My name is Anna Alberse, a 44-year-old professional with qualifications in counselling and the community services sector. I hold a qualification in counselling through my Diploma of Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC53215), which I completed in 2025 at the Australian College of Community Services and Care. Since January 2026, I have been the Founder and Director of Holistic Counselling, I provide person-centred, trauma-informed and disability-informed counselling to people of all ages living with and without disability, including individuals experiencing current or past alcohol and other drug (AOD) concerns, as well as individuals who do not currently experience AOD-related issues. My approach recognises that people with and without disability may experience unique barriers to communication, emotional regulation, social participation, relationships, independence and access to appropriate support. Counselling is tailored to each person’s individual communication style, cognitive and sensory needs, neurodiversity, strengths, preferences and goals. For client’s experiencing AOD-related concerns, support may include AOD education, harm-minimisation strategies, motivational support, identifying triggers, developing healthy coping strategies, relapse-prevention planning and strengthening emotional regulation and decision-making skills. For client’s without current AOD concerns, counselling may support emotional wellbeing, trauma recovery, anxiety and stress management, relationships, behavioural change, self-advocacy, coping strategies and the development of skills that support greater independence and participation in everyday life. My practice is aligned with the principles of client choice and control. I work collaboratively with each client to identify their goals, build on their strengths and support the development of functional capacity. Support may focus on emotional regulation, communication, problem-solving, decision-making, self-awareness, social skills, confidence and community participation. I also incorporate Positive Behaviour Support principles by seeking to understand the underlying needs, communication and environmental factors that may contribute to behaviours of concern. The focus is on proactive, respectful and person-centred strategies that promote dignity, autonomy, emotional regulation, skill development and quality of life. Where appropriate and with the client’s consent, I collaborate with families, carers, support workers and other relevant professionals to promote consistency and continuity of support. Services may be delivered in an appropriate counselling or community-based environment, depending on the client’s goals, preferences and support needs. My overall aim is to provide accessible, respectful and empowering service that assists people to strengthen their emotional wellbeing, develop practical coping and life skills, increase independence, participate meaningfully in their communities and work towards their individual goals. As a counsellor, I utilise evidence-informed therapeutic approaches, including Narrative Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Behaviour Therapy within a person-centred and trauma-informed framework. All of my counselling approaches can be adapted to support both verbal and non-verbal clients. I tailor my therapeutic methods, communication strategies, and counselling tools to each client’s individual communication style, abilities, preferences, needs, and personal goals. My approach may include visual supports, communication devices, gestures, creative expression, sensory tools, therapeutic games, structured activities, and other individualised strategies to support emotional regulation, communication, social interaction, coping skills, and overall wellbeing.