Rate Alana Thompson

I am a Counsellor credentialed in Australia with over 18 years of experience working in clinical practice.

I work with clients who experience a wide range of challenges and concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, grief and loss, relationship issues, workplace challenges, career challenges, ADHD, and suicide risk. I also have extensive experience working with people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse.

My therapeutic style is warm, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion and sensitivity. My approach combines a cognitive-behavioral approach, and emotional insights to design safety and management plans that enhance client functionality, happiness, and overall quality of life. By working collaboratively with clients, I focus on reinforcing positive emotions and behaviors while helping them establish meaningful mental, emotional, and behavioral goals. My client-centered practice is driven by my primary commitment to fostering resilience, promoting personal growth, and improving psychological wellbeing.

I value meeting clients where they are at. I  provide compassionate and non-judgmental support for an individuals emotional and psychological needs. As a counsellor, I'm committed to fostering psychological wellbeing in my clients and creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment.

Prior to establishing my own private practice I worked as a Mental Health Practitioner and Manager of the University of Western Australia (UWA) Student Guild Counselling Service. In this role I provided welfare support, guidance, counselling and referral to UWA students and assisted students in developing skills and strategies for managing student life.

My earlier counselling experience began in the child protection and family services area where I supported young people and their families through complex challenges such as trauma, anxiety and depression. This challenging, complex and often confronting work was the impetus of my PhD research that sought to identify more therapeutic and less adversarial practices and approaches to the child protection legal and court systems. After a decade in academic and working with the tertiary sector, both in research and teaching in social work, I have returned to practice full time as this is my true passion.

I hold a Bachelors degree in Psychology, a Master of Social Work, and a PhD in Social Work and Law. I am an Accredited Social Worker and member of the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers). I have also completed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training.

I understand that seeking help can be a courageous step. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am committed to providing a supportive and compassionate space, and to empower clients in their journey.  If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

I look forward to working with you!