NDIS Counselling for Self-Managed Participants

What is NDIS counselling?

At Ilanot Counselling, I offer counselling for self‑managed NDIS participants who have therapeutic supports included in their plan. Sessions are funded under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living or Improved Relationships, and are designed to strengthen emotional regulation, independence, and daily functioning. My approach is trauma‑informed, client‑centred and grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — helping you build skills to manage difficult thoughts and emotions, reconnect with your values, and take meaningful steps toward the life you want. Appointments are available online across Australia via secure telehealth, or in person in Sydney. Sessions are flexible and paced to suit your goals and readiness.

What we focus on in sessions

Each session is tailored to the goals in your NDIS plan and the challenges you want support with. Together, we focus on what matters most to you — not just symptom reduction, but building confidence and practical tools for everyday life. Common areas of focus include:

• Emotional regulation and coping strategies — including managing overwhelm, shutdown, avoidance or emotional reactivity
• Support for anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or life transitions, with practical ways to create more stability
• Building confidence in everyday situations such as appointments, social interactions, school, work or community activities
• Strengthening relationships, communication and independence
• Developing self‑awareness, self‑compassion, identity and values — especially after long‑term invalidation or trauma
• Creating routines and habits that support wellbeing

ACT‑based strategies help you notice and respond to thoughts and feelings with more flexibility, rather than getting caught in struggle. Trauma‑informed practice ensures safety and pacing, while client‑centred work keeps your goals and preferences at the heart of every session.

Who this is for

I work with self‑managed NDIS participants who have counselling included in their plan. This may suit you if you’re looking for:

• Self‑managed NDIS participants with counselling or therapeutic supports in their plan
• People who have experienced trauma, domestic or family violence, childhood adversity, or long‑term stress
• Those who want a safe, predictable and paced counselling space — without being pushed to talk before they’re ready
• People who prefer practical, everyday strategies for emotional regulation, communication, relationships and independence
• Adults, teens and young people across Australia looking for flexible online or in‑person appointments in Sydney

How sessions work

Sessions are 60 minutes, held online via secure video call or in person in Sydney. We begin by identifying the goals that matter most to you, then track progress in ways that feel useful and empowering. Each session builds skills that support independence, emotional wellbeing and connection. We work together to create a plan that feels achievable and meaningful, with regular check-ins to make sure the sessions are supporting your goals. ACT strategies help you notice patterns, respond differently to difficult moments, and build habits that support independence. If you prefer conversation or creative approaches, we can adapt to that too. I collaborate with your support coordinator or other providers when helpful, with your consent. After each session, you’ll receive an invoice with the details needed to claim your reimbursement through the NDIS portal. If you’d like progress notes or a summary for a plan review, this can be arranged on request.

Next steps

If you’re a self‑managed participant and would like to discuss how counselling can fit within your plan, you’re welcome to get in touch. Together, we can explore what support would be most helpful and how to make it work for your goals and readiness.

Common questions

Do I need a referral to start NDIS counselling?⌄

No GP referral is needed. If you are self-managed and have counselling or therapeutic supports funded in your NDIS plan, you can book directly. I recommend checking that your plan includes Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living or Improved Relationships funding before we begin.

Are sessions online or in person?⌄

Both are available. Online counselling is offered Australia-wide via secure telehealth. In-person sessions are held in Bondi Junction and Macquarie Park, Sydney — both close to public transport and parking.

How do I pay and claim?⌄

For self-managed participants, you pay the invoice directly after each session. I then provide an invoice with my provider details, service dates and relevant line items, which you can upload to your NDIS portal to claim reimbursement. If you are plan-managed, please check with your plan manager before booking, as I currently only accept self-managed participants.

What if my plan is agency-managed?⌄

I currently only work with self-managed NDIS participants. If your plan is agency-managed, you are welcome to attend sessions privately, but you will not be able to claim the cost through your NDIS funding. Alternatively, I encourage you to speak with your coordinator or agency about finding a suitable registered provider who accepts agency-managed participants.

Can you provide reports for plan reviews?⌄

Yes. I can provide brief progress summaries or letters of support for plan reviews on request. Please let me know in advance if you need documentation so we can plan it into our work together.

How many sessions can I use?⌄

That depends on the funding allocated in your plan. We can discuss a schedule that fits your budget and goals, and adjust as needed throughout the year.

What is your fee?⌄

My standard counselling fee is $120 per 60-minute session. For NDIS participants this is charged in line with the relevant therapeutic supports line item. Please contact me for a current fee schedule.