Leigh Tonks
Clinical Counsellor
&
Certified Supervisor
"Having a space in our lives to work through what challenges us can bring resolve, peace and ongoing support for our wellbeing." Leigh Tonks
Professional Counselling
Hello my name is Leigh Tonks and as a Clinical Counsellor
I offer professional counselling sessions for you to talk through what is on your mind, recognise what you are feeling and identify what may be influencing your everyday life that impacts your wellbeing.
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I provide a confidential space for you to discuss stressful life situations that you experience where you may feel overwhelmed and stuck, without a vision for resolve or peace of the issue you are faced with.
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I sit with you and listen deeply to your story, when you explain your frustration, sadness, anger, pain, confusion, conflict or trauma.
I support you in noticing reoccurring patterns throughout your life, the same feeling, the same thought, the same behaviour, the same outcome, and you are now seeking a change.
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I am able to assist you in recognising your strengths, abilities and values, and understand the benefits achieved through self-regulation and self-care for your wellbeing.
I work in a relational and holistic style with an Eclectic and Integrative Therapy approach by tapping into a number of evidence-based modalities to best suit your needs.
How can counselling be helpful?
It can allow you to:-
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recognise your strengths and abilities
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declutter your thoughts and feelings
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understand interaction between values and behaviour
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work on a way forward for resolve of an issue
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attain acceptance and peace in adverse situations
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create your wellbeing support plan for resilience
Areas of practice
Supporting your wellbeing in the areas of:-
* self-esteem * friendships * self-confidence
* conflict * self-care * mental health * health issues
* study * career * employment * friendships
* relationships * family * parenting * communication * expectations * decision making * grief and loss
* change * self-regulation * life transition
My focus is on supporting people with the mental and emotional aspects of their wellbeing, while also fostering self-care and resilience to assist in managing their daily lives.
About Me
My Story
Throughout my life I have always had a keen interest in people and their stories. I have recognised the importance of being completely present when communicating with a person for a positive engagement.
I have noticed how non-verbal nuances such as tone of voice, attentive facial expressions and an attitude of acceptance can make a huge difference when connecting with people. I have also experienced how important an acceptance of self can be and the positive affect this can have on our wellbeing; a sense of freedom.
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My career choices have always been about engaging with people, and firstly covered many workplace areas, such as music, entertainment, travel, marketing and promotions. My desire to learn and understand more about human behaviour and connection led me to complete an Undergraduate degree in Psychology (2008) and then Postgraduate degree in Counselling (2009).​​​
With over 16 years expereince, as a Clinical Counsellor for over 11 years, I have worked extensively across:- not-for-profit, non-government, private business and private practice. During this time I have supported people in the areas of:- mental health, neurodiversity, disability, complex trauma, being a carer, homelessness, education (primary, secondary, tertiary), grief and loss, stress, social (self-confidence, self-esteem, communication), friendships, relationships, bullying, health issues, career choices and personal development.​​
My approach is Person Centred to establish a good working relationship known as a therapeutic alliance. As well, I work in a relational and holistic way, and this fosters a collaborative connection that allows me to tap into a number of evidence-based counselling modalities, such as ; Strength-Based, Acceptance & Commitment (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour (CBT), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Mindfulness, Gestalt, Narrative, Trauma-Informed and Psychoeducation to best suit your needs. ​
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Counsellor and Certified Supervisor (PACFA)
Areas of Practice
RELATIONSHIPS
SELF-ESTEEM
CHANGE
EXPECTATIONS
CAREER
LIFE TRANSITION
STUDY
MENTAL HEALTH
HEALTH ISSUES
GRIEF AND LOSS
​Areas of Practice
SELF-CARE
DECISION MAKING
PARENTING
EMPLOYMENT
CONFLICT
SELF-REGULATION
COMMUNICATION
FRIENDSHIPS
FAMILY
SELF-CONFIDENCE
Services
Counselling
I offer individual counselling sessions where I engage with a relational and holistic style. Working together collaboratively can facilitate room for self-exploration and an insight into introducing a new perspective on your thoughts and an understanding of your feelings. Connecting with you in this way aims to promote self-growth and wellbeing, and work towards having resolve, acceptance and peace for your present situation and gain the benefit of self-regulation and self-care to support your wellbeing.​
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I am an approved counsellor with:-
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NSW Victim Services - (link)​
​​If you have been impacted by a violent crime in NSW, you can apply to receive 22 hours of counselling with the Victim Support Scheme Service. After approval you may search for an approved counsellor.​
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An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may be offered from your employer. Converge is a Provider for EAP services and I am an approved counsellor - Senior Consultant with Converge.
