- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- Attachment-based work
- CBT and Gottman methods
About Sonya
Sonya Cavanough is an ACA counsellor in Australia with 10 years of professional experience. She works with people facing stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief and low self-esteem. She also helps with issues like panic attacks, communication problems and coping after separation.
Sonya uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy as one of her main approaches when emotions and attachment patterns are getting in the way. She also draws on attachment-based ideas to look at how early bonds shape current relationships. Sessions are conversational and aim to make feelings clearer so people can decide what to do next.
She combines client-centred listening with practical techniques from cognitive behavioural therapy. That mix helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and try small behaviour changes. Sonya also uses aspects of the Gottman Method when working on couple communication and problem-solving.
Her work covers specific topics such as abandonment concerns, body image, caregiver stress, chronic illness and grief. She also supports people dealing with control issues, guilt and shame, isolation, money worries and questions about life purpose. Sessions can focus on short-term solutions or deeper emotional patterns depending on the person's goals.
Sonya asks new clients to complete a short questionnaire before the first session. She explains the options for ongoing sessions and a subscription-style payment that can be cancelled at any time. The initial process is practical and straightforward to make the first appointment easier to arrange.
How her approaches translate to online sessions
Emotionally-Focused Therapy focuses on identifying and working with strong emotions and attachment patterns so people can change recurring relationship and emotional cycles. It is often used when feelings are hard to name or keep pulling people back into old patterns.Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships influence current ways of relating. It helps people notice attachment triggers and try different ways of responding in close relationships. Client-Centred Therapy prioritises the person's own perspective, using active listening to help them clarify what matters and choose next steps.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Sonya will discuss goals and preferences and suggest whether EFT, attachment work, CBT techniques or Gottman-informed communication tools fit best. That decision is collaborative and can change as therapy progresses.
If you want to use online sessions, confirm the current session options before booking so you know what formats are available. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy around work or caregiving, allow shorter check-ins, or avoid travel time. The therapist will explain the practical arrangements when you complete the initial questionnaire and schedule your first session.
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 help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief and self-esteem issues, plus related problems like panic, communication breakdowns and separation.
What is her therapeutic style?
Sessions are conversational and person-centred with a focus on naming emotions and trying practical steps that fit daily life.
How much experience does she have?
She has 10 years of professional experience working with adults in Australia.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an ACA counsellor based in Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with international clients?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions paid for?
Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time and costs vary with location.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.