Working together
What to expect from somatic therapy with me
What it's like to work together, how we get started and the practical details.
The first call is free and takes 45 minutes.
What it's like
What it's like to work together
I'll tell you what I notice
I work transparently. If I notice something I'll name it, and if something isn't landing I want to know. You're welcome to disagree with me, and the relationship between us is part of the work.
The body is part of it
The body is in the room. I pay attention to what's happening in it and sometimes invite you to do the same, and many sessions move slowly so there's time to notice. You don't need any experience, only a willingness to try.
How we get started
The first step is a free call
Before we do any work together, we talk. Booking afterwards is optional, and if it isn't the right fit, I'll say so and, where I can, point you toward someone who might be.
Book a free call
A 45-minute conversation by video or phone. I'll ask what's bringing you in and explain how I work, and you can ask whatever you need to. There are no assessments or intake forms at this stage.
We decide together
If we both want to go ahead, you'll receive a client services agreement to sign online, followed by a short intake form. We'll talk about how long the work might take, and we'll review how it's going as we go.
We begin
The first session is 90 minutes. We spend it on what you're carrying and what you're hoping for, and on building the safety and trust the work depends on. We don't rush that part.
What happens in a session
How the work unfolds
We check how it's landing
I won't deliberately push you into experiences that feel overwhelming. We'll regularly check how the work is landing and adjust the pace together, and if something starts to feel like too much, we slow down or step back.
Experiments between sessions
What happens in the room creates conditions, and between sessions is where change often takes root. You'll leave most sessions with something specific to notice or try, which I think of as an experiment.
Progress is often subtle
Some changes are subtle and only become noticeable outside sessions. We'll also check whether the work is helping and make adjustments when it isn't.
Practical arrangements
Session length, location and fees
Session length
90 minutes, then 60 or 90
The first session is 90 minutes. After that, sessions of Somatic Experiencing® or IFS are 60 or 90 minutes, depending on what the work needs, and we agree the length together.
Frequency and duration
Usually fortnightly, reviewed as we go
I generally work with clients over several months, meeting every two weeks, which leaves space for the between-session practice. We'll talk about how long the work might take on the free call and review it along the way. You can end the work or change direction whenever you need to.
Where
Thornbury, Elsternwick and online
I see people in person at Melbourne Integrated Therapies in Thornbury and at Glo Health in Elsternwick, both accessible from across the metropolitan area. Online sessions are by video, for clients across Australia and, where appropriate, internationally.
Fees and bookings
$140 to $220 per session
My fees are on a sliding scale between $140 and $220 per session. If you have questions about fees, email rudi@rudidoku.com.au. Payment is due when you book a session through my booking system. I ask for notice to cancel or reschedule, and the client services agreement covers the rest. Sessions aren't Medicare rebatable.
This page covers therapy. For executive coaching, see executive coaching at Vertical Development.
Is this approach right for you
Is this approach right for you?
This work may suit you if you're curious about understanding yourself more deeply and open to exploring how stress and difficult experiences affect you, including what you notice in your body. You don't need to know how to do this already. Part of our work is finding a pace and approach that feels manageable.
Somatic Experiencing® and IFS aren't right for everyone. If you need a different kind of support, or your needs are outside my training and scope, we can talk about it on the free call and I'll suggest other options where I can.
I'm a Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP), certified through Somatic Experiencing International, and I've completed IFS Level 1 through the IFS Institute. I'm not a registered psychologist or psychiatrist and I don't diagnose psychiatric conditions. My training is set out on the About page.
This work isn't designed to provide emergency support. If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
Start with a free call
Pick a time and answer three short questions. Either of us can say it isn't the right fit.