Counselling North Sydney

Counselling for people living and working in North Sydney.

North Sydney runs at pace. Long days, tight deadlines, a commute at either end, and not much room left to think about how you are actually going.

I'm Leif Lawson, a psychotherapist and counsellor. I work with individuals and couples around North Sydney, St Leonards and Crows Nest, online, on anxiety, stress, burnout, low mood and relationship difficulties.

You do not need a referral, a diagnosis, or a crisis to start. Just a sense that something could be better than it is.

Ready when you are

Book a session

Book now

You might recognise this

What people bring to counselling

Everyone arrives with their own story, but these are the themes that come up most often with North Sydney clients.

  • Work stress, burnout and the pressure of always being 'on'
  • Anxiety, overthinking and difficulty switching off at night
  • Low mood, flatness or a sense that something is quietly off
  • Relationship strain, disconnection or repeated conflict
  • Grief, loss or a life transition that has knocked you sideways
  • Wanting to understand your patterns rather than just manage them

What sessions look like

Straightforward, private and built around your week

Convenient for North Sydney workers

Sessions are held online, which works well if you are based around North Sydney, St Leonards or Crows Nest. You can attend from a quiet room at work, from home, or between meetings without losing an hour to travel.

50 minute individual sessions

Individual counselling runs for 50 minutes. Couples sessions are longer so there is room for both of you. We agree on a rhythm that suits you rather than locking into a fixed program.

No referral, no diagnosis

You do not need a GP referral or a mental health care plan. You can book directly, and what we talk about stays between us within the usual professional and legal limits.

You can read more about individual counselling, work with couples, or see how anxiety counselling works if that is the main thing on your mind.

Common questions

Before you get in touch

Do you offer in person counselling in North Sydney?
Sessions are currently held online. Most clients around North Sydney find this easier than travelling, and it means you can keep your appointment even on a busy or unpredictable week.
How much does a session cost?
Current session lengths, fees and the four session Growth Package are listed on the sessions and fees page, so there are no surprises before you book.
Can I have sessions before or after work?
There are limited early and later appointments each week. Availability is shown live when you book, so you can pick a time that fits around work.
Are you a psychologist?
I am a psychotherapist and counsellor, not a registered psychologist. That means sessions are private rather than Medicare rebated, and the work focuses on understanding patterns, relationships and meaning over time.
What happens in a first session?
We talk about what brought you here, what you have already tried, and what you would like to be different. There is no assessment to pass. By the end you will have a sense of whether we are a good fit.

Session lengths, fees and the four session Growth Package are on the sessions & fees page. When you are ready, you can book a time or send me a message first.

Australian Counselling Association

bacp

Registered psychotherapist

Mental Health First Aid Australia
Registered Yoga Teacher RYT 200