Allison Garing
Individual, Couple and Family Therapist
“My goal is to help people feel more connected, understood and confident in their relationships – creating space for healing, growth, and lasting change”
Experienced.
Allison is a clinically registered counsellor with extensive experience supporting individuals, couples and families to build stronger, healthier, and more connected relationships. Having worked both in Australia and overseas, she brings a broad, culturally informed perspective and a deep understanding of the complexities of human connection.
Allison works with relationships at all stages – whether clients are navigating conflict, struggling to communicate, lacking connection, healing from infidelity, considering separation, or simply looking to strengthen their relationship. Her approach combines evidence-based methods with practical tools and a deep respect for every person’s story, values and growth process.
Warm and evidence based.
Allison is known for her warm, calm and professional approach. She offers a safe and respectful space for exploration, insight, and change and she believes in the capacity of every individual and relationship to grow, reconnect, and build a life aligned with their values.
Allison’s approach is grounded in a strong commitment to evidence-based practice. Drawing from well-established therapeutic models such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, Family Systems, Attachment Science, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), she tailors each session to the unique needs of her clients.
Collaborative and calm.
Allison is deeply passionate about helping people build securely attached relationships that includes helpful communication and good understanding and connection. She offers a warm, compassionate and collaborative space where clients feel heard and supported. Her approach encourages self-awareness, open dialogue, and active listening. Allison helps clients address attachment patterns, explore past experiences, identify their relational needs and develop practical coping strategies to shift unhelpful patterns.
Allison has a particular interest in supporting individuals after a breakup or divorce. She helps clients work through grief, process relational patterns and begin the journey of healing and rebuilding. Her focus is on empowering clients to reconnect with their values, rebuild self-worth and approach future relationships with clarity and intention.
Allison is passionate about family wellbeing. This includes working with patterns of anxiety, ADHD-related challenges, and the complex dynamics of family breakdown and blended families. Her goal is to help families build stronger emotional foundations, improve communication, and develop strategies that support both individual and collective growth.
Qualifications & memberships.
Master of Counselling (MON)
Gottman Method Couples Counselling
Levels 1 and 2 (Gottman)
Couples and Addiction Recovery (Gottman)
EFT: Attachment Science in Practice (EFCT)
Reframing Autism, Autism Essentials, Autism in Couple Relationships
Long Limbs of Trauma (Birchtree Centre of Excellence)
Navigating the Legacy of Narcissistic Caregivers/Partners (Birchtree Centre of Excellence)
ACT: Acceptance Commitment Therapy
(Dr Russ Harris)
ACT: ACT for Love (Dr Russ Harris)
Working with Separating Couples (Sydney Couple and Family)
Suicide Assist (Lifeline)
Allison is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA), and a member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy (AAFT).
What clients say about Allison Garing
“Allison really helped my wife and I work through some issues which were affecting our marriage. We would highly recommend her. She balances listening, understanding and solid relationship strategies”
— Couple client
“Allison has been a fantastic support for me and my family. I/we were in a very rough patch and unsure on what direction to take and dealing with unhelpful thoughts and situations. This also included past trauma and deep family-of-origin issues. She has guided me through my thoughts and encouraged me to take steps in changing my thinking and behaviours – with excellent results”
— Family therapy client
“Allison gave me so many strategies to help me through some difficult moments. These strategies helped improve my mindset and changed how I viewed myself and others. I feel that I can confide in Allison without judgement. She is gentle whilst encouraging. Thank you Allison, I will be forever grateful”
— Individual client