FAQ

Living Fully

  • Living Fully is the umbrella for Kate’s work as a counsellor, educator and practitioner.

    It brings together two pathways:

    • Neuroptimal® neurofeedback for nervous system support

    • Piano With Soul for creative development and expression

    Both are grounded in a calm, respectful approach that supports the individual rather than directing or forcing change.

  • Living Fully supports both children and adults.

    Some people come seeking support for the nervous system — such as feeling overwhelmed, unsettled, or not quite themselves.

    Others come through creativity — particularly children who benefit from a more natural, supportive approach to learning.

  • No.

    You are welcome to begin with a session or enquiry and see how it feels before deciding what is right for you.

  • Living Fully is based in North-East Melbourne.

    Neuroptimal® systems are also available for home hire and can be posted Australia-wide.

Neuroptimal® Feedback

  • Neuroptimal® is a non-invasive system that provides the brain with information about its own activity in real time.

    Rather than directing the brain, it allows the brain to observe itself and make natural adjustments toward greater balance.

  • Neuroptimal® is non-directive.

    It does not train the brain toward a specific outcome or target particular conditions. Instead, it supports the brain’s own ability to self-regulate.

  • Small sensors are placed lightly on the scalp and ears.

    You then sit comfortably, usually watching a film, while the system runs.

    At certain moments, the sound briefly pauses. This provides feedback to the brain about what it is doing in real time.

    Sessions typically run for around 33 minutes.

  • No.

    There is nothing you need to do. You are not required to focus, perform, or try to achieve anything.

  • Most people find sessions relaxing.

    Some notice changes over time in areas such as calm, clarity, or sleep, while others simply enjoy the opportunity to rest.

    Each person’s experience is different.

  • People come for many different reasons.

    These may include:

    • feeling overwhelmed or stressed

    • difficulty settling or switching off

    • sleep challenges

    • focus and attention

    • emotional regulation

    Others simply use it to support overall wellbeing.

  • Yes.

    Neuroptimal® is gentle and does not require effort or explanation, which makes it well suited to children.

  • This varies.

    Some people begin with a few sessions, while others choose to continue over time.

    Kate will be able to suggest the number of sessions depending on your individual needs.

  • In-house sessions are often done once or twice per week initially.

    If you choose to rent a machine, daily use depending on your needs are often suggested. For acute needs, twice daily can provide even greater support.

    Frequency can be adjusted depending on your experience and preference.

  • Neuroptimal® is non-invasive and does not introduce anything into the body.

    It simply provides feedback to the brain.

    If you have specific concerns, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss them.

  • No.

    Neuroptimal® is not a medical treatment and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

    It supports the brain’s natural ability to regulate itself.

  • Do I need a diagnosis?

Neuroptimal® Home Hire

  • Yes.

    Neuroptimal® systems are available for hire and can be posted Australia-wide.

  • No.

    You will be guided through the setup so you feel comfortable using the system.

  • Home hire allows:

    • more frequent sessions

    • flexibility in timing

    • use in your own environment

  • No.

    There is nothing you need to do. You are not required to focus, perform, or try to achieve anything.

  • Most people find sessions relaxing.

    Some notice changes over time in areas such as calm, clarity, or sleep, while others simply enjoy the opportunity to rest.

    Each person’s experience is different.

  • People come for many different reasons.

    These may include:

    • feeling overwhelmed or stressed

    • difficulty settling or switching off

    • sleep challenges

    • focus and attention

    • emotional regulation

    Others simply use it to support overall wellbeing.

  • Yes.

    Neuroptimal® is gentle and does not require effort or explanation, which makes it well suited to children.

  • This varies.

    Some people begin with a few sessions, while others choose to continue over time.

    Kate will be able to suggest the number of sessions depending on your individual needs.

  • In-house sessions are often done once or twice per week initially.

    If you choose to rent a machine, daily use depending on your needs are often suggested. For acute needs, twice daily can provide even greater support.

    Frequency can be adjusted depending on your experience and preference.

  • Neuroptimal® is non-invasive and does not introduce anything into the body.

    It simply provides feedback to the brain.

    If you have specific concerns, you are welcome to get in touch to discuss them.

  • No.

    Neuroptimal® is not a medical treatment and is not intended to diagnose or treat medical conditions.

    It supports the brain’s natural ability to regulate itself.

  • Do I need a diagnosis?

Soul-Centered Counselling

  • Soul-Centred Counselling is a gentle, reflective approach that supports the whole person: emotional, mental, relational and spiritual.

    In my work, this means creating a safe and compassionate space where you can slow down, be heard, and explore what is happening beneath the surface of everyday life.

    Rather than focusing only on what feels wrong, Soul-Centred Counselling supports you to reconnect with your inner wisdom, understand yourself more deeply, and move through life with greater clarity, steadiness and self-trust.

