Leon Ari
Counsellor, Psychotherapist
Arc Counselling
Darlington, Sydney NSW 2008
In Person + Telehealth
Philosophy & Vision
Many of the people I work with are doing their best to cope—sometimes holding things together, and sometimes feeling overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns—and who want more than just coping strategies. I work with people navigating trauma, pressure, and complexity - helping them understand themselves deeply, regain control, and move forward with clarity. In our work, we slow things down and begin to make sense of what’s happening beneath the surface, so you’re not just managing symptoms but developing a deeper understanding of yourself.
I guide you in your therapeutic journey with: Awareness - to understand what’s actually happening internally; Responsibility - to regain control of how you respond; and Compassion - to stop turning against yourself and become your own ally. You'll gain a greater sense of detachment from “problems” and a greater connection with yourself.
Background
Arc Counselling is an established private practice that offers you over 15 years of experience across social work, counselling and psychotherapy. I have worked in non/government and Schools, where I supported young people and adults with: anxiety, depression, complex trauma and major life changes.
As the therapeutic relationship develops, we slow things down and begin to understand what’s happening beneath the surface - so your’e not carrying it all on your own or repeating the same patterns without clarity. You’ll gain a greater sense of detachment from “problems” and a greater connection with yourself.
Services
My area of interest is you. What shapes and influences your identity, and what keeps you from being your core self? I work with several approaches and combine IFS, Parts
Work, ACT, Somatic and Schema to support people experiencing:
Complex/PTSD
Existential crisis
Childhood trauma
Anxiety and depression
Suicidality and self-harm
Insecure/Avoidant Connection styles
Quality Provision
Sessions are paced at your speed and are led by you - this is your journey.
Generally, sessions with me tend to naturally flow through three stages.
1. Checking-in: to see what’s showing up in your life and what you might be carrying into the room with you.
2. Clearing the air: about anything that might need clarification or additional
support from the previous session.
3. Inner work: with a variety and blend of approaches tailored in response to your
needs and goals.
Areas of Interest
Accreditations
- Grad Dip Counselling (PACFA: 32895) - 2025 - Western Sydney university
- MA Advanced Social Work Practice (AASW: 687841) - 2022 - Charles Sturt University
- Bachelor Social Work - 2021 - Charles Sturt university
- IFS (Internal Family Systems) Level 1 - 2026 - Beyond Mind | IFS Australia & New Zealand
Modalities
ACT - Attachment Theory - CBT - DBT - Dream Work - Focusing - Internal Family Systems - Meditation - Mindfulness - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Schema Therapy - Somatic Psychotherapy - Transpersonal - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
My approach is less about “doing to” and more about “being with” – meeting you where you are, supporting and guiding you back to yourself. Transformation happens less from driving an agenda to change, but through an acceptance and exploration of you as you are.
I work holistically and operate at three levels simultaneously. At the individual level, I am here with you to support you and your identity to rebalance, regulate and integrate. At the relational level, I work with you to repair ruptures in relationships, and develop and maintain boundaries. At the structural level, I guide you in response to societal, structural, and systemic injustices.
I combine IFS, Somatic and Focussing as an effective blend for trauma recovery.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
416 Abercrombie St
Darlington NSW 2008
Appointments
Sessions are available Thursdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings till 1:30pm.
Fees & Insurance
I charge a flat fee of $200 per 50 min session for individuals and $240 for couples. I also provide therapeutic services for NDIS clients. No referrals are needed. My services can be accessed directly.
Payment Options
I accept cash, EFT and credit card payments.
Contact Leon
Please contact me to book a 15 minute free initial consult
A conversation with Leon Ari
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The lived experience of myself and others.
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"Be with, don't do to."
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The journey back to where you have always been.
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IFS, Somatic, Focussing, and the Ari's Arc Method.
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Progress is made when being is felt.
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As a client:
1. Resolved traumatic life events.
2. Made me a more aware, responsible and compassionate person.
3. Saved my marriage.
As a therapist:
1. My inner and outer worlds now feel congruent.
2. I am doing what I am meant to be doing.
3. Greater sense of fulfilment, mission and purpose. -
Bearing witness to people returning to and being themselves.
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Not in my case.
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Ourselves.
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Film: The Never Ending Story
Song: Lazarus Man, by Terry Callier
Book: No Bad Parts, by Richard Schwartz
Artwork: Painting from a client depicting their first time in therapy
Event: Seeing my mother (82), at her nursing home, dance to Rock Around the Clock