NDIS Counselling

Who do you support?

We support self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants. While we specialise in children and young people, all participants of any age are welcome at Yarra Counselling!

How is counselling covered under the NDIS?

Counselling is covered under ‘Improved Daily Living’.

What can counselling help with?

Counselling has a multitude of benefits for NDIS participants and their families, with sessions supporting participants with:

  • Emotional regulation

  • Anxiety

  • Mood

  • School engagement

  • Confidence

  • Daily functioning

  • Relationships/friendships/social skills

What is your therapeutic approach?

All counselling sessions are based on human-centred, trauma informed principles. Our approach is one of gentleness, focusing on building a safe and respectful therapeutic rapport, and using ongoing, thoughtful assessment to address the client’s needs. We use a strengths-based approach to ensure the client feels a sense of mastery and can harness their inner strengths and skills to thrive in life.

What can be expected in the first session?

Prior to the session, Lauren will speak on the phone with the young person or child’s parent or carer, to get some family, school and social context and to identify where the greatest area of need is for the client. For young adults, Lauren can speak directly with them to get some background information that can help to shape the first session.

Depending on the age of the client, the first session will be an intake and assessment session, where rapport is built and a greater understanding of the client needs are established, in order for us to work together setting some therapeutic goals or intentions. For younger children, the first session will be an assessment, conducted through play-based therapy, drawing or talking.

All sessions are client-led, meaning that the child or young person has the agency to share what is coming up for them, rather than an agenda being dictated for the session.

Can you come to my child’s school?

Yes! Most schools are happy to accommodate allied health practitioners, including counsellors. If a school is unable to support this, then clients are welcome to attend the clinic on a Thursday.

Do you write reports?

Yes, we prepare reports, referrals, recommendations and yearly reviews as needed.

How much do sessions cost, and how does invoicing work?

NDIS sessions are charged at $156 per 50 minute session. Invoices are emailed to the parent/carer or the plan manager following each session.