- Addictions support
- Family conflict
- Trauma and abuse
About Alison
Alison Cannell is a PACFA counsellor in Australia with 13 years as a therapist and over 30 years working in behavioural change across industries. She works with people facing addictions, relationship and family difficulties, trauma and abuse, and the stress of major life changes. Alison also lists guilt and shame among the issues she supports.
Her approach is straightforward and conversational. She talks through what is happening now and what patterns feed distress. Conversations focus on real situations such as family conflict, communication problems, substance use, caregiving stress and the fallout from past abuse.
Alison pays attention to attachment and codependency patterns that keep people stuck. She helps people name dissociation, control issues, emptiness or isolation and how these show up in relationships. This often includes looking at family of origin issues and commitment or separation difficulties.
Sessions aim to build clearer communication skills and practical coping strategies. When addictions or domestic violence are involved, Alison addresses safety, triggers and practical steps alongside emotional work. The tone is direct and respectful, with a focus on making small changes that fit everyday life.
She draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide work on trauma, addiction and relationship patterns. People who book are invited to describe their concerns and together decide on the first steps. Booking begins via the online matching questionnaire and scheduling flow.
How Alison uses evidence-based approaches online
Alison works from evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on what helps in day-to-day life. One approach she uses helps people process trauma by gradually facing and describing distressing memories and their effects, which can reduce the power those memories have over current relationships and choices. Another approach targets addictive behaviours with practical steps - identifying triggers, planning alternative responses, and building small routines that replace harmful habits.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Alison treats this as a collaborative process and will discuss different methods with clients. Together they decide which techniques match the person’s goals, preferences and the practical constraints of their life.
The profile does not specify session formats, so confirm current online options before booking. Many people appreciate online work because it can fit around family and work commitments, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Online sessions can make it easier to keep continuity of support while juggling everyday responsibilities, and the therapist will help plan sessions that suit each person’s schedule and energy levels.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she work with?
Alison works with addictions, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. She also addresses related concerns such as guilt and shame, codependency and isolation.
How does she approach guilt and shame?
She talks through how guilt or shame shows up in daily life and relationships, and looks at underlying patterns like attachment or family of origin issues. The work is practical and conversational.
What is her clinical background and experience?
Alison has 13 years as a therapist and more than 30 years working in behavioural change across various industries. That breadth informs her practical approach to problems.
What credential does she hold and where is she located?
She is listed with PACFA and practices in Australia.
Does she offer sessions in other languages or to international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and she is not currently accepting international clients.
Which session formats are available?
The original profile does not list specific session formats; please confirm current options before booking.
How much do sessions cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Begin by selecting the See online therapy options button, completing a short matching questionnaire and scheduling a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.