I currently have availability for new clients
Book a 10-minute conversation here so we can decide if we are a good fit!
Karuna Psychology
I’m Dr Kimina Lyall and I’m a clinical psychologist, accredited EMDR practitioner and yoga teacher based in Djilang (Geelong). My therapeutic approach is based on compassion. The Pali word for compassion is Karuna. Without compassion, we cannot heal. Every being on this earth, human and non-human, has an instinct to live. The potential to heal is within our nature. This is the core principle on which my practice is based.
Sometimes, we need another human being to guide our connection with this natural healing process. This is where therapy can help.
About Karuna
Psychology
Karuna Psychology is a place dedicated to supporting trauma healing through Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and other evidence-based approaches. By trauma, I mean both the “big T” traumas, including complex trauma from ongoing violence, sexual abuse, emotional neglect or attachment wounds. It also means adverse life events that cause distress. Sometimes seemingly small events can create the largest wounds
My approach
I believe you are the expert in you. My job is to offer some additional skills and perspectives to support your work toward healing.
I’m a certified practitioner of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I have trained in Structural Dissociation and Parts work. I am also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.
Many studies have concluded that the most important component of success in therapy is the therapeutic alliance. It is important for us to be able to work well together – to be a good “fit” for each other and for us to continually check in to see if we are on track for you to achieve your goals. I always start our work with a conversation, so that we can see if we think we would work well together. If you would like to find that out, book a time to chat. (Please read my privacy policy page before you book).
Why you might come to see me
People mostly come to see me to heal trauma, sadness, anxiety, relationship challenges, grief for the earth, stress, hearing voices or other disturbing experiences, and loneliness.
I am open to working with anyone from any background or life experience. I love collaborating therapeutically with LGBTIQA+ people and our allies, people from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and allies, and journalists who have been exposed to trauma.
I primarily see adults over 18 years; however, adolescents (15+) from the LGBTIQA+ community are welcome.
I am unable to accept referral for issues relating to alcohol and drug use or eating disorders.
In accordance with ethical principles, I do not work with anyone who has a close relationship with an existing or former client; nor anyone I have a present or past personal relationship with.
Why I practice with EMDR
Eye Movement Desenstitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an evidence-based trauma treatment that uses bilateral stimulation (usually eye movements) to support the brain to heal distress associated with trauma memories. EMDR treatment can be effective with both single-incident and complex trauma. Complex trauma is trauma that is interpersonal and relational – it usually occurs in childhood; often repeatedly; can involve multiple types of abuse and neglect; and can lead to dissociation and a fractured sense of self. Treating complex trauma with EMDR may take time. Our work might also involve parts work, stabilization techniques and resource building. When effective, EMDR can have life-changing impacts.
Fees
If you have a Mental Health Treatment Plan, please ask your GP to send it to me together with a signed referral letter. MHTPs are for people with diagnosed mental illnesses. Part of my role is to confirm or diagnose a mental illness (or “disorder” as the manuals put it, but that’s not my word …!). Under a MHTP you can receive up to 10 psychological treatment sessions subsidised by Medicare in a calendar year. Any sessions you have had with another psychologist in the same year count toward the 10 sessions. Medicare does not pay my full fee and I don’t bulk bill, which means you will need to pay a gap fee of around $110 per session. Sometimes it is possible to complete our work together within 10 sessions, but often it is not. Once the 10 sessions have been used, my full fee ($250) will apply.
Location
298 Surfcoast Hwy, Grovedale, Vic 3216, Djilang, Wadawurrung country.
(Some maps call it Geelong Rd). Or Telehealth.
I offer regular appointments only – fortnightly on Mondays or Tuesdays during business hours.
I live and work on the lands of the Wadawurrung people, I respect their sovereignty and recognise that the lands
and waters across this continent and its islands were never ceded.
I live and work on the lands of the Wadawurrung people, I respect their sovereignty and recognise that the lands and waters across this continent and its islands were never ceded.
