Alison Riddell is a psychologist based in Drummoyne, in Sydney’s inner west. She works from 32 Marlborough Street, Drummoyne NSW 2047. Sessions are set up for people who want support in day-to-day life, not just quick fixes. The focus is on helping you make sense of what’s going on, and then building small, practical steps that fit your routine.
Alison provides individual counselling sessions for adults and young people who are dealing with stress, worry, and low mood. At times, it can be hard to tell what’s causing things to feel heavy. That’s where sessions can help. Over time, many people find they’re able to spot patterns, calm their thoughts a bit, and cope better when things get stressful.
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the main tools used in sessions. CBT looks at the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. In many cases, it helps to learn how certain thoughts can push anxiety up, or how avoidant habits can keep stress going. Alison uses CBT in a grounded way, focusing on what you can try between appointments, and adjusting the plan as you go.
Alongside CBT, Alison also helps with stress management techniques. These are not meant to be complicated. They can include simple strategies for dealing with tense moments, managing sleep and energy, and stepping through situations that usually feel too hard. There are also anxiety and depression screenings, which can be useful when you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, or when you want a clearer picture of symptoms and how to move forward.
Sessions are built around what you need most right now. Some people come in with clear goals, like managing panic, handling work pressure, or getting through tough weeks. Others just know that life has been feeling off, and they want support sorting it out. Alison’s approach stays calm and practical, with time to talk, and a focus on skills that you can actually use.