  • Soul-Centred Counselling includes many of the qualities people often look for in counselling: deep listening, emotional support, reflection and a non-judgemental space.

    What makes this approach different is that it honours the whole person. We may explore your emotions, thoughts, relationships, life experiences, values, intuition, sense of meaning, and the deeper parts of yourself that may have been quietened, overwhelmed or overlooked.

    My role is not to tell you who to be. It is to support you as you reconnect with what feels true, steady and meaningful within yourself.

  • No. You do not need to follow any particular belief system or think of yourself as spiritual.

    In this work, the word “soul” simply points to the deeper self: the part of you that holds meaning, truth, values, intuition and the desire to live in a way that feels more authentic.

    Sessions are always guided by your own beliefs, comfort level and lived experience.

  • People may come to Soul-Centred Counselling for many reasons, including:

    Emotional overwhelm
    Stress or burnout
    Grief and loss
    Life transitions
    Relationship challenges
    Parenting or family stress
    Low confidence or self-worth
    Feeling disconnected from yourself
    Sensitivity or emotional intensity
    A sense of feeling stuck
    A desire for deeper self-understanding
    Support during times of change or uncertainty

    You do not need to be in crisis to come to counselling. Sometimes you may simply know that something within you needs space, care and attention.

  • Each session gives you space to talk about what is present for you.

    You may come with a specific issue, or you may simply arrive with a feeling that something is unclear, heavy or unresolved. Together, we gently explore your thoughts, emotions, patterns, needs and inner responses.

    There is no pressure to have everything worked out before you arrive. You do not need to explain yourself perfectly.

    We begin where you are.

  • No. My role is not to give you instructions about your life or tell you which choices to make.

    Soul-Centred Counselling is collaborative and respectful. I support you to listen more deeply to yourself, explore what feels true, and find your own next steps with greater clarity and confidence.

    There may be gentle reflection, questions, observations or tools offered along the way, but the process is always centred around you.

  • Yes. I offer Soul-Centred Counselling for children, teens and adults, adapting each session to the age, needs and personality of the person I am working with.

    For children, this may include gentle conversation, creativity, playfulness, emotional language and simple reflection. The focus is on helping them feel safe, heard and supported in a way that feels natural and age-appropriate.

    For teens, sessions can offer a calm and non-judgemental space to explore emotions, confidence, identity, friendships, school pressure, family dynamics, sensitivity and life changes.

    My role is to meet each person where they are, without pressure to explain everything perfectly.

  • That is completely okay.

    You do not need to arrive with a clear topic or a polished explanation. Sometimes the first step is simply having space to slow down, be heard and notice what begins to emerge.

    A session can begin with whatever feels present, even if that is simply, “I’m not sure where to start.”

  • Yes, Soul-Centred Counselling can be supportive for people experiencing anxiety, stress or overwhelm, particularly when these feelings are connected to life pressure, emotional load, family dynamics, transitions, grief or disconnection from self.

    This work offers space to gently explore what may be sitting underneath those feelings and what kind of support, steadiness or change may be needed.

    If you are experiencing severe distress, risk of harm, trauma symptoms or significant mental health concerns, it is important to also seek support from a GP, psychologist, psychiatrist or crisis service.

  • Soul-Centred Counselling is a form of counselling and emotional support. It provides a private, reflective space for personal growth, self-understanding and wellbeing.

    It is not a replacement for medical care, crisis support, psychiatric treatment or specialised mental health intervention where those are needed.

  • This varies from person to person.

    Some people come for a few sessions while moving through a particular challenge or transition. Others choose ongoing support as part of their emotional wellbeing, self-reflection or personal growth.

    There is no pressure to commit long term before you know whether this approach feels right for you.

  • Yes. Sessions are private and treated with care and respect.

    As with all counselling and wellbeing services, there are some legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. If there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person, or where disclosure is required by law, I may need to take appropriate steps to keep people safe.

    This can be discussed clearly before or during your first session.

  • Yes, where appropriate.

    At Living Fully, Soul-Centred Counselling sits alongside other gentle, nervous-system-informed offerings such as neurofeedback and Piano with Soul.

    Each offering has its own purpose. Counselling provides space for reflection, emotional support and self-understanding. Neurofeedback supports nervous system regulation. Piano with Soul offers a creative, expressive and confidence-building way to learn music.

    The right pathway depends on your needs, preferences and goals.

  • Soul-Centred Counselling may be a good fit if you are looking for a calm, compassionate and reflective space where you can be heard without judgement.

    It may suit you if you want support that honours both your everyday life and your deeper inner experience.

    The best way to begin is with an enquiry or first session, where you can ask questions and get a feel for the approach.

  • You can get in touch through the contact or booking enquiry form.

    Share a little about what you are looking for, and I will help you understand the next best step.