Vanessa Thomas

Vanessa Thomas is an AASW counsellor who helps people navigate stress, anxiety, grief and issues around self-esteem and depression. She supports those coping with trauma and abuse, compassion fatigue, sleeping problems, relationship and family concerns, and life changes. Vanessa also works with people dealing with workplace strain, parenting stress and women's issues.

Vanessa uses a person-centred, trauma-informed approach. Sessions are shaped around each person's strengths and goals. She blends practical techniques such as parts work, mindfulness and values work to match what a client needs in the moment.

Her main clinical influences include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy and elements from other therapies. She adapts tools from cognitive and emotion-focused approaches to suit the presenting issue and the person's preferences.

Vanessa has three years of professional experience and works from Queensland. She asks people in Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory to check whether session times fit their schedule before booking. Sessions are conducted in English and the practice follows a collaborative style where the client shapes priorities.

To begin, clients complete a short questionnaire and choose a suitable time. The therapist then tailors sessions to the goals you set, with an emphasis on practical steps you can use between sessions.

How therapeutic approaches work online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages people to notice difficult thoughts and feelings while taking actions that match their values. It can help with anxiety, depression and finding clearer direction after life changes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and trying practical experiments to change behaviour and mood. It is commonly used for anxiety, low mood and sleep problems. Client-Centred Therapy places the person's experience at the centre of the work and aims to create a collaborative relationship that supports self-discovery and change.

Choosing the right approach is part of therapy. The therapist will work with you to identify what fits your goals and preferences. That means trying techniques, checking what helps, and adjusting the plan together as you progress.

The therapist's profile does not name specific online formats, so confirm available session options before booking. Many people find remote sessions helpful because they can fit appointments into busy days, avoid travel time and maintain momentum between visits. Others prefer a shorter check-in when time is tight or a longer session when deeper reflection is needed. Discuss practical needs and scheduling when you start so sessions suit your routine.