Therapy in Hobart grounded in lived experience, warmth and meaningful change
A collaborative approach to therapy that makes room for your experiences, explores the patterns shaping your life and supports you to make meaningful changes.
Private billing practice. Self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants are welcome.
Hi, I’m Alanna (they/she)
Accredited Social Worker, Counsellor and Lived Experience Practitioner
My approach is grounded in the social justice values at the heart of social work, my experiences as a queer and neurodivergent person, and the years I’ve spent on the other side of the therapy room. I know what it’s like to be a client, and that continues to shape how I practise.
I welcome people from all walks of life, including those whose identities, relationships or experiences haven’t always been understood or accepted elsewhere. Whether you’re queer, trans, neurodivergent, a sex worker or simply looking for a therapist you can speak openly with, my aim is to offer a space where you feel respected and free to be yourself.
How I came to this work
My decision to become a social worker was influenced by receiving support from one when I was younger. That experience stayed with me and helped shape the direction of my career.
After graduating from Western Sydney University with distinction, I began working in Alice Springs across community services, counselling and support for people who had experienced violence and trauma.
Over time, I became particularly interested in how difficult experiences shape our relationships, sense of self and beliefs about what we deserve. I trained in EMDR in 2023 and later expanded my practice to include EMDR 2.0 and parts-informed approaches to complex and developmental trauma.
What therapy with me feels like
Therapy with me is down-to-earth and conversational, but there’s also intention behind the work we do together.
We’ll take time to understand what brings you to therapy and what you’d like to be different in your life. From there, we’ll establish goals that help guide our sessions, giving us something to work towards and revisit as things change.
That doesn’t mean every session must follow a set agenda. There’s room for whatever comes up along the way, while keeping sight of what matters to you.
I draw on different therapeutic approaches depending on your needs, combining evidence-informed practice with a genuine, human connection. I want our work to feel both supportive and purposeful.
Frequently asked questions about my approach
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As a lived experience practitioner, I bring both professional training and personal experience of navigating life’s challenges and being a therapy client myself.
These experiences shape how I listen, understand different perspectives and approach our work together. My role is to bring that understanding alongside my clinical knowledge, while keeping the focus on you and your needs.
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My approach to trauma therapy is collaborative and tailored to your needs. I draw on EMDR, parts-informed work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other therapeutic approaches depending on what we’re working through.
We might explore how past experiences affect your relationships, emotions or sense of self, while also addressing difficulties you’re experiencing in the present. We work at a pace that takes your circumstances, goals and readiness into account.
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Both. I often work with clients over the medium to longer term, particularly when we’re exploring longstanding patterns, attachment difficulties or the effects of childhood experiences.
I also offer shorter-term, focused therapy for specific concerns. We can discuss what you’re hoping to achieve and consider an approach and timeframe that suit your needs.
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Yes. I offer in-person counselling in North Hobart and online therapy across Australia.
Online sessions provide an option if you live outside Tasmania, have a busy schedule or simply prefer attending therapy from your own space. We can discuss whether telehealth is suitable for your circumstances.
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No, you don't need a medical referral or mental health care plan. I operate as a private practice welcoming self managed and plan managed NDIS participants directly.
Training & Education
Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)
Registration number: 455174
Bachelor of Social Work - Western Sydney University (2017)
Postgraduate Certificate in Narrative Therapy - Dulwich Centre, South Australia (2023)
EMDR and EMDR 2.0 Certification
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Foundational and for Trauma
Bessel Van Der Kolk Trauma Training
Ready to take the next step?
Finding a therapist who feels like a good fit matters. If you’re considering counselling in Hobart or online, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute introductory call to ask questions, learn more about my approach and see whether working together feels right for you.
Private billing practise | Self managed and plan managed NDIS participants welcome