- Anxiety and stress
- Blended household support
- ADHd and depression
About Alana
Alana Thompson is an AASW-accredited social worker with 18 years of clinical experience in Australia. She works with adults facing stress, anxiety, depression, grief, career concerns and ADHD, and with people navigating adoption, foster care and blended family issues.
Alana uses straightforward, practical conversations to help people manage symptoms and make everyday life more workable. She combines cognitive-behavioural techniques with attention to emotional experience. Sessions typically focus on setting short-term goals, building routines and planning steps that reduce distress and improve functioning.
Her background includes frontline child protection and family services work and a long period in the tertiary sector providing counselling, research and teaching. She previously managed the University of Western Australia Student Guild Counselling Service, delivering welfare support and counselling to students and arranging referrals when needed.
Alana holds a Bachelor of Psychology, a Master of Social Work and a PhD in Social Work and Law. She is an Accredited Social Worker and member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and has completed Mental Health First Aid training.
In sessions she draws on clinical experience with trauma, emotional abuse and complex family situations. She aims to help people establish clearer communication, reduce shame and guilt, and manage role conflict that often comes with blended households and caring responsibilities.
How therapeutic methods adapt to online sessions
Alana commonly uses cognitive-behavioural tools and emotionally focused methods in her work. Cognitive-behavioural approaches look at thought patterns and behaviour, then build simple strategies to change unhelpful habits and reduce anxiety or low mood. Emotion-focused approaches help people name and sit with feelings, which can clarify what to change in relationships and daily routines.Finding the right mix of techniques is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to identify which approaches fit the client's goals, life circumstances and preferences. That collaboration can include trying different strategies and checking what helps between sessions.
The original biography does not list specific online session formats, so please confirm available formats before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time and allow quicker access from different locations. Phone sessions use less bandwidth and can be a shorter check-in, while video sessions support face-to-face conversation and visual cues. The therapist will discuss practical arrangements and session length when arranging the first appointment.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She helps adults with stress, anxiety, depression, grief, ADHD and career concerns, plus issues linked to adoption, foster care and blended family situations.
What is her approach in sessions?
She blends cognitive-behavioural techniques with attention to emotions and practical planning. Sessions focus on small steps, routines and goal-setting to reduce distress.
How much experience does she have?
She has 18 years working in clinical practice, including roles in child protection, university counselling management and tertiary teaching and research.
What are her credentials and location?
She is an Accredited Social Worker and member of the AASW, practising in Australia.
Are sessions available in other languages or for international clients?
Sessions are offered in English. She is not currently accepting international clients.
What session formats does she offer?
The original biography does not list specific session formats. Please confirm current session options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is for adults and is not emergency care, mediation or legal advice. If you or a child are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.