"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" - Aesop

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The Karuna Initiative (Launching 2026)

 

I want to embody what I advocate for. In any way that I am able, I want to be part of the shift toward a more compassionate, peaceful way of being human.

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It's so true what Helen Keller said: "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much."

 

The Karuna Initiative is rooted in my belief that there is incredible healing power in community.

 

Now, more than ever, we, as a collective, need to take the action required to move toward each other. There is great strength in unity.

 

My hope is that the Karuna Initiative plants a small seed of compassion in the hearts of those ready to give and receive it—one that grows and branches outward and beyond. 

 

This initiative is designed to offer sponsored therapy sessions to individuals who are ready to commit to the work but face genuine financial barriers.

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How The Karuna Initiative Works

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To Receive Support

 

Option 1:Be Nominated

You are nominated by a friend/family member. They donate a fully paid session, and I will match it with a session at no charge, effectively doubling the support offered. 

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Option 2: Pay what you can

You advocate for yourself and apply for support directly. You agree to pay what you can, and the balance is covered by a sponsor. 

 

 

Contributing/Donating

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Option 1: Nominate

Nominate a recipiant and pay for a full session, and I will match that with a session at no charge. 

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​Option 2: Donate Straight

Donate any amount to the Karuna "kitty". When the funds are allocated and used by a recipient in need, you will be notified.

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Option 3: Collaborate with your service
If you you are a professional in any of the following feilds, please consider donating your time and energy:

• Specialised Wellness Practitioners

• TRE Providers

• Somatic Body Work Practitioners

• Kahuna Massage Therapists

• Physiotherapists

• Personal Trainers

• Yoga Teachers

• Family Mediators

• Psychologists

• Addiction Counsellors

• Life Coaches

• Court Support Advocate/Liason

 

 

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Who Can Apply?

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Applications will be accepted from individuals who meet the following three pillars of criteria:

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     1. Genuine Financial Need 

The core purpose of this programme is to serve those who truly cannot afford standard therapy fees. Applicants must meet the following:

• Financial Barrier Statement
  Provide a clear, concise statement detailing the specific financial barriers preventing access to standard therapy at market rates.

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• Current Circumstance
  Outline your current employment status or circumstances (e.g., student, recent job transition, part-time status, caregiving responsibilities) that contribute to financial strain.
   

• Sponsor Confirmation:
  If nominated, confirm the details of the person who nominated you about the program and your understanding of the Karuna Initiative model.
  
  2. Commitment to the Process

Therapeutic success requires consistent effort and commitment. Ideal applicants are ready to utilize the therapeutic resource effectively. This requires:

• Readiness to Commit
  Be prepared and able to attend consistently scheduled sessions for the defined sponsored duration.
   

• Intent and Goals
  Provide a brief outline of the specific areas you intend to focus on and what you hope to achieve during the sponsored sessions (e.g., managing anxiety, developing better boundaries, processing a specific event).
   

• Modality Awareness
  Confirmation that you understand the nature of the work I offer and are open to these modalities, which include body-based work and Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises—TRE.
   

• Stability for Deep Work
  Confirmation that you are not currently in an acute crisis requiring immediate, high-level clinical care, ensuring you have the necessary stability to engage in deep therapeutic work.
   

     3. Alignment with Karuna Values (Loving Kindness & Reciprocity)

This pillar focuses on the commitment to the programme’s community ethos and the spirit of self-reflection and giving. My hope is that the growth achieved will naturally inspire recipients to integrate these values into their lives.

• Honoring the Gift
  Acknowledgment that the sponsored sessions are a gift of community support and an understanding that full commitment to the therapeutic process honors the generosity of those who contributed.
   

• Embracing Reciprocity
  Acceptance that the programme is founded on the principle of paying it forward. An openness to allowing the personal growth achieved to translate into future acts of loving kindness within your community, as you are able.
   

• Accountability & Feedback
  Willingness to accept periodic check-ins between sessions and provide a brief feedback statement at the conclusion of their sessions to help sustain and improve the programme for future recipients.

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The vetting process

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To protect the integrity of the initiative, each applicant will undergo a vetting process which includes: 

• A (free) 15 minute introductory interview

• A review of readiness according to the 3 pillars of criteria.

• Agreement of understanding stating clear boundaries and expectations including detailed terms and conditions. 

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Every applicant will receive a response to their application, whether they are successful or not. In some instances, a recipiant may be referred on to another professional that is better suited to their particular needs. 

 

To apply for assistance through the Karuna Initiative or to nominate, donate or collaborate, please send me an email directly to : hello@shayreesdavies.com