About
Social worker, Counsellor + Trainer
About James Lightfoot
James Lightfoot has a particular focus on how pets and other animals influence our lives. He has over 3 decades of experience in counselling, investigations, professional education, organisational training and audits, including as an Official Community Visitor to Disability Supported Accommodation and young persons in residential care. He abides by professional codes of practice and ethics in all his activities as a counsellor, coach and educator.
James has an extensive and varied background in health, disability and community services, where he saw how animals play a key but often unrecognised role in trauma, healing, relationships and practical supports for individuals and families, and in the culture of organisations.
“Across my professional life I could see that my expertise, experience and interest were increasingly being applied to a person centred, animal informed practice.”
Expertise
Commencing as a child protection caseworker in Family and Community Services, James has also worked extensively in women and children’s health, adult admissions, emergency and critical care across a number of hospitals and health services as a Social Worker, Counsellor, Educator and Manager.
For a number of years he visited disability residential households and young persons in residential care to ensure appropriate supports were in place, including animal assisted supports.
James has also conducted and reviewed agency investigations, audited and developed agency policies and procedures and presented training to dozens of agencies and thousands of professionals.
His clients have included children, young persons, families, persons with special needs, government departments and community organisations – as well as their many and varied pets, furry and feathered friends, therapy dogs, emotional support animals and practical assistance companions.
“As an experienced professional with a passion for how humans and animals interact, I am committed to providing support and guidance where it will improve people’s lives.”
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Social Work (Hons)
- Certificate IV Training and Assessment
- Diploma of Counselling
Trained in
- Child and family violence prevention
- Domestic violence support and prevention
- Crisis counselling
- Motivational interviewing
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Relaxation and stress management
- Disability awareness
- Managing bullying and harassment
- Grief and loss support
- Mental health support