CBT Therapist Directory

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Alison McCandless, LCSW, CSW

Alison McCandless, LCSW supporting trauma and anxiety
  • DBT and CBT skills
  • History-informed care
  • Compassionate nonjudgmental support

About Alison McCandless

Alison McCandless is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and CSW who has built three years of clinical experience working in community mental health. She began her practice serving low-income communities in Chicago and has recently relocated to Denver, Colorado. Alison is licensed to practice in both Illinois and Colorado and draws on hands-on experience with a wide range of mental health needs, including life stressors, mood and psychotic disorders, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

She approaches each person as someone with a story that matters, combining practical skill-building with careful attention to history and meaning. Alison integrates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic ideas, and a strengths-based perspective to tailor care to individual needs. In sessions she blends coping-skill development and behavioral strategies with thorough exploration of personal history so clients can make connections that inform change.

Alison uses a biopsychosocial framework to assess functioning and symptom patterns, which helps shape treatment priorities and supports measurable progress. She aims to work without judgment and with hope, offering steady, evidence-informed support for people navigating trauma, mood concerns, relationship challenges, caregiver stress, and other life changes.

Areas of Expertise

Also Specializes In

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 Approach

Attachment-Based Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Motivational Interviewing Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Alison McCandless have?

Alison McCandless has three years of clinical experience working in community mental health settings.

Is Alison McCandless a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds the credentials LCSW and CSW. License details: IL LCSW 149024690, CO LCSW CSW.09929741.

In which languages does Alison McCandless provide therapy?

Alison McCandless provides therapy in English.

Where is Alison McCandless located?

She is located in Colorado.

How can I work with Alison McCandless as my therapist?

You can work with Alison McCandless through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.

Does Alison McCandless work with international clients?

Alison McCandless does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Alison McCandless cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

Approaches and Benefits of Online Therapeutic Care

Alison draws from several well-established approaches to support clients in online therapy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, offering practical tools for anxiety, mood concerns, and stress. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and improved interpersonal skills, which can be especially helpful for intense emotions, relationship difficulties, and coping under stress. Psychodynamic therapy explores patterns that arise from past experiences and relationships to help clients understand how those patterns influence current feelings and behavior.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. Alison works with each person to understand their goals, preferences, and life context, then tailors methods and priorities to fit what will be most helpful for them. This shared planning helps ensure therapy feels relevant and achievable.

Online therapy offers flexibility to engage in care from home or elsewhere using video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging. These options make it easier to schedule sessions around work, caregiving, and other commitments while maintaining continuity of support and access to licensed professionals who can guide treatment.

Ready to start therapy with Alison McCandless?

Take the first step toward a better you.