- Person-centred approach
- Trauma-informed care
- Values-based work
About Vanessa
Vanessa Thomas is an AASW social worker who helps people manage stress, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem and life transitions. She supports those facing relationship strain, workplace issues, compassion fatigue and the effects of trauma and abuse. Her work also covers sleep problems, parenting challenges, bipolar mood concerns and issues linked to codependency.
Vanessa uses a person-centred, trauma-informed approach. Sessions begin by identifying strengths and priorities and then set small, achievable goals. She draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness practices and emotion-focused ideas to suit each person’s needs rather than using one fixed method.
Practical techniques are a regular part of her sessions. Clients may work with values-based exercises, grounding and present-moment skills, parts work and motivational strategies to change unhelpful patterns. Conversations are tailored to real-life demands like work, parenting or caregiving responsibilities.
Vanessa has three years of clinical experience and works from Queensland. She notes that people in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory may find scheduling more difficult because of time differences. Sessions are conducted in English.
Her aim is to help people build routines and skills that make everyday life feel more manageable. She encourages a steady, strengths-based pace so people can practise new ways of coping between sessions.
How these approaches translate to online support
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on clarifying what matters to someone and taking small steps toward those values while learning to sit with difficult thoughts and feelings. It can help with anxiety, low mood and codependency by encouraging committed action aligned with personal values.Client-Centred Therapy centres the person’s experience and priorities, with the therapist offering empathy, active listening and gentle reflection. This approach is useful for building self-trust and improving self-esteem over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) targets unhelpful thinking and behaviour patterns in a practical way. Clients learn simple experiments, thought records and behavioural changes that reduce symptoms and improve daily functioning.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences and what has or hasn’t helped before, then tailor methods collaboratively. It’s normal to try different techniques early on to see what fits best.
Please confirm current session options before booking, as formats are not listed in the biography. Online therapy can make it easier to fit sessions around work, parenting and caregiving by removing travel time and allowing shorter check-ins when needed. It also allows sessions where video is not required, which can help on low-energy days or when bandwidth is limited. Appropriately qualified or registered professionals can use these options to help people maintain momentum between appointments.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
3+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does this counsellor help with?
She supports people with stress, anxiety, depression, grief and self-esteem concerns, plus relationship and family problems, compassion fatigue and trauma-related issues.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is person-centred and trauma-informed, focusing on strengths and practical steps. Sessions use a collaborative tone and prioritise realistic goals.
How much experience does she have?
She has three years of clinical experience working with people facing complex mental health and everyday life challenges.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She holds AASW and works from Queensland, Australia.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can people outside Australia work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted; she works with people in Australia and notes potential scheduling limits for WA, SA and the NT.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin if I want to work together?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete the short matching questionnaire and then schedule based on the therapist's availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.