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FAQs

Who do you work with?

I work with individuals as young as 12 through adolescents and young adulthood.

How long are appointments?

Standard sessions are 50 minutes long.

Do you accept Mental Health Care Plans (MHCPs)?

As a private counselling and psychotherapy practice, our services are not covered by Medicare. This means you do not need a GP referral or a Mental Health Care Plan to begin. You can book with us directly whenever you feel ready.

Do I need my parents permission to access counselling?

If you are between 12 and 15 years old, we’ll need a parent or guardian to sign a permission form before we start our walk together. I know that can feel a little nerve-wracking, but please don’t let it stop you from reaching out—we can even brainstorm the best way to talk to them about it. It’s also important to know that while they give the 'okay' for us to meet, our sessions are your private space. What you share with me stays between us, and we’ll go over exactly how that privacy works in our very first meeting

What can I expect in my first appointment?

Our first session is a gentle opportunity to connect. Whether you are new to therapy or have been on this path before, this is your space to share your story at your own pace. I will listen closely to your thoughts and feelings to help us understand what our journey together might look like.

Most importantly, it’s a chance for you to see if my style feels right for you. The relationship we build is the heart of the work, so please feel free to ask me anything about my approach.

How many sessions will I need?

Because therapy is a personal journey, the number of sessions varies. We can work together for short-term support on a specific issue or engage in longer-term work for deeper transformation. Lasting change is a process, and we will move at a speed that feels sustainable for you.

What are your fees?

  • Standard Rate: $130 per session (including GST).

  • Financial Ease: I believe therapy should be accessible to all who need support. I set aside a limited number of reduced-fee spaces for those experiencing financial hardship.

  • NDIS: If you are self-managed or plan-managed, you may be able to use your NDIS funding for our sessions.

Please mention your circumstances in our contact form so we can discuss options during your free 15-minute consultation.

Do you offer Telehealth sessions?

Yes. I currently offer both video and phone sessions Australia-wide. I also plan to offer face-to-face appointments in the future to ensure you can access care in the way that feels most comfortable for you.

When your child is hesitant to take the first step

It can be deeply painful to watch your child struggle and have them decline the very support you know could help. If you are met with "I don't need therapy" or "I'm not going," here are a few ways to gently clear the path:

  • Lower the "Hill": Sometimes the word "therapy" feels like a giant, intimidating mountain. Try reframing it. Suggest a "15-minute connection call" just to meet a new person who is an expert in listening. Let them know it’s just a "trial walk" to see if the rhythm feels right.

  • Focus on Autonomy: Remind them that this is their space, not yours. Let them know that at Prana Therapy Co., they are the driver. They get to choose what we talk about, what we don't talk about, and even how we sit or spend the time.

  • Validate the Fear: Acknowledge that starting therapy is a brave act of vulnerability. You might say: "I can see that this feels scary or annoying right now, and that’s okay. I just want you to have a safe place where you don't have to be 'the child' or 'the student'—just yourself."

  • Offer a "Consultation of Curiosities": Invite them to look at the website with you. Ask them what they think about the "hills and rivers" metaphor. Sometimes seeing the warmth of the space beforehand makes the actual "step" feel less like a jump into the dark.

  • Model the Path: Sometimes the best way to encourage a child to heal is to show them what your own healing looks like. Sharing (in an age-appropriate way) how you seek support for your own stress can make therapy feel like a normal, healthy part of life rather than a "punishment" for being "broken."

A Gentle Reminder: If they truly aren't ready to walk yet, that’s okay. We cannot rush the breath. Sometimes, a parent coming in for their own support is the first step in shifting the energy of the whole home, eventually making the child feel safe enough to begin their own journey later on.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

I understand life can be unpredictable and plans sometimes need to change. If you need to reschedule or cancel, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance. This allows that time to remain open for others who may be in need of support. Please keep in mind that sessions cancelled or changed with less than 24 hours' notice are non-refundable, as that time has been specially reserved for you.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Trust is the foundation of our work. Everything we discuss is strictly confidential, and your records are stored with the highest security. Please note that sessions are never recorded.

There are three legal exceptions where I may have to share information:

  1. If there is a serious risk of harm to yourself or others.

  2. If a child or vulnerable adult is at risk.

  3. If I am required by a court subpoena

 

Working together safely

To ensure you receive the level of care you deserve, please note that Prana Therapy Co. is not a crisis service. I do not work with:

  • Acute crisis response or 24-hour support needs.

  • Active suicidality or homicidal intent/planning.

  • Individuals currently enrolled in intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization programs.

In our sessions, I promise:

  • No Pressure: You will never be forced to share anything before you are ready.

  • No Labels: I do not diagnose or pathologize. We focus on your unique experience rather than a fixed category.

  • No Directing: I am here to guide and support you, not to give "advice" or tell you how to live your life.

 

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Kimberlin D'Souza acknowledges the Wurundjeri Willin Clan and Taugurung People as traditional owners of the lands we work on. We recognise sovereignty was never ceded and this was and always will be Aboriginal land

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Kimberlin D'Souza © 2025 

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