​960 Old Cooma Road, Googong NSW 2620
Tel: 0413 451 589
Welcome to Catalyst Living Skills
​
Living Skills programs,
Equine Assisted Therapy and Counselling for people with disabilities
Founded by Ruth Cotton to meet a gap in the services available, at Catalyst Living Skills, we offer people with disabilities a unique environment for learning and growth. We recognise that every person’s likes and needs are different and we are committed to providing an accessible, safe, inclusive and non-judgemental environment for all.
Based on an 18-acre rural property in Googong (NSW) - we are just 30 minutes from the centre of Canberra and 10 minutes from Queanbeyan.
Our property has a custom designed indoor learning space and separate counselling room. Outside there are employment skills areas, plus a nature-play area, paddocks and bushland areas. The property is home to horses, a small flock of sheep, chickens, dogs, guinea pigs, bearded dragons, and lots of wildlife. You are likely to see a kangaroo or two hopping across the paddocks, or even a sugar glider in our trees if you are very lucky.
​
Ruth enjoying a hug with Whizz,
one of our therapy ponies.
Our services
​
We specialise in supporting children and adults with disabilities to develop core living skills, plus we offer a variety of counselling and therapy options with staff qualified in Equine Assisted Therapy as well as traditional counselling.
​​
To ensure that we meet each clients specific needs, we also perform NDIS Assessments and provide reports as required.
​
Please note that we do not teach horse riding. Whilst you may see people riding on the property, these are privately agisted horses and are not part of our therapy programs.
Living skills programs
We deliver individual and small-group programs that build essential life skills, confidence and emotional well-being. Using a combination of counselling, Equine Assisted Therapy, and creative, nature and farm-based activities - our sessions are hands-on, engaging and fun.
​
By focusing on strengths and achievement, we support participants to build confidence, regulate emotions and work effectively with others. Most of our clients are supported through the NDIS.
​
👉 Learn more about our living skills programs here
​​
Just launched in February 2026, our newest living skills program is "The Farm Program" which is designed for young people with disability who are transitioning from school and beginning to explore their future. Through practical, hands-on learning, participants build confidence, independence and essential life and work skills.
This NDIS SLES-aligned program supports participants to explore employment and self-employment pathways that reflect their interests, abilities and goals.
​
👉 Learn more about The Farm Program here.
​
Equine Assisted Therapy and counselling
The world can be challenging for those who don’t neatly fit expectations.
At Catalyst Living Skills, we believe in recognising and celebrating the unique contribution every person brings to our community. We embrace diversity in all its forms — including neurodiversity, disability, living in a larger body, chronic pain, and other life challenges.
​
We offer a caring, sensitive, and person-centred approach to counselling, supporting people of all ages to develop self-compassion, deepen self-understanding, and build a more meaningful and rewarding life.
​
Our counselling looks a little different. Alongside traditional counselling in our therapy room, we also offer Equine Assisted Therapy and walk-and-talk sessions in nature, creating flexible and supportive spaces where people can feel safe, heard, and understood.
​
Equine Assisted Therapy is a form of counselling that involves interacting with horses. It is a gentle, engaging, and effective approach for building self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. Equine assisted therapy sessions are delivered by our two qualified Equine Assisted Therapists, Ruth and Gabi, and along with our walk-and-talk sessions, take place outdoors on our property our horses and ponies chosen for their calm, gentle, and tolerant natures.
​
👉 Learn more about Equine Assisted Therapy and other counselling here.
