- Attachment based work
- Cognitive behavioural tools
- Gottman communication work
About Sonya
Sonya Cavanough is an ACA counsellor in Australia with 10 years of experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief and self-esteem concerns. She also supports issues linked to attachment, forgiveness, and guilt and shame.
Sonya listens to what matters to each person and keeps explanations simple. Sessions focus on clear, practical conversations about feelings and behaviour. She draws on approaches that centre relationships and present-day coping, rather than jargon or long theory talks.
Her work often looks at how past attachments affect current relationships. She uses ideas from attachment-based approaches and emotionally-focused therapy to map patterns in close relationships. Cognitive behavioural techniques are used to spot and shift unhelpful thinking and behaviour that fuel anxiety or guilt.
Sonya also applies the Gottman Method when couples want to improve communication and repair trust after betrayal. Solution-focused ideas help people set small, achievable steps between sessions so progress is visible and manageable.
She asks practical questions about daily routines, support systems and what people already do that helps them cope. If you decide to begin, the first session is treated as a chance to clarify goals and agree a simple plan. Sonya works in English and does not take international clients.
How Sonya uses therapeutic approaches in online work
Attachment-based work focuses on how early bonds shape current relationships. It helps people notice patterns in how they seek closeness or push others away and is useful for relationship pain and longstanding trust issues.Client-centred therapy is about listening and following what matters to the client. It gives people space to describe their experience and decide what changes feel right, which can be helpful for grief, shame or low self-esteem.
Cognitive behavioural therapy, or CBT, targets unhelpful thoughts and behaviours with practical exercises. It suits anxiety, panic and moments when guilt fuels repeating negative self-talk.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss options and agree a way forward based on a client's goals, preferences and what emerges in early sessions. That decision is collaborative and can be reviewed as therapy continues.
Session formats are not listed in the biography, so confirm the currently offered online options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit counselling into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when time is limited, or let people work without needing to travel. The therapist will discuss what works practically for scheduling and how to structure sessions to fit everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
10+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she support?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief and self-esteem concerns. Additional areas include attachment issues, guilt and shame, and communication problems.
How would she approach shame or guilt?
She uses relationship-focused and cognitive approaches to look at where guilt or shame fits in your life. The work involves talking through patterns and trying small behavioural experiments.
How much experience does she have?
She has 10 years of professional experience working in counselling roles in Australia.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is an ACA counsellor and practices in Australia.
Can I work with her in another language or from overseas?
Sessions are offered in English. She does not accept international clients.
What session formats are available?
Please confirm current session options before booking as the biography does not list specific formats.
How much do sessions cost?
Costs vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule your first session through the platform.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.