My name is Alana, and my pronouns are she/her. I am a Registered Art Therapist, Counsellor, Supervisor, and certified Forest Therapy Guide I am also the director of "Finding Wellbeing Art Therapy & Counselling", a Registered NDIS Provider, operating out of our Yellow Gum Art Therapy Studio.

ANZACATA (Professional Level), PACFA (Reg. Clinical 30669)

Why I do what I do

My passion for this work comes from seeing firsthand how people can heal and grow when they receive compassionate, relational, and warm support. I’ve witnessed individuals move from feeling 'stuck' to finding their path forward, and this transformation drives my commitment as a therapist and supervisor. I also believe that the arts and nature can significantly contribute to the psychotherapy process, increasing opportunities for personal growth, self-expression, and healing.

Informed by my lived experience of neurodivergence, close family ties to disability, and a lifelong connection to art, I am committed to creating an inclusive, safe space for all. I aim to foster creativity and connection, while actively challenging stigma, oppression, and inequality, ensuring that everyone’s unique experiences are honored.

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How I support

My therapeutic approach is grounded in humanistic and person-centered counseling and psychotherapy, incorporating evidence-based strategies from psychological and psychotherapeutic practices. I help individuals navigate challenges, guided by their personal needs and goals. As an Art Therapist and Forest Therapy Guide, I often incorporate expressive arts and nature-based creative practices to help individuals discover what feels regulating and restorative, fostering self-exploration, self-discovery, and personal growth. I also work alongside Evie, a certified therapy dog, who provides comfort and support in our therapy space.

Who I work with

I work with individuals, both children and adults, recovering from trauma and mental health challenges, those with disabilities and chronic illnesses, and people navigating life changes or impacted by grief, loss and stigma. I also have an interest in supporting those experiencing climate grief/eco-distress, and concern for global events, and have completed additional training with Psychology for a Safe Climate. My approach is neuro-affirming, sex-positive, and LGBTQIA+ affirming. I welcome individuals from all walks of life, embracing all gender identities, sexual orientations, faiths, races, and cultural backgrounds.

Experience and Credentials

• Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) with a minor in Visual Arts – ACU, completed 2015

• Master of Art Therapy – La Trobe University, completed 2018

• Registered Art Therapist (AThR) – Professional Member of ANZACATA, since 2018

• Founder of "Finding Wellbeing Art Therapy & Counselling", May 2019

• Registered NDIS Provider – Art Therapy, since 2019

• Founder and Studio Director – Yellow Gum Art Therapy Studio, opened January 2022

• Certified and Accredited Forest Therapy Guide – INFTA, since 2023

• Certified Therapy Dog Handler – Therapy Animals Australia, since 2023

• Clinical PACFA Member (Reg. Clinical 30669), since 2024

• ANZACATA Arts-Based Supervision Skills Training, completed 2024

• Professional Development with Psychology for a Safe Climate, completed 2024

Before becoming an Art Therapist, I worked extensively in disability and community services, starting as a disability support worker in 2012, then transitioning to youth community support with children and adolescents impacted by trauma. In 2019, I worked as a mental health practitioner with Mind Australia, supporting NDIS participants with psychosocial disabilities, before starting my private practice. My Art Therapy master's training also included experience at the Alfred Hospital's psychiatric inpatient ward and Mind Australia's Prevention and Recovery Centre (PARC).

Evie, the therapy dog

Evie (she/her) works with Alana at Yellow Gum Studio. She is a medium sized (adult knee height) mini groodle born in 2021. Her mum was half golden retriever and half mini poodle and her dad was a mini poodle making her an F1B Groodle. Her fur is a lovely redish brown and non-shedding.

Evie is a fast learner and loves to perform some tricks. She also loves pats and likes to be closeby to people. She enjoys sitting up on her chair to watch people make art or having a nap.

Evie has been trained and certified by Therapy Animals Australia extensively to be safe for working with all kinds of people of all ages. It is important that clients still listen to Alana, her handler, on how to approach Evie to help her ongoing training as a therapy dog.