FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I book a session with Sara or Nerida?
The best way to contact us is to complete the brief form here as we are often unable to pick up the phone. The nature of much of Sara’s NDIS work at Darkes Forest is fairly long term which means we are often at capacity. When you contact us, we will get back to you as soon as we can, to let you know if we have any current availability and can offer you a vacancy for therapy. If we have a vacancy, we will then send out our online intake forms.
If you don’t have a vacancy can I go on a waiting list?
Sorry we are no longer keeping a waiting list.
Do I need a referral?
A referral is only needed if you wish to see Sara under a Medicare Mental Health Treatment plan from your GP or paediatrician, this will enable you to access a Medicare rebate. Otherwise no referral is needed to see either Nerida or Sara.
How about session duration and fees?
Online therapy sessions are 50-55 mins, with Sara or Nerida fee $180 - $205
Online Clinical Consultaion/Supervision sessions 50 mins, with either Sara or Nerida fee $190 (+ GST = $209).
Darkes Forest in person therapy sessions with Sara are one hour.
All child and young person sessions include a written parent session report and communication to support ongoing learning at home/school, session fee $242.49.
Adult in person session fees $193.99 - $242.49.
(When applicable, Medicare rebates are currently $85.20 per session).
Do you see NDIS participants and children in OOHC?
Yes, a lot of our clients come from these groups. We can provide a quote and service agreement based on the individual’s therapeutic goals. We offer services to NDIS participants who are Self or Plan Managed. We bill under Capacity Building - Social Work (Sara), Counselling (Nerida).
Will sessions at Darkes Forest involve horse riding?
The therapy offered at Darkes Forest, is tailored to each client’s needs. It is Nature-Based Therapy and may include both Expressive Arts Therapy and Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. These are NOT horse riding or horsemanship sessions/lessons. When horses are included in sessions, time is generally spent interacting with them on the ground or observing them in ways tailored to your therapeutic goals. Some clients may be also be offered therapeutic movement work on horseback – Equestrian Tai Chi. No previous experience with horses is needed.
Do parents/carers join in children’s sessions?
The child’s wishes about this are listened to.
We work closely with families, so encourage parents/carers to join our sessions, where appropriate.
What should you wear and bring to sessions at Darkes Forest?
It is essential to wear sturdy closed-in shoes.
Please check the weather and dress accordingly in outdoor clothes, which can get muddy or dusty. It’s always a couple of degrees colder at Darkes Forest, so bring a warm layer. Remember your sunhat, sunscreen, insect spray and a water bottle. Gum boots in wet weather are a very good idea!
If you have any allergy concerns, or particular sensitivities, to horses, insects, foods, plants, grass or bees, please let us know.
What happens if it rains?
We are lucky enough to have a fabulous indoor space in our ‘Therapy Stable’ where we can engage in expressive arts therapies … working with clay and drumming are the favourite wet day activities.
What happens if I need to cancel a booked session?
Your appointment time is set aside for you and we are regularly turning away requests for service
Online sessions can be cancelled up to a full ‘working day’ before without incurring a fee.
Darkes Forest sessions require two full ‘working days’ notice of cancellation, otherwise the regular fee will apply.
By ‘working days’ we mean Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm.
Where do I park at Darkes Forest? Where do I meet my therapist?
The property owner has made a special request that all clients coming to Mima Counselling & Equine Assisted Therapy, park out the front of the property, at the side of the road. Please park well back from the letterbox to allow the postie van to deliver and the garbage truck and large horse transport trucks to access and exit the property safety when needed. Please then walk to the front gate where you will be met and welcomed by your therapist.
