Leigh Tonks
Registered 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 Registered 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 negatively 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, and validate you, when you explain your frustration, sadness, loss, anger, pain, confusion, worry, 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.
My focus is on supporting you with the mental and emotional aspects of your wellbeing, while also fostering self-care and resilience to assist you in managing your daily life.
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 support
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
SUPPORTING YOUR WELLBEING
About
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 17 years experience, as a Clinical Counsellor for over 12 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.​​
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
Clinical Counsellor and Certified Supervisor Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA)
My Style & My Approach
My style is relational and holistic, connecting in a Person Centred way to gain rapport and establish a good working relationship known as a therapeutic alliance. Having a trusted safe space to discuss your concerns fosters a collaborative connection and can facilitate room for self-exploration and an insight into introducing a new perspective on your thoughts and an understanding of your feelings. I am able to support you to find resolve, acceptance and peace for your present situation with an understanding of the benefits of self-regulation and self-care.​
​My approach is Eclectic and Integrative 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.
SUPPORTING YOUR WELLBEING
Wellbeing & Areas of Support
RELATIONSHIPS
EXPECTATIONS
GRIEF AND LOSS
DECISION MAKING
COMMUNICATION
SELF-REGULATION
HEALTH ISSUES
​Areas of Support
CHANGE
SELF-CARE
PARENTING
CAREER
LIFE TRANSITION
SELF-ESTEEM
MENTAL HEALTH
EMPLOYMENT
FRIENDSHIPS
STUDY
CONFLICT
SELF-CONFIDENCE
FAMILY
Wellbeing
Wellbeing is often described as how a person is feeling within themselves, and this encompasses a number of aspects of our lives, such as; physical, mental, emotional, social, work, our community and environment. As well, our wellbeing is a feeling that we are able to contribute to our lives with value, purpose and meaning (https://www.who.int/activities/promoting-well-being). Studies indicate our wellbeing can be positively and negatively impacted depending on what is occurring. There is a benefit in being aware when we are impacted negatively, so that we are able to self-regulate our emotions and learn to manage uncomfortable situations with the aim of resolve with care for ourselves and others (https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-and-wellbeing).​
​​Having an understanding of what is positive for our wellbeing can be noticeable, with a feeling of being well, being comfortable and happy within a number of areas of our lives. However, it may not be as noticeable at first, to determine what might be impacting our wellbeing in a negative way. Issues that start off being small may be tolerated or ignored until they expand into more disruptive situations that can become very overwhelming to address, and sadly, feelings of shame, helplessness and guilt can creep in. Attending to any feeling or thought of an issue that is concerning, at any level of negative impact, can be helpful to work through, to be able to grow with a better understanding and acceptance of self and others. Taking a self-care approach to work towards resolving issues or concerns that arise, adds value, purpose and meaning in our lives, by gaining the benefits of having a positive impact on our state of wellbeing.
SUPPORTING YOUR WELLBEING
Services & Fees
Counselling
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Individual counselling session 1 hour : $140.00
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Reduced fee for students, part time, casual worker : $100.00
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Sliding scale fee offered with regard to financial hardship (please inform me)
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Payment on day of session via Online Bank Transfer.
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 10am to 6pm
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No referral required
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Online or Telephone
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In Person (Wednesday only) - 18A Margaret Street, Strathfield (9 minute walk from Strathfield Station)
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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.
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​NSW Victim Services approved counsellor - (link)​
​​If you have been impacted by a violent crime in NSW, you can apply to receive 22 hours of free counselling with the Victim Support Scheme Service. After approval you may search for an approved counsellor with the above link.​
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​Converge EAP approved counsellor - (link)
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
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Individual Clinical Supervision for Counsellors and Psychotherapists
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1 Hour session : $100.00
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Negotiable fee available (if required)
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Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday - 10am to 6pm​
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My approach is Relational, Holistic, Person Centred, Strength Based and Gestalt
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Working together collaboratively for :- reflection, discussion, self-care, quality care, ethical dilemmas, further eduction, self growth
SUPPORTING YOUR WELLBEING
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).
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.