About Us

Dr Kathryn James (Lyons)

BVSc (Hons), Dip Couns, Cert IV TAE

Dr Deborah Webb

BVetMed, MANZCVSC, Dip Couns

Kathryn

Debbie

Hi from Debbie and Kathryn!

Veterinary Vitality is our passion. After recognising a need for veterinary-specific counselling services, we’ve joined forces with the vision to create the go-to counselling and wellbeing hub for the veterinary community. We are qualified, registered counsellors and members of the Australian Counselling Association and abide by their Code of Conduct and Ethics. Our goal is to change the common perception that seeking counselling is a weakness, in the hope that more people will reach out for help earlier rather than later.

As experienced veterinarians and counsellors, we have a deep understanding of the inevitable emotional roller-coaster that accompanies the amazing highs and challenging lows of working in the veterinary profession. We have lived experience; most counsellors and psychologists haven’t been in your shoes. We’ve also raised families and know how difficult it can be to juggle all the competing demands. We know what it’s like to struggle, feel overwhelmed, undervalued, and become disillusioned.

We get you!

Dr Kathryn put me at ease just listening to my story and she gave me techniques to help me deal with it. I think the veterinary world needs more colleagues like her!

Deb is an amazing counsellor. I always feel better after talking to Deb and she has given me the right tools to deal with situations I struggle with.

Being a veterinarian herself with many years of clinical experience, Dr Kathryn truly understands the pressures and mental health struggles that veterinary professionals face daily.

I thoroughly recommend Veterinary Vitality to any veterinarian who is struggling as they can relate to the industry - not just provide generic advice that non-vet counsellors give.