Alan Ling
Tugun,Australia
Summary
Professional Summary
Compassionate, dedicated and recovery-focused Counsellor and Case Manager with over 8 years of experience supporting individuals experiencing complex mental health challenges, alcohol and other drug (AOD) dependency, homelessness and trauma. I bring a genuine passion for mental health, a strong commitment to reducing stigma and a deeply held belief that every individual deserves to be heard, valued and supported in their journey towards recovery.
Combining professional expertise with lived experience of recovery, I bring authenticity, empathy, emotional intelligence and a profound understanding of the challenges individuals face when navigating mental health and substance dependency. My passion lies in empowering people to rediscover hope, build resilience and achieve meaningful, sustainable change. I am particularly driven by the opportunity to improve access to compassionate, trauma-informed and person-centred care for individuals who experience complex and intersecting challenges.
My clinical practice is grounded in evidence-based, strengths-focused and recovery-oriented approaches, with proficiency in Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). I firmly believe that the therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change, and that genuine human connection, trust and collaboration form the foundation of effective therapeutic intervention.
Experienced in therapeutic group facilitation, complex case management, multidisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement, I am passionate about strengthening service delivery, supporting professional growth and fostering environments where both clients and colleagues feel empowered to thrive.
My approach to leadership is guided by integrity, compassion, emotional intelligence and a commitment to continuous improvement. I believe that strong, supported and collaborative teams are fundamental to delivering exceptional mental health and AOD services. I am motivated by the opportunity to inspire others, champion recovery-oriented practice and contribute to services that create lasting, positive change for individuals, families and communities.
Overview
1
1
Certification
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Behavior Support Practitioner
Shrink & Co
robina, QLD
09.2026 - 10.2026
- Completed client assessments, reviewed psychosocial histories, and maintained accurate clinical records and treatment notes.
- Provided individual counselling and therapeutic support aligned with Shrink & Co care plans and clinical protocols.
- Used evidence-based counselling methods to support clients’ mental health, emotional wellbeing, and personal development.
- Supported clients in building life skills, including problem-solving, communication, decision-making, self-care, and interpersonal relationships.
- Worked with multidisciplinary teams to review treatment progress, coordinate care, and improve client outcomes.
- Maintained confidentiality, ethical practice, and compliance with organisational policies and clinical best practices.
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ)
Gold Coast, Australia
07.2025 - 08.2026
- Provided individualised psychosocial support and supportive counselling to clients experiencing mental health challenges, substance use concerns, and psychosocial difficulties, within organisational guidelines and professional scope of practice.
- Supported the implementation of person-centred recovery plans, promoting emotional wellbeing, independence, resilience, and recovery-oriented goals.
- Facilitated psychoeducational and therapeutic support groups addressing anger management, emotional regulation, coping strategies, conflict resolution, self-esteem, and recovery principles.
- Applied evidence-informed counselling skills, including active listening, motivational interviewing, strengths-based approaches, and solution-focused strategies to support behavioural change and emotional wellbeing.
- Assisted clients in developing practical coping strategies, interpersonal skills, emotional awareness, and problem-solving abilities to improve daily functioning.
- Provided trauma-informed emotional support, crisis de-escalation, and appropriate escalation of identified risks to qualified clinicians in accordance with organisational protocols.
- Monitored client wellbeing, documented changes in presentation, and communicated concerns relating to psychological distress, relapse risk, and safety.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams and clinical professionals to support coordinated care, recovery planning, and appropriate referrals.
- Maintained accurate case notes, incident reports, and client documentation while upholding confidentiality, professional boundaries, ethical standards, and organisational policies.
Senior Case Manager – Assertive Outreach Program
Momentum Collective
Tweed Heads, Australia
02.2023 - 07.2025
- Supported holistic trauma-informed case management for individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, and complex psychosocial needs.
- Completed comprehensive client assessments and built individualised care plans focused on safety, stability, recovery, and sustainable housing outcomes.
- Provided supportive counselling, emotional support, crisis intervention, and behaviour coaching to build coping skills, resilience, and positive behaviour change.
- Coordinated wraparound care through collaboration with mental health, housing, legal, and community services to address complex client needs.
- Supported crisis response, risk assessment, and de-escalation during community outreach initiatives in partnership with Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ).
- Advocated for clients and liaised with government agencies, courts, and service providers to improve access to resources, suitable interventions, and continuity of care.
- Organised multidisciplinary case conferences to review client progress, address barriers, and support care and exit planning.
- Provided service navigation, referrals, and brokerage assistance to deliver timely, ethical, and cost-effective support.
- Mentored case management staff in organisational procedures, professional boundaries, ethical practice, and effective client engagement.
- Maintained accurate case documentation, progress notes, and service records in line with organisational policies and confidentiality requirements.
- Promoted mental health awareness, addiction recovery education, and stigma reduction through client advocacy and community engagement.
