Profile / Australia
Vanessa Thomas, AASW
Australia
AASW social worker - anxiety and trauma support
See online therapy options- CBT-based techniques
- Mindfulness and ACT
- Relationship skills
About Vanessa
Vanessa Thomas is an AASW social worker with three years' clinical experience in Australia. She helps people facing stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and depression. She also supports those coping with trauma and abuse, relationship and family concerns, sleep problems, parenting strain and major life changes.
Vanessa works in a straightforward, person-centred way. She listens to what matters most, then suggests practical steps to try. Sessions emphasise noticing unhelpful thoughts and habits, and experimenting with clearer responses to them.
Her approach draws on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside client-centred and emotionally-focused techniques. Mindfulness skills and values-based work are used to build steadier day-to-day routines. She uses parts work and motivational interviewing when those methods suit a person’s goals.
Vanessa has experience supporting people who live with complex mental health issues and those recovering from trauma. She focuses on strengths and on small, achievable changes people can use between sessions. She explains options plainly so people can pick what feels manageable.
Sessions explore practical coping strategies for mood, sleep and relationships. Vanessa helps people develop clearer communication, set boundaries, and work through guilt, shame or caregiver stress. People are invited to test new ways of responding and to review what helps most.
People based in Western Australia, South Australia or the Northern Territory may find scheduling difficult because of time differences. Prospective clients are asked to confirm current session options before booking.
How Vanessa uses CBT, ACT and client-centred work online
Vanessa uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help people identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and to practise small changes that reduce distress. CBT is useful for anxiety, low mood and sleep difficulties because it targets patterns people can test and change.She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to clarify values and to build willingness to notice difficult thoughts while continuing to act toward goals. Client-centred techniques are used alongside these approaches to make sure sessions focus on what matters to the person in front of her.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Vanessa will discuss options and decide together with the client which methods to try first, adjusting based on progress and preference. That collaborative process helps match treatment to the person’s goals and daily life.
The practical benefit of online work is that therapy can better fit into a busy schedule and reduce travel time. The biography does not list which session formats are offered, so confirm current session options before booking. Online sessions can make it easier to attend shorter check-ins, manage appointments between commitments, and practise skills in real-world settings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What problems does she help with most often?
She commonly supports people with stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and depression. Other focuses include trauma and abuse, relationship and family concerns, sleep issues and parenting strain.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is person-centred and practical. She helps people notice unhelpful thoughts and habits, then tries small experiments to change responses.
What is her background and experience?
She has three years' clinical experience and has worked with survivors of trauma and people living with complex mental health issues.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is listed with the AASW and practises in Australia, operating out of Queensland.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
She does not accept international clients at this time.
How are sessions organised and paid for?
Session cost varies by location and uses a subscription that can be cancelled at any time; exact prices depend on the chosen plan and region.
How do I start a first session?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A registration can be checked with the body that issued it.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.