At Wellness In Thought, we are dedicated to supporting individuals on their journey of self-improvement. Founded by Registered Counsellor, Briana Neal, our service is designed to help you discover more about yourself, others, and the world around you. We utilise a person-centred approach to ensure that each experience is tailored to your needs. .
Briana holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science and a Diploma of Counselling. She is a Registered Counsellor with the Australian Counselling Association, ensuring a high standard of care and expertise. Briana also possesses a Working with Children's Check and a Police Check, providing an added layer of and trust for her clients. With her qualifications and dedication, she is committed to guiding individuals on their path to self-discovery and growth. Briana is a dedicated professional with a passion for helping others achieve their lifestyle goals. Beginning her career as a lifeguard, Briana quickly developed a strong commitment to community well-being. After completing her university education, Briana transitioned into a role as a Youth Worker for a not-for-profit organisation, where she worked with youth in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation setting. Advancing to a role as the Program Coordinator, Briana excelled in developing and evaluating programs for clients, while providing essential staff and client support.
Briana Neal
Founder and Registered Counsellor
Wellness In Thought | ABN: 56 172 486 806
Deeply passionate about helping individuals live a fulfilling life, Briana brings understanding, experience and a non-judgemental approach to her practice.
"I am committed to providing support and guidance, empowering individuals to achieve positive changes in their lives."
Education
Bachelor Of Psychological Science
University of Wollongong
The Bachelor of Psychological Science provided me with a comprehensive understanding of key developmental stages throughout the lifespan. Through a scholarship to study in Singapore, I formed international connections and explored how psychology and counselling principles intersect across cultures. With a minor in Criminology, I developed a solid foundation in the factors influencing anti-social behaviour, as well as the effects on both victims and offenders. My electives in Psychopharmacology further fuelled my interest in the various impacts of substances on the brain.
Diploma of Counselling
Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors
The Diploma of Counselling provided me with valuable practical experience, enabling me to apply the knowledge I gained during my Bachelor's degree. I explored various counselling techniques in depth, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness Therapy. My elected majors were: addiction counselling, abuse counselling, mindfulness-based therapies, and working with children and adolescents.
Experience
Youth Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal and Rehabilitation
Youth Worker
Program Coordinator
My experience as a Youth Worker began in a youth drug and alcohol withdrawal and rehabilitation program. I supported young people aged 12-24 from their initial withdrawal stages, to the completion of their 12-week residential rehabilitation. I supported them with daily living skills, education and employment support, crisis counselling, and promoted prosocial behaviours, including support for nutrition and physical health.
As Program Coordinator, I collaborated with participants to co-design holistic wellbeing programs. I facilitated the reintegration of young people into their lives beyond the program, by supporting care plans and necessary referrals for leave. Additionally, I led a team of Youth Workers to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines and best practices in our support efforts.
It was within this program I cemented my strong interest for working with young people, people with substance use disorders and individuals caring for others experiencing such challenges.
Local Government
Youth Development Worker
My role as a Youth Development Worker in local government provided me with valuable opportunities to engage with various local service providers. I networked with a diverse array of service providers at events such as the Illawarra Community Services Expo, the Youth Services Open Day, and the Homelessness Week Expo. Additionally, I participated in the 2026 Youth Work Conference where I gained insights into the contemporary challenges faced by young people and best practices for supporting them in today's environment. I also facilitated programs aimed at enhancing people's skills and fostering social cohesion.
Professional Memberships
Australian Counselling Association (ACA)
Registered Counsellor
Level 1 - 82068
Our Approach
Our Counselling Approach
Our approach to counselling is grounded in compassion, respect, and genuine human connection. We believe meaningful change begins with feeling heard, understood, and safe. Creating a non-judgemental and collaborative therapeutic space is at the heart of our work.
Person-Centred & Strengths-Based
We take a person-centred approach, recognising that you are the expert in your own life. Counselling is tailored to your individual needs, goals, and pace. Together, we identify strengths, build resilience, and develop practical strategies that support sustainable change.
Evidence-Informed Modalities
Our work is guided by evidence-informed frameworks and ethical standards, including those outlined by the Australian Counselling Association. We integrate therapeutic modalities based on your unique needs, including:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours while developing practical coping strategies.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Building psychological flexibility, clarifying personal values, and supporting meaningful action alongside difficult thoughts and emotions.
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Mindfulness-Based Approaches: Strengthening present-moment awareness, grounding skills, and emotional regulation.
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Narrative Therapy: Exploring the stories we hold about ourselves, separating problems from identity, and supporting clients to re-author empowering narratives aligned with their strengths and values.
These approaches may be used individually or blended, depending on your goals, preferences, and presenting concerns.
Trauma-Informed & Holistic
We recognise that many challenges — including substance use, carer stress, and youth mental health concerns — are often connected to broader life experiences. Our work is trauma-informed and considers the whole person, including emotional wellbeing, relationships, identity, culture, and environment.
Accessible & Flexible Support
We believe counselling should be accessible and responsive to the realities of daily life. Seeking support can feel like a significant step, and we aim to reduce practical barriers wherever possible.
To meet diverse needs, we offer:
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Secure online video sessions
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Telephone counselling
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Community-based appointments in agreed public spaces
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Walk-and-talk sessions in local parks
Flexible delivery options allow clients to choose a format and location where they feel most comfortable and safe. Whether that means accessing support from home, during a work break, or in an outdoor setting, our goal is to ensure counselling feels approachable, practical, and tailored to you.
Collaborative & Empowering
Therapy is a partnership. We work with you to set clear goals, review progress, and adapt our approach as needed. Our aim is to provide counselling that is safe, empowering, and practical — meeting you where you are and supporting you toward meaningful change.