- Addictions and recovery
- Family of origin issues
- Communication problems
About Alison
Alison Cannell is a PACFA counsellor in Australia with 13 years working as a therapist and more than 30 years’ experience in behaviour change across other industries. She supports adults dealing with addictions, relationship strain, family concerns, trauma and abuse, and coping with life changes. Alison uses straightforward conversation to help people notice patterns that keep repeating since childhood and to find practical ways to respond differently.
Her approach aims to reduce isolation and improve communication. Sessions look at how family roles, expectations and early attachments shape current choices. She also addresses caregiver stress, codependency, commitment difficulties, and struggles with emptiness or shame.
Alison describes common work on boundaries, clearer communication, and building steadier routines for people facing substance problems, separation, or ongoing family conflict. She pays attention to dissociation and control issues when those come up, and she supports people processing past domestic violence or childhood hurt without making assumptions about their situation.
Her background combines psychotherapy practice with long experience in behaviour change across workplaces. That practical experience informs a focus on everyday strategies clients can try between sessions. Conversations tend to be direct and solution-oriented while also making room for reflection about family of origin patterns.
People who contact her begin by completing a short questionnaire and then book an initial session. Fees vary with location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
Therapeutic approaches and working online
Alison uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on relationships and behaviour change. One common strand looks at attachment and family of origin patterns, helping people map how early roles and expectations show up now and what to change. Another approachable technique emphasises practical skills for communication and boundary-setting so that interactions are clearer and less reactive.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Alison discusses options with each person and adjusts methods based on the client’s goals, needs and preferences rather than using one fixed method for everyone.
Session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy week, allow shorter check-ins when needed, and reduce travel time. These practical benefits help people maintain continuity while they try new ways of relating to their family and close relationships.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Experience
13+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of family patterns does she address?
She helps people notice repeating roles and expectations from childhood that affect adult life, including attachment and communication issues.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Sessions are practical and direct, focusing on clearer communication, boundary-setting and problem solving rather than abstract theory.
How much clinical experience does she have?
Alison has 13 years of experience as a therapist plus over 30 years working in behaviour change across other industries.
What credential does she hold and where is she based?
She is a PACFA counsellor and practices in Australia.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Can international clients work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions arranged and what do they cost?
Fees vary by location and sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
What should I do to begin?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Looking for someone else? Find them by surname.