Alana Thompson, AASW
Experienced Australian social worker for complex challenges
- Trauma and grief
- Stress and anxiety
- Career and ADHD
About Alana Thompson
Alana Thompson is a mental health practitioner based in Australia with 18 years of clinical experience. She works with people facing a broad range of concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, grief and loss, relationship and workplace challenges, career issues, ADHD, trauma, and self-harm. Her practice also includes support for adoption and foster care, aging and geriatric matters, caregiver stress, family and blended family difficulties, and complex situations involving domestic violence and family of origin problems.
Her therapeutic style is warm, interactive, and client-centered. Alana combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with emotional insight to develop safety and management plans aimed at improving day-to-day functioning, mood, and overall quality of life. She collaborates with clients to reinforce positive emotions and behaviors while helping them set and work toward meaningful mental, emotional, and behavioral goals. The practice is grounded in respect, compassion, and sensitivity, with an emphasis on building resilience and promoting personal growth.
Before returning to full-time clinical practice, Alana worked as a Mental Health Practitioner and Manager of the University of Western Australia Student Guild Counselling Service, providing welfare support, counselling, referrals, and skills development for students. Her earlier career included work in child protection and family services, supporting young people and families through trauma, anxiety, and depression. That experience informed her PhD research, which explored more therapeutic and less adversarial approaches to child protection legal and court systems. After a decade in academia in research and teaching within the tertiary sector, she chose to resume direct clinical work.
Alana holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology, a Master of Social Work, and a PhD in Social Work and Law. She is an Accredited Social Worker and a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). She has also completed Mental Health First Aid training. Alana recognizes that seeking help takes courage and is committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental support that empowers people as they work toward a more fulfilling life.
Her therapeutic style is warm, interactive, and client-centered. Alana combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with emotional insight to develop safety and management plans aimed at improving day-to-day functioning, mood, and overall quality of life. She collaborates with clients to reinforce positive emotions and behaviors while helping them set and work toward meaningful mental, emotional, and behavioral goals. The practice is grounded in respect, compassion, and sensitivity, with an emphasis on building resilience and promoting personal growth.
Before returning to full-time clinical practice, Alana worked as a Mental Health Practitioner and Manager of the University of Western Australia Student Guild Counselling Service, providing welfare support, counselling, referrals, and skills development for students. Her earlier career included work in child protection and family services, supporting young people and families through trauma, anxiety, and depression. That experience informed her PhD research, which explored more therapeutic and less adversarial approaches to child protection legal and court systems. After a decade in academia in research and teaching within the tertiary sector, she chose to resume direct clinical work.
Alana holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology, a Master of Social Work, and a PhD in Social Work and Law. She is an Accredited Social Worker and a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). She has also completed Mental Health First Aid training. Alana recognizes that seeking help takes courage and is committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental support that empowers people as they work toward a more fulfilling life.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Additional Focus Areas
Adoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityBlended family issuesCancerCaregiver issues and stressCodependencyCommunication problemsDivorce and separationDomestic violenceEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFirst responder issuesGuilt and shameImmigration issuesIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMulticultural concernsPanic disorder and panic attacksPhobiasPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthPrejudice and discriminationProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Alana Thompson have?
Alana Thompson has 18 years of experience in clinical practice.
Is Alana Thompson a licensed therapist?
Yes. She is an Accredited Social Worker and a member of the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW).
In which languages does Alana Thompson provide therapy?
She provides therapy in English.
Where is Alana Thompson located?
Alana Thompson is based in Australia.
How can I work with Alana Thompson as my therapist?
Clients can work with Alana Thompson through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Alana Thompson work with international clients?
Alana Thompson does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Alana Thompson cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match clients with a therapist. Depending on availability, clients can then schedule a first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Could Remote Therapy Be a Good Fit?
Many people wonder whether working with a therapist remotely can make a meaningful difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or navigating life transitions, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions.One of the primary advantages is flexibility - clients can connect with a therapist in the format that suits them best, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or in-app messaging. This flexibility can make it easier to integrate therapy into a busy life and to maintain continuity of care when schedules or circumstances change.
Licensed professionals offer a range of approaches and clients may switch therapists if they feel a different fit would be more helpful. For many people, remote therapy provides a practical and accessible way to begin or continue therapeutic work with trained therapists.