Frequently Asked Questions

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Fernanda is an integrative, trauma-informed counsellor and the founder of The Art of Happiness - Mind Body & Soul , located in West Pennant Hills, NSW.

Drawing on over 8 years of combined experience across mental health support and the disability sector, along with 5 years in private practice, she supports adults and teens (13+) across The Hills District in moving from survival mode to long-term wellbeing.

At The Art of Happiness -Mind Body  & Soul, being an integrative counsellor means recognising that you are more than just a set of symptoms. Instead of using a strict, one-size-fits-all model, an integrative approach draws on a blend of proven therapeutic tools, customising therapy to fit your unique story, needs, and goals.  

How this supports your journey:

• Holistic Healing: We explore how your emotional well-being, thoughts, past experiences, and mind-body connection interact.

• Tailored Tools: Whether you need practical techniques to manage daily anxiety, support through life transitions, or deeper trauma processing, your sessions adapt to what serves you best.

• A Safe, Collaborative Space: You are the expert on your life. We work alongside you in a compassionate, non-judgmental partnership to guide your path toward genuine growth and peace.

You can book a counselling session or initial consultation with Fernanda directly through The Art of Happiness - Mind Body & Soul website or by contacting our West Pennant Hills practice:

• Online Booking: Select your service directly on our Booking Page to choose an available time.

• Phone Call or Text: Reach us directly at 0402 191 715.

• Contact Form: Fill out the enquiry form on our home page with your name, email, and phone number, and we will get back to you promptly.

No GP referral is required to make an appointment.

• Intensive Trauma Recovery Program (ITRP): A fast-acting, 3-session framework designed to rewire limiting core beliefs, neutralise past emotional triggers, and establish long-term personal authority without forcing clients to re-live traumatic memories.

• The RENEW Program (Root Cause Therapy - RCT): A deeper somatic and subconscious healing process that identifies root triggers, releases suppressed emotional pain stored in the physical body, and replaces self-defeating scripts.

• Deep-Level Transformational Coaching  Individualised, high-touch 1-on-1 support focused on long-term mindset shifts, personal authority, and nervous system resilience.

• NDIS Counselling & Psychosocial Support: Tailored individual counselling and mental health support for NDIS participants (self-managed and plan-managed) navigating the psychosocial aspects of disability. 

 We offer flexible consultation options across three formats:

•  In-Person Sessions: Held in our private, purpose-built studio in West Pennant Hills. Attached to the residence with its own private entrance, it offers a quiet, discreet, and comforting environment designed for deep healing without the clinical feel of a medical office. Located at 12 Roma Court, West Pennant Hills NSW 2125.

• Mobile Home Visits: In-home therapy sessions are available for local clients, NDIS participants, and individuals across Greater Sydney (within approximately 1 hour travel time from West Pennant Hills).

• Online Telehealth: Secure online video consultations available for clients anywhere across Australia.

Most therapists charge high rates for standard 50-minute sessions. We offer extended 90-minute sessions for $182.80, giving you 50% more time to create genuine, lasting change without feeling rushed. 

• Somatic & Subconscious Root-Cause Approach: Unlike traditional talk therapy that focuses solely on surface symptoms, we address the root causes of trauma and emotional stress held in the subconscious mind and nervous system—helping you create fast, lasting transformation without having to relive past painful memories.

• Flexible & Accessible Care Options: We meet you where you feel most comfortable. Choose between our serene in-person practice in West Pennant Hills, secure online Telehealth sessions, or mobile home visits across Sydney.

• Trauma-Informed & NDIS Supported: With over 8 years of clinical and disability sector experience, our person-centred care is fully accessible for self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants.

Standard sessions are 90 minutes for $182.80, giving you 50% more time than traditional 50-minute therapy sessions so you never feel rushed. Extended 2-hour intake consultations are also available. 

 No, a GP referral is not required to book a session. You can book directly with us at any time. While we do not process private health fund rebates or Medicare, we welcome NDIS participants (Self-Managed or Plan-Managed) and provide standard tax invoices and receipts for reimbursement through your plan.

During your initial session, we will discuss what brought you to therapy, clarify your goals, and map out how we can best support you. We will explore tailored options for your healing plan, integrating traditional counselling with somatic practices, breathwork, or integrative nutrition based on your individual needs. 

We do not offer Medicare bulk billing or private health fund rebates. However, our services are fully accessible for NDIS participants (Self-Managed or Plan-Managed), and we provide standard tax invoices and receipts for reimbursement. 

 We request at least 24 to 48 hours' notice if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment. This allows us to offer the time slot to other clients in need of support.  

No special preparation is needed! Simply bring an open mind and wear comfortable clothing, especially if we engage in somatic or breathwork exercises during your session. 

 Yes, confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Under Australian privacy legislation (such as the Privacy Act 1988) and professional codes of ethics, your personal and health information is strictly protected. Nothing you share is disclosed to anyone including family members, employers, or GPs—without your express consent.  

Private counselling practices are not set up to provide immediate or emergency crisis care outside of scheduled appointment times.

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, feel unable to keep yourself safe, or need immediate assistance, please access specialized 24/7 Australian crisis services straight away:

• Immediate Danger: Call 000 or visit the nearest hospital emergency department. 

• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 (or text 0477 13 11 14) for 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention. 

• Beyond Blue: Call 1300 22 4636 for 24/7 mental health support. 

• Suicide Call Back Service: Call 1300 659 467. 

• 13YARN: Call 13 92 76 for confidential 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

• Kids Helpline: Call 1800 55 1800 (for young people up to age 25).

Because our whole-person approach addresses root causes rather than just managing surface-level symptoms, many clients notice positive shifts early on.

The total number of sessions depends on the specific path and program you choose:

• Intensive Trauma Recovery Program (ITRP): A targeted, fast-acting 3-session program designed to rapidly clear deep trauma, neutralise emotional triggers, and update limiting core beliefs without needing to relive past events.
• The RENEW Program & Individual Coaching: Generally ranges from 1 to 20 sessions, ideal for those seeking a deeper exploratory journey to release subconscious patterns, process complex trauma, or navigate long-term personal growth.

During your initial intake, we will evaluate your goals to ensure you are on the most effective path for lasting transformation.