Case Manager, Intake Officer & Counsellor
Bayside Transformations
Hervey Bay, Australia
08.2018 - 02.2023
- Completed comprehensive psychosocial, mental health, and intake assessments to inform individualized care planning.
- Supported clients through individual counselling and therapeutic support across rehabilitation journey.
- Planned and led weekly therapeutic groups using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) methods.
- Delivered psychoeducational programs on anger management, self-esteem, guilt, shame, healthy living, emotional regulation, and core recovery principles.
- Developed trauma-informed care plans aligned with client goals, recovery needs, and sustainable behaviour change.
- Provided clinical guidance and reflective supervision to case workers to strengthen ethical practice and accurate documentation.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to monitor client progress, mental health risks, relapse prevention, and discharge planning.
- Coordinated case reviews, advocated for client needs, and supported service delivery and client outcomes.
- Responded to crisis situations and supported safety planning for clients.
Residential Supervisor & Peer Mentor
Velocity Transformations
Hobart, Australia
10.2014 - 06.2018
- Supported day-to-day operations within residential therapeutic community, coordinating service delivery, resident wellbeing, staff tasks, and compliance with organisational procedures.
- Helped set daily priorities, assigned staff duties, and gave front-line guidance to keep service running safely and consistently.
- Responded to incidents, behaviour escalation, conflict, and risk issues, using sound judgement within delegated authority and escalating urgent matters to senior management.
- Checked staff compliance with procedures, professional boundaries, documentation requirements, and ethical standards, raising practice concerns within assigned responsibilities.
- Supported implementation of individual recovery plans, working with multidisciplinary teams to track resident progress, manage new risks, and maintain continuity of care.
- Provided mentoring, operational guidance, and recovery-focused support to improve team performance, accountability, and trauma-informed practice.
- Delivered counselling support, emotional regulation coaching, and therapeutic interventions to promote resident stability, personal accountability, and lasting behaviour change.
- Noted operational issues, reported service risks to management, and contributed to service improvement within residential care delivery.
Education
Master of Mental Health -
Edith Cowan University
06-2027
Bachelor of counselling - Counselling
Christian Hertitage College
Brisbane, QLD12-2025
Diploma of Social Science - Counselling
Christian Heritage College
01-2021
Certificate IV - Ministry and Christian Formation
Harvest Bible College
VIC01-2017
Skills
- Individual Counselling & Evidence-Based Therapeutic Interventions
- Trauma-Informed, Person-Centred & Recovery-Oriented Practice
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) & Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Psychosocial Assessment & Individualised Care Planning
- Mental Health, AOD & Complex Case Management
- Therapeutic Group Facilitation & Psychoeducation
- Crisis Intervention, De-escalation & Risk Management
- Relapse Prevention & Behavioural Change Support
- Residential Service Operations & Operational Leadership
- Staff Supervision, Mentoring & Reflective Practice
- Multidisciplinary Team Leadership & Care Coordination
- Operational Accountability, Compliance & Quality Assurance
- Client Advocacy, Stakeholder Engagement & Service Navigation
- Conflict Resolution & Therapeutic Communication
- Clinical Documentation, Reporting & Ethical Practice
- Emotional Intelligence, Resilience & Collaborative Leadership
Certification
- PACFA Registration, 32940
- CCAA registration
- Mental Health First Aid (Standard & Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander)
- Trauma-Informed Practice (CHCMHS007)
- Poly Vagel Theory
- Dual diagnosis
- Emotional Intelligence in Practice
- Professional Reflective Practice (CHCPRP003)
- First Aid, Emergency Life Support & CPR (HLTAID011/010/009)
- Stress Management in the Workplace (HTLWHS006)
- Working with Children Check, WWCC2609368E
- Blue Card, QLD, 1966229/1
- Full Driver's License
Professional References
- Sacha Zunic, Community Impact Officer– Northern Rivers Zero Project, 0400 936 330, sacha.zunic@endstreetsleeping.org
- Tina Davie, CEO – Bayside Transformations, 0402 423 467, tina@baysidetransformations.com.au
- Reagan Adams, Clinical Director, Shrink & Co, 07 5606 8700 (ext 107) reagan.adams@shrinkco.com
- Gary Noble, Clinical Supervisor – Logan Counselling Services, 0439 909 434, admin@logancounsellingservices.com.au
Timeline
Behavior Support Practitioner
Shrink & Co
09.2026 - 10.2026
Mental Health Recovery Worker
Wesley Mission Queensland (WMQ)
07.2025 - 08.2026
Senior Case Manager – Assertive Outreach Program
Momentum Collective
02.2023 - 07.2025
Case Manager, Intake Officer & Counsellor
Bayside Transformations
08.2018 - 02.2023
Residential Supervisor & Peer Mentor
Velocity Transformations
10.2014 - 06.2018
Master of Mental Health -
Edith Cowan University
Bachelor of counselling - Counselling
Christian Hertitage College
Diploma of Social Science - Counselling
Christian Heritage College
Certificate IV - Ministry and Christian Formation
Harvest Bible College