About Us
Align Independence provides compassionate, person-centred mental health, counselling and disability support tailored to each person’s individual needs, circumstances and goals.
About Align Independence
Align Independence provides compassionate, person-centred counselling, mental health, coaching and disability support tailored to each person’s individual needs, circumstances and goals.
Founded by Cassandra Thomas, Align Independence was created to offer a safe, respectful and non-judgmental space where people feel heard, valued and supported. We work with private clients, NDIS participants and people accessing My Aged Care, providing flexible support that recognises each person’s experiences, strengths and right to make their own choices.
Our approach is professional, practical and collaborative. We work alongside each person to strengthen their emotional wellbeing, build confidence, develop helpful skills and routines, and move towards greater independence and a better quality of life. Whether someone is navigating mental health concerns, relationship challenges, addiction, disordered eating, disability-related needs or significant life changes, support is shaped around what matters most to them.
Hi I'm Cassie
Meet Cassie
Registered Mental Health Nurse, Counsellor & Coach
My Commitment to You
To provide compassionate, experienced and person-centred support that helps you feel heard, valued and confident in creating meaningful change.
Hi, I’m Cassie—the founder of Align Independence and Align & Rise, and the creator of the CHOOSE Framework. I’m a registered mental health nurse, counsellor and coach, and I’m so pleased you’re here.
My journey towards this work began long before I realised where it would lead. In my early teens, I became a qualified swimming instructor, and in early adulthood, I worked in kindergarten settings supporting children with disabilities. Through both roles, I discovered how much I enjoyed helping children build confidence, develop new skills and become more independent - whether in the water or in their everyday environment.
After several years of moving, working and gaining different life experiences, those early beginnings eventually led me back to the disability sector and then into mental health nursing.
For more than 25 years, I have worked across inpatient, acute and community mental health services, case management, recovery-focused care, counselling and disability support. Throughout my career, I have supported children, teenagers, adults and families experiencing anxiety, depression, addiction, grief, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, disability-related challenges and significant life changes.
Why I Created Align Independence
I created Align Independence to provide professional, compassionate and person-centred support that considers the whole person—not simply a diagnosis, disability or one area of concern.
My approach is warm, practical and non-judgmental. I take the time to understand your experiences, strengths, needs, relationships, routines and goals so we can develop support that fits meaningfully into your everyday life.
My role is not to tell you what you should do. It is to work alongside you, help you better understand what you are experiencing and support you to make informed choices with greater clarity and confidence.
More Than Professional Experience
I am also a mother of three incredible young adults and four much-loved fur babies. I have personally navigated separation, divorce, single parenting, study, career demands, major life changes and burnout.
Within my own family, I have also experienced the impact of mental health challenges, eating disorders and addiction. This has given me a personal understanding of what these experiences can be like—not only for the individual, but also for the family members and loved ones walking beside them.
These experiences have deepened my empathy and reinforced my belief that even the strongest and most capable people sometimes need someone beside them. Reaching out for support is not a weakness—it can be the first step towards understanding yourself, recognising your strengths and finding a clearer way forward.
When I’m not working, much of my time is spent with my family and four dogs, who make sure life is never too quiet.
Align & Rise
Alongside Align Independence, I am the founder of Align & Rise and the creator of the CHOOSE Framework.
Through this work, I support people to rebuild self-trust, strengthen their confidence, create healthier boundaries and reconnect with their identity. My experience across mental health, counselling, coaching and disability allows me to consider the whole picture—including emotional wellbeing, relationships, habits, routines, environment and support systems.
What You Can Expect
When we work together, you can expect warmth, honesty, respect and practical support. You will be met where you are, without judgement, and supported to move towards the changes that matter most to you.
At the heart of my work is the belief that every person deserves to feel heard, valued and treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
I look forward to getting to know you and exploring how Align Independence can support you.
From our clients
We have earned the trust and satisfaction of many clients by providing reliable, high-quality service. See what they're saying.
