Karinya Farm Counselling
65 Five Mile Road Pakenham South
Welcome to Karinya Farm
“Real Results Through Nature & Animals – Calm Emotional Regulation, Improve Confidence & Build Resilience Through Farm-Based Counselling.”
Counselling with a difference grounded in nature, connection and real-life skills
Karinya Farm offers a calm, supportive alternative to traditional counselling.
Set on a real working farm, our sessions combine nature, animals and hands-on activities to help children, young people and families feel safe, supported and understood.
If talking in an office hasn’t worked, this is a different way forward.
Book your session today and explore the many ways we can support your well-being at Karinya Farm.
Who we support
Karinya Farm supports individuals and families who may feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or “out of place” in traditional settings.
We work with:
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Children who struggle to fit inside the box
Kids who don’t thrive in rigid environments and need space to be themselves -
School refusal and school-related anxiety
Including overwhelm, burnout, disengagement or fear linked to attendance -
Big emotions and emotional regulation challenges
Anxiety, shutdown, anger, low confidence or difficulty expressing feelings -
Young people finding their place in the world
Identity, self-worth, belonging and direction during key developmental stages -
Early adults transitioning into work and independence
Support with confidence, routines, communication, motivation and life skills -
Young people navigating friendships and social connection
Building confidence, boundaries and healthy relationships -
Families seeking support with connection and communication
Helping strengthen relationships in a safe, non-judgemental space -
NDIS participants
Where goals align with capacity building, social participation and wellbeing
If you’re unsure whether your child, young person or family fits into one of these categories, we encourage you to reach out — support at Karinya Farm is always tailored to the individual.
A new program to run alongside Karinya Farm
At Karinya Farm, we’ve always believed support works best when it meets young people where they are.
Our farm-based programs have shown us the power of connection, safety and trust. But we’ve also listened closely to what many young people are telling us they feel most comfortable, confident and engaged through gaming, technology, and shared digital interests.
So we created NextGen – Level Up.
NextGen – Level Up is a structured, group-based program for children, young people, and adults who are drawn to gaming and technology. It provides a safe, inclusive, centre-based space where participants can connect, build skills, and work towards their goals in a way that feels natural and relevant.
Sessions are interest-led, low pressure, and focused on social connection, confidence, emotional regulation, and community participation. Groups are age-appropriate and ability-matched, starting from as young as six years old.
While gaming and tech are the hook, the focus is on real-world skills — communication, teamwork, independence, and belonging. Counselling and transport can also be added where needed, allowing families to tailor supports.
NextGen – Level Up was created because support shouldn’t feel forced. It should feel safe, engaging, and built around what young people actually enjoy.
Expressions of Interest are now open, with sessions expected to commence in March 2026.
Booking link:
www.nextgenyouthservices.org
We are proud to introduce Introducing NextGen – Level Up
My stepdaughter has been attending Karinya Farm for around 5-6 months now and the team there are fantastic. Amanda is very open and transparent which we like but in same breathe keeping my stepdaughter sessions confidential as promised to her. Amanda and the team are fantastic with all my children and make them feel welcome, when looking for therapy we didn’t want a clinical setting and finding Karinya Farm was a blessing and my stepdaughter would go everyday if she was allowed. It’s a happy and safe place and always full of smiles.
I can't speak highly enough of Karinya Farm's wonderful staff and all the animals we get to interact with each week. My children feel so safe and supported at the farm, that it's become the highlight of their week. A perfect environment for healing, growing and connecting.
I cannot recommend Amanda and the team at Karinya Farm enough.
The way they work and tailor sessions to each individual person, and adapt and change to suit the session dependant on my childs needs and energy is what makes Karinya a stand out. The work that has been done has helped my child grow so much more than I thought they ever could.
We have tried the clinical settings, within a counselling room, however was not for my child. Walking around the farm feeding animals, cooking in the kitchen, playing games, lounging in egg chairs, my child naturally opens up and chats about their worries in a safe fun place.
The strategies that my child has come away with has helped them in their everyday life.
All counsellors take the time to listen not only to the client but the family. They go above and beyond to help each and every person that comes through those gates.
Keep up the amazing work. 🥰🤩