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Alison McCandless

Alison McCandless

LCSW, CSW

Colorado

Experienced LCSW focused on practical change

Continue with Alison

At a glance

Credentials
LCSW, CSW
License
LCSW, Illinois / 149024690; LCSW, Colorado / CSW.09929741
Experience
3 years
Languages
English
Location
Colorado

Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.

    • Motivational approach
    • Skill building
    • History-informed care

    About Alison

    Alison McCandless is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who recently relocated to Denver, Colorado. She brings three years of community mental health experience and practical skills to sessions. Alison works with people facing stress, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and life transitions. She aims to listen first and help clients find manageable steps forward.

    Before moving to Colorado, Alison worked at a community mental health agency in Chicago. There she supported people with a wide range of needs, including addiction, bipolar disorder, grief, and workplace challenges. That background shaped her focus on clear coping tools and real-life problem solving.

    Alison uses several approaches depending on what a person needs. She incorporates Motivational Interviewing to help people find motivation for change, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for thought and behavior patterns, and Attachment-Based Therapy to look at relational patterns. She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy and psychodynamic ideas when helpful.

    Her sessions emphasize learning coping skills, looking at life history to make sense of difficulties, and assessing how daily functioning is affected. Alison describes her style as nonjudgmental and hopeful. She encourages people to talk about what matters and to set small, achievable goals.

    People interested in starting therapy can expect a collaborative first step that focuses on current struggles and practical strategies. Alison supports clients who want to reduce symptoms, improve relationships, or build skills to handle life’s demands.

  2. How her approaches translate to online work

    Alison often combines Motivational Interviewing with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Attachment-Based Therapy. Motivational Interviewing focuses on helping people find personal reasons for change and boosting motivation in small steps. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy looks at how thoughts and behaviors interact and teaches practical strategies to reduce symptoms. Attachment-Based Therapy examines relationship patterns and how early connections affect current reactions and closeness.

    Choosing the right approach is a team effort. Alison will talk with the client about goals, preferences, and day-to-day challenges, and then recommend which methods to try. She adjusts plans over time so the work fits what actually helps the person make progress.

    Please confirm the therapist's available session formats before booking, as this profile does not list specific options. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life - for example shorter check-ins can work during a lunch break, and audio-only sessions may use less bandwidth. Many people find it simpler to maintain continuity when scheduling around work or caregiving responsibilities.

  4. Areas of expertise

    Primary focus

    Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes

    Also works with

    AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefEating disordersAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCompassion fatigue

    Additional focus areas

    AbandonmentAttachment issuesCaregiver issues and stressCommunication problemsEating and food-related issuesGuilt and shameHoardingLife purposeMoney and financial issuesMood disordersParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressSocial anxiety and phobiaWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

    Therapeutic approaches

    Attachment-Based TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Motivational InterviewingPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

    Experience

    3+ years

    Listed in

    Illinois, Colorado

    Languages

    English

  5. Frequently asked questions

    What concerns does Alison commonly address?

    She helps people with stress, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, relationship and family issues, eating and anger problems, self-esteem and career concerns, and compassion fatigue.

    How would you describe her therapeutic style?

    Her approach is collaborative and practical, mixing coping skills with conversations about personal history to make sense of current problems.

    What is her clinical background?

    Alison has three years of experience working in community mental health, supporting people with diverse mental health needs in Chicago before moving to Colorado.

    What credentials and region does she hold?

    She holds LCSW and CSW credentials and is licensed in Illinois and Colorado; her practice listing is based in Colorado.

    Which languages are supported for sessions?

    Sessions are offered in English.

    What session formats are offered?

    Please confirm current session options before booking, as the profile does not specify which formats are used.

    How is cost handled for sessions?

    Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.

    How do I begin working with her?

    Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to the therapist's availability.

  6. Online talk therapy is not emergency or medical care. Stopping or cutting down alcohol or other drugs can be unsafe without medical advice. In immediate danger? Crisis numbers

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