Leigh Tonks
Clinical Counsellor
&
Accredited 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,
I offer professional counselling sessions for you to talk through what is on your mind and recognise what you are feeling, as well as identify what may be influencing and impacting your everyday life that is making it a struggle.
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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 am able to assist you in recognising your strengths and abilities and have an awareness of self-regulation, and to foster self-care to support your wellbeing.
I work holistically with an Integrative Therapy approach using ; Person Centred, Strength Based, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Solution Focused and other counselling modalities when required.
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 plan forward for resolve of an issue
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attain acceptance and peace in adverse situations
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create your ongoing wellbeing support plan
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
I have a strong commitment towards supporting people and their wellbeing, with a focus on fostering self-care, self-awareness, self-regulation and self-growth to assist in managing our 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).​​​
Working for over 16 years as a counsellor across non-government, private business, not-for-profit and private practice, I have supported people in the areas of:- mental health, neurodiversity, 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 holistic, using Person Centred and Integrative Therapy to establish a good working relationship known as a therapeutic alliance. This fosters a collaborative connection that allows me to tap into a number of evidence based counselling modalities to support you and your wellbeing.​
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, engaging holistically with an Integrative Therapy approach using counselling modalities such as; Person Centred, Strength Based, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Solution Focused, Mindfulness, CBT, Narrative, Psychoeducation and Gestalt. I listen without judgment in a confidential, safe and respected space. 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 also work on a plan to continue self-growth throughout your life.
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NSW Victim Services Approved Counsellor
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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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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
Sessions - Individual
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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.
Do I need a GP Referral?
No, a GP referral or Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is not required. Self-Referral is sufficient.
What Modalities do you use?
My style of counselling is 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 Integrative Therapy approach by tapping into a number of Counselling Modalities such as ; Strength Based, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Solution Focused, CBT, Mindfulness, Narrative and Gestalt 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.
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.