Philosophy & Vision
Reaching out for counselling can feel like a big step, especially when you are overwhelmed, stuck or unsure where to begin. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, stress and burnout, ADHD, grief and loss, workplace pressure, relationship difficulties, low self esteem, emotional overwhelm and major life changes.
My approach is warm, practical and trauma informed. I listen properly, ask thoughtful questions and help you make sense of what has been happening. Sessions are collaborative and tailored to you, with space to talk things through at your own pace while also building practical tools you can use in everyday life.
Face to face counselling is available in Illawong, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, with online counselling available across Australia. A free 15 minute phone consultation is also available.
Background
Before starting private practice, I worked across law enforcement, the legal sector, crisis response, child protection and community services. These roles involved supporting people through complex, high pressure and often emotionally difficult situations.
That experience shaped the way I work as a counsellor. I bring a calm, practical and grounded approach, with an understanding that people often carry more than is visible from the outside.
Since establishing Mindnest Counselling, I have supported adults with anxiety, stress and burnout, ADHD, grief and loss, workplace pressure, relationship difficulties, emotional overwhelm and major life changes. I also work with emergency services personnel and others in high pressure roles.
Services
Mindnest Counselling provides individual counselling for adults, with face to face appointments available in Illawong and online counselling across Australia. Support is available for anxiety, stress and burnout, ADHD, grief and loss, workplace pressure, relationship difficulties, boundaries, low self esteem, emotional regulation and major life changes.
Sessions are 50 minutes and cost $160. No referral is required. A free 15 minute phone consultation is available for people who would like to ask questions before booking.
Quality Provision
I am committed to providing counselling that is ethical, respectful and tailored to each client. I maintain professional supervision, ongoing training and reflective practice to support the quality and safety of my work.
Sessions are confidential and guided by clear professional boundaries, informed consent and careful record keeping. I draw on evidence based approaches while adapting the work to each person’s needs, goals and pace.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Counselling - AIPC
- Diploma of Counselling - AIPC
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training - Cornell University
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - Compassion-Focused Therapy - Developmental - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Ericksonian - Freudian - Inner Child - Marriage and Family - Mindfulness - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Strengths-Based - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My approach is warm, practical and trauma informed. I tailor counselling to your needs, drawing on approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, attachment based counselling and emotionally focused therapy.
Together, we may explore unhelpful thought patterns, build emotional awareness, strengthen coping skills, improve communication and understand the deeper patterns that may be keeping you stuck.
Sessions are collaborative and focused, while still giving you space to talk things through at your own pace. My aim is for you to feel genuinely heard and supported, while also leaving with practical tools you can use in everyday life.
Professional Associations
- Australian Counselling Association - Level 2
Practice Locations
9/273 Fowler Road
Illawong NSW 2234
Mindnest Counselling is conveniently located at 9/273 Fowler Road, Illawong, within the local shopping and community area. There is ample free parking directly outside the practice, with accessible entry for clients with mobility needs.
Appointments
Appointments are available Monday to Friday, with evening sessions offered on select days to support clients with busy schedules. Both in-person sessions in Illawong and secure online appointments are offered for flexibility and convenience.
Fees & Insurance
Individual sessions are $160 for 50 minutes. A free 15-minute initial consultation is available to help you ask questions, discuss your needs, and ensure we’re the right fit before starting therapy.
Payment Options
Payment can be made via credit card or bank transfer at the time of your session. Invoices and receipts are provided for all appointments.
Contact Sonya
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Sonya Thompson
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My decision to become a counsellor came from my own experience of struggling to find someone who could truly support and understand me. I realised I wanted to be that safe, caring person for others — someone who listens without judgement and genuinely helps. My background in both policing and support work showed me how deeply people need compassion, and when I finally sat with the question, “What would I love to do for the rest of my life?”, the answer was clear. Supporting people emotionally felt like my natural path.
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I am strongly influenced by person-centred and trauma-informed philosophies. I believe healing begins when someone feels genuinely heard, understood, and accepted for who they are. My approach is grounded in compassion, safety, and respect, and in the belief that everyone has a story worth listening to.
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I am deeply interested in anxiety and the way it shows up in the modern world, as well as how it interacts with self-worth, emotional regulation, trauma, relationships, and major life transitions. I am passionate about helping people make sense of their experiences and supporting them as they navigate the pressures and challenges of today’s society.
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My practice is grounded in person-centred therapy, trauma-informed care, and CBT. I also integrate practical tools such as emotional regulation strategies, grounding, and supportive talk therapy, helping clients understand themselves more deeply and develop healthy ways of coping.
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Many clients begin to feel progress simply by walking through the door and being welcomed into a safe space. The act of sharing, feeling heard, and knowing they are not alone can create immediate relief. As therapy continues, clients often notice further progress when they gain clarity, feel understood, or begin applying new skills that make day-to-day life feel more manageable.
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Therapy has helped me become more understanding, compassionate, and aware of the complexity of human emotions and behaviour. It has shaped the way I connect with others and strengthened my ability to support people with empathy and kindness. It continues to deepen my knowledge of what people need to feel safe, regulated, and valued.
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What I love most is being able to create safety and support for people who may not have experienced it before. Being trusted with someone’s story and being able to walk beside them as they heal, grow, and reconnect with themselves is incredibly meaningful to me.
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Yes, absolutely. I have bad hair days, bad coffee days, and even “why did I wear this?” days. Being a therapist doesn’t make me immune to life’s little disasters. I think these moments help us stay grounded and remind us that we’re all human, trying our best.
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I believe stress, overwhelm, and intense social pressure are some of the biggest challenges people face today. Many of us are pushed to keep up with unrealistic expectations, leaving little room to slow down, reflect, or take care of our emotional wellbeing. Creating space for people to reconnect with themselves feels more important than ever.
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The film The Green Mile inspires me deeply. The compassion and empathy shown by the officer, especially his ability to see beyond appearance and prejudice, reflects the kind of humanity I value. It is a reminder of the importance of looking deeper, listening fully, and recognising the goodness in others.