotions feel overwhelming and begin to interfere with their ability to engage at school, at home, and in relationships. She provides a calm, supportive space where children feel safe to understand their feelings, develop emotional awareness, and build resilience.
Maria holds a Master of Education (School and Guidance Counselling), postgraduate qualifications in counselling and mental health, and is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). She works collaboratively with parents and carers to support children beyond the counselling space.
Maria also offers animal-assisted sessions alongside her certified therapy dog,
Winnie, whose gentle and calming presence helps many children feel more relaxed and comfortable during sessions.
emotional difficulties, behavioural concerns, and school-related challenges. Her work focuses on helping children feel safe, understood, and more able to engage in their everyday lives.
With over a decade of experience as a primary school educator, Maria brings a deep understanding of children’s real-world experiences at school and at home. She has a strong appreciation of children’s everyday emotional worlds, and the impact big feelings can have on learning, relationships, and confidence.
Maria works with children whose emotions feel overwhelming and begin to interfere with their ability to engage at school, at home, and in relationships. She provides a calm, supportive space where children feel safe to understand their feelings, develop emotional awareness, and build resilience.
Maria holds a Master of Education (School and Guidance Counselling), postgraduate qualifications in counselling and mental health, and is a registered member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA). She works collaboratively with parents and carers to support children beyond the counselling space.
Maria also offers animal-assisted sessions alongside her certified therapy dog,
Winnie, whose gentle and calming presence helps many children feel more relaxed and comfortable during sessions.
Maria Russell
Child counsellor
Book appointment with Maria
Winnie is a 5-year-old Cavoodle (King Charles Cavalier x Poodle) and a certified
therapy dog through Lead the Way Institute Australia.
She has a calm, gentle
temperament and helps many children feel more relaxed, safe, and at ease during counselling sessions.
therapy dog through Lead the Way Institute Australia.
She has a calm, gentle
temperament and helps many children feel more relaxed, safe, and at ease during counselling sessions.
Winnie
Winnie offers quiet companionship and emotional support, helping to reduce anxiety and create a welcoming and emotionally safe environment. For some children, her presence makes the counselling space feel less intimidating and more comfortable.
Winnie’s involvement in sessions is always guided by each child’s needs and
comfort. Therapy dog–assisted support is offered thoughtfully and only when it is in the child’s best interests, with Winnie’s wellbeing carefully monitored at all times.
To find out more information on Maria & Winnie
Email : maria@calmingpawstherapy.com.au
Website: www.calmingpawstherapy.com.au
Therapy Dog
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We are excited to be able to provide a space where professionals and clients can connect and benefit from a holistic approach to healthcare and educational training services.
Who we are
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We host regular workshops from breathwork to meditation & much more in our beautiful space.
Keep an eye out for our upcoming events & to register your interest.
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