Clinical Supervision
I offer individual clinical supervision sessions for counsellors and psychotherapists, where I engage with you professionally and respectfully in a relational style. I use a number of approaches such as Person Centred, Strength Based and Solution Focused. While working together collaboratively, I foster a space for reflection and discussion in the areas of: your wellbeing for self-care, client work for quality care, ethical dilemmas, workplace concerns and identifying further education to support your self-growth as a professional counsellor or psychotherapist.
Availability
​Days and Hours
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
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11am to 7pm
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No referral required
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Session Type
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Online - (Zoom)
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Telephone
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Face to Face - King Street, Sydney CBD (Wednesdays only, a 5 minute walk from St James or Martin Place Stations)
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Re-Scheduling or cancelling
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I understand circumstances occur where it might be necessary to reschedule or cancel your appointment. If this occurs please advise 24 hours prior, for consideration for all.
Fees & Payment
Individual Sessions - Adults and Teens
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Counselling 1 hour : $140.00
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Supervision 1 hour : $100.00
Reduced Fee - student, part time and casual worker
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Counselling 1 hour : $100.00​
Financial Hardship - 'sliding scale' of fee
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I am able to offer a ‘sliding scale’ of fee with regard to financial hardship circumstances, please discuss this with me, as I may be able to assist your needs.
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Health Fund Rebate
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You may be able to claim a rebate for counselling sessions through your Private Health Fund insurance. I am registered with Bupa and ARHG, check with your health fund for information about this.
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Payment
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Payment on day of session via Online Bank Transfer.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Counselling?
Counselling is a safe, trusted and confidential space that allows a client to be respected and heard without judgement when discussing issues, concerns or challenges occurring and impacting them each day. Professionally trained and Accredited Counsellors use specialised interpersonal skills; to build rapport, have empathy and listen deeply while using evidence-based interventions to support a client's mental health and wellbeing. Engaging in a collaborative process, it can allow a client to discover their patterns of thought and behaviour and understand what they are feeling and provide clarity with a different perspective, to support them towards finding their own solution to what is occurring.
How many sessions should I have?
Generally clients will consider attending weekly or fortnightly, for around six to ten sessions, to discuss what is occurring for them and what led them to counselling. The frequency and number of sessions you attend will be individual and based on; the intensity of the issue you are wanting to discuss, when you begin to notice your ability to manage your thoughts and feelings and recognise acceptance and empowerment for a solution to what is occurring.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes, your privacy is very important and counselling sessions are confidential unless there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, as this may require a break in confidentiality (PACFA Code of Ethics).
What Modalities do you use?
My style of counselling is relational and holistic where I connect using Person Centred Therapy to gain rapport and establish a safe trusted space to discuss concerns. As well I use an Eclectic and Integrative Therapy approach by tapping into a number of Counselling Modalities such as ; Strength Based, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Cognitive Behaviour (CBT), Mindfulness, Gestalt, Narrative, Trauma-Informed and Psychoeduction depending on the individual and the issues presenting to counselling.
Can I claim a Medicare Rebate?
No, counselling services are not eligible for a Medicare Rebate. Often, counselling session fees can be less than the ‘gap’ charged by a psychologist, even with a rebate.
Do I need a GP Referral?
No, a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is not required. Self-Referral is sufficient.
Can I claim a rebate on Private Health Fund insurance?
You may be able to claim a rebate for counselling sessions through your Private Health Fund insurance. I am registered with Bupa and ARHG, check with your health fund for information about this.