Counselling for individuals and couples in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, and online across Australia.
A Way Forward That Fits.
PRIVATE HEALTH REBATES
Bupa · nib · Medibank · ahm · HCF · Participating ARHG Health Funds
Bachelor of Counselling (B.Couns)
Registered Counsellor · Australian Counselling Association
The way I work
I’m Sonya, and I know reaching out can feel like a big step.
Most people do not come to counselling with a neat explanation of what is wrong. They come because something has started to feel too much, too heavy, or too hard to keep managing on their own.
You might be anxious, burnt out, overthinking everything, or struggling with panic, boundaries, low self-esteem, ADHD, or relationship challenges. Sometimes it is months or years of pushing through before you realise something needs to change.
At Mindnest Counselling, we start with what has been happening for you. I will listen properly, ask honest questions, and help you make sense of the patterns, pressure, and emotions underneath it all.
My approach is empathetic, practical and straight-talking. I will not just sit quietly while you try to work it all out on your own. I will work with you to understand what is going on, ask honest questions, and find practical steps forward that feel realistic for your life.
ACA-Registered Counsellor
Emergency Services Background
ADHD & Neurodiversity
Anxiety & Stress Support
Why I work this way
Before becoming a counsellor, I worked as a police officer in emergency services. I entered that work because I wanted to help people, and while I was able to do that, I found myself wanting to offer support in a more personal and ongoing way.
That experience shaped the way I work with clients today. I understand that people often carry far more than others realise, and that the right support during difficult times can make a real difference.
I can sit with the hard stuff. You do not need to protect me from your story or have everything neatly explained before you come in. I will work with you to make sense of what has been happening, understand what is keeping you stuck, and find practical steps that feel realistic for your life.
I also facilitate government-funded workshops relating to anxiety, which keeps my work grounded in the real challenges people are facing and the tools that can help in everyday life.
Counselling Services
Anxiety Counselling
Practical support for worry, overthinking and feeling constantly on edge. We look at what is driving the anxiety, the patterns keeping it going and what may help you feel more steady day to day.
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Stress & Burnout
For people who are exhausted from pushing through. We look at what is draining you, the patterns keeping you stuck and what needs to become a priority again.
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Individual Counselling
For adults who feel stuck, overwhelmed or unsure what needs to change. A place to talk things through, understand what has been happening and work out practical steps that feel realistic.
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Child & Adolescent Counselling
Support for children and teenagers navigating anxiety, big emotions, school challenges and life changes. We work at their pace, helping them feel understood, build confidence and develop healthy ways to cope.
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Emergency Services Counselling
Support for police, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency-services workers dealing with difficult incidents, workplace pressure and difficulty switching off.
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Couples Counselling
For couples who keep having the same arguments, feel distant or cannot move past old hurt. We look honestly at what keeps happening between you, what each of you needs and what needs to change.
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ADHD Counselling
Practical support for understanding and living with ADHD. Whether you have a diagnosis or are still exploring ADHD, counselling can help you understand your patterns and find practical tools that fit your life.
Learn more →Not sure where to start?
You do not need to have everything figured out. We can start with what has been feeling hardest lately.
HOW IT WORKS
Getting started
is simple.
Taking the first step is often the hardest part. Here's what to expect.
Book a Session OR a Free Consult
You can book online when you are ready, or send a message first if you have a question.
Come As You Are
You do not need to have everything figured out. We can start with what has been feeling hardest lately.
Work Out What Needs to Change
We will slow things down, look at what has been happening, and work out practical steps that feel realistic.
Client feedback
What clients have said about working with me
"Sonya is a real person with real life experiences and real emotion. I'm always in awe of the breakthroughs I have working with her."
"Sonya immediately put me at ease. She is very insightful and talks to you on your level — she'll tell you what you need to hear with compassion and understanding."
"Super easy to talk to and really helped me work through some things I'd been struggling with for a while."
"It honestly just feels like talking to someone who really gets it. I always leave our sessions feeling lighter and a bit more like myself."
"I am so grateful to have Sonya as my support. From the moment I met her, she made me feel calm, supported and connected."
Common Questions
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You can book or get in touch in the following ways:
• Booking portal — choose the service, date and time that suits you
• Contact form — send a message through the website
• Email — get in touch directly
• Phone — call if you would prefer to speak with someone first
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No. You do not need a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan to book with Mindnest Counselling. You can book directly when you are ready.
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Yes. Sessions are available in person at Illawong Shopping Village, or online if that works better for you.
For more practical details about fees, parking, Medicare, private health rebates, payment and cancellations, visit the full FAQ page.
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Mindnest Counselling is located in the commercial suites at Illawong Shopping Village in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, with free parking available, including undercover parking.
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Yes. Mindnest Counselling is a recognised provider with Bupa, nib, Medibank, HCF and ahm, and is also registered as a counselling provider with ARHG.
This means eligible members of a range of participating private health funds may be able to claim a rebate for individual counselling sessions.
Rebates vary depending on your health fund and level of cover, so please check directly with your fund to confirm your eligibility and rebate amount.
Ready to take the
next step?
Mindnest Counselling is based in Illawong in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, offering in-person counselling at Illawong Shopping Village and online counselling across Australia.