Dr. Pree Benton is a registered Health Psychologist, with a special interest in Animal Assisted Psychotherapy, an innovative practice that enables clients to feel at greater ease in the therapy room, and assists clients to feel more comfortable and open to the therapy process. The relationship between the client and the therapy dog can provide multitudes of therapeutic information to assist the client to better understand themselves, and their relationships with others. Sessions may also be conducted outside of the therapy room, assisting clients to
conquer fears and develop new life skills that are not always possible to achieve through traditional therapy.
Pree has extensive experience in the following areas:
Eating disorders and body image issues
Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Anxiety disorders including Generalised Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Phobias (including dog phobias) and Social Anxiety
Depression and mood disorders
Grief, loss and end of life care
Health issues such as chronic pain, cancer and disability
Pree’s therapy style is compassionate, collaborative and direct. She focuses on building a strong therapeutic
relationship, and collaborating as a team - client, therapist and therapy dog. As a health psychologist, Pree
strongly believes in the importance of the mind-body connection and in assisting clients to tune into their
strengths to teach them how to be their own best therapist.
In addition to Animal Assisted Therapy, Pree is trained in the following models:
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Emotion Focused Therapy
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Enhanced for Eating Disorders
Non-diet approach and Health at Every Size paradigms
Mindfulness and Mindful Self Compassion
Motivational Interviewing
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Compassion Focused Therapy
Schema Therapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy (for PTSD)
Pree is registered with AHPRA and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society. Pree works with clients
aged 16 and older, and her services are eligible for Medicare and private health rebates.
If you would like to make an appointment with Pree, please email her on pree.benton@dogsforlife.com.au.
Consultations are available Thursday afternoons in Bentleigh, VIC.