- Sigmund Freud
Philosophy & Vision
My counselling philosophy is grounded in compassion, respect, and collaboration. I believe each person has the inner resources to heal, grow, and create meaningful change when provided with the right support.
At Mindnest Counselling in Illawong, I work with individuals, couples, and families across the Sutherland Shire and online throughout Australia. My approach is trauma-informed, person-centred, and tailored to each client’s unique story.
I frequently work with adults experiencing anxiety, relationship challenges, stress, and life transitions, as well as parents seeking support for children and adolescents. My goal is to create a warm, safe environment where clients feel understood and empowered to move forward with clarity and confidence.
Background
Before opening my private practice, I spent many years working across law enforcement, the legal sector, and community services, supporting people through challenging and often emotional circumstances. During that time, I became increasingly aware of how limited mental health support can be for individuals and families in the community — and how deeply this need impacts people’s lives. This led me to study counselling to offer the compassionate, accessible support I saw was missing. Alongside my practice, I continue to facilitate parent and child programs, helping families strengthen connection, communication, and resilience. Through Mindnest Counselling, I aim to provide a warm, understanding, and empowering space for healing and growth.
Services
Mindnest Counselling offers compassionate support for individuals, couples, children, and adolescents seeking help with life’s challenges. Services include counselling for anxiety, depression, stress, relationship and family issues, trauma recovery, grief, and self-esteem. Sessions are tailored to each client’s unique needs, helping improve emotional regulation, communication, and resilience.
Quality Provision
Mindnest Counselling provides warm, professional, and trauma-informed care built on trust, empathy, and respect. Each session is tailored to your individual goals, combining evidence-based practice with genuine understanding. The focus is on creating a safe, supportive environment that encourages self-awareness, growth, and lasting emotional wellbeing.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Bachelor of Counselling - 2025 - AIPC
- Diploma of Counselling - 2024 - AIPC
- Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training - 2021 - 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 counselling approach is trauma-informed, person-centred, and collaborative, grounded in empathy, honesty, and respect. I believe every person’s story is unique, and effective therapy begins with genuine connection and understanding. I draw on evidence-based methods such as cognitive-behavioural techniques, mindfulness, and strength-focused strategies to support emotional healing and growth. My goal is to create a calm, supportive space where clients feel heard, safe, and empowered to explore their challenges and move toward lasting wellbeing.
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 $110 for 50 minutes, and couples sessions are $165 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.