- Compassionate listener
- Practical strategies
- Evidence-based care
About Alison
Alison Cannell is a counsellor with 13 years as a therapist and a long career supporting behaviour change. She helps people who are struggling with addictions, relationship stress, family conflict, trauma and major life changes. Alison aims to make the first step easier by offering calm, direct support and practical ways to move forward.
Alison takes a down-to-earth approach in sessions. She listens without judgement and helps people notice patterns that keep causing pain. Conversations focus on what is happening now, and on small, doable changes that fit everyday life.
Her work often addresses attachment and codependency issues, communication and commitment problems, and the effects of family of origin and childhood trauma. She also supports people facing separation, caregiver stress, domestic violence, dissociation, and substance use concerns.
Sessions blend practical problem-solving with space to process difficult feelings. Alison uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide this work and adapts the pace to each person. She aims to help people build clearer boundaries, repair relationships where possible, and reduce shame and isolation.
Alison practises in Australia and works in English. She encourages anyone who feels stuck to consider a short initial conversation to see if her way of working feels like a fit. The goal is steady, meaningful progress rather than quick fixes.
Therapeutic approaches and how they work online
Alison uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on both feelings and behaviour. One common approach helps people identify unhelpful patterns in relationships and codependency. It supports building clearer boundaries and healthier ways of relating to others. Another approach targets trauma and its effects by helping people process difficult memories and reduce symptoms that interrupt daily life.Choosing the right approach is part of the work. Alison discusses options with each person and tailors methods to their needs, goals and pace. This is a collaborative process where the therapist and client check in about what is helping and what needs to change.
Practical benefits of online work can include easier scheduling around work or caring duties and fitting sessions into a busy life. Online sessions may also make it simpler to have brief check-ins when a full in-person visit is hard to organise. If you need to know which session formats are offered, please confirm current session options before booking.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
13+ years
Credentials
Listed on profile
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does Alison help with?
She supports people dealing with addictions, relationship and family conflict, trauma and coping with major life changes. Other focus areas include attachment, codependency and caregiver stress.
What is her approach in sessions?
Her style is calm and practical, combining active listening with problem-solving. Sessions focus on small, achievable changes and understanding unhelpful patterns.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Alison has 13 years of experience as a therapist plus many additional years working in behaviour change across other industries. That background informs her practical approach.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds PACFA as a credential and practises in Australia.
Which languages are used in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are fees and payment handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin therapy with Alison?
Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.