Mercedes Alia, AASW
Practical, narrative-focused counselling for relationship and self issues
Details
| Name | Mercedes Alia |
|---|---|
| Credentials | AASW |
| Based in | Australia |
| Registered with | AASW |
| Session format | Online |
| Languages | English, Albanian, Italian |
| Years in practice | 6 |
About Mercedes
Mercedes Alia is an AASW counsellor with six years' experience helping people facing addictions, relationship strain, family conflict, parenting stress and low self-esteem. She works with practical problems like communication breakdowns, breakup and divorce, and caregiver burn‑out. Her aim is to make the first steps feel manageable and less overwhelming.
Mercedes keeps sessions straightforward and person-centred. She listens first, then helps people name the patterns that cause pain. Conversations focus on what is happening now and on small changes that make daily life easier.
Background and approach
Her approach draws on Narrative Therapy to help people reframe the stories they tell about themselves. Attachment-based ideas are used to look at how early bonds shape current relationships. She also uses elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing to build skills and momentum.
Sessions are offered in English, Albanian and Italian, which can help when cultural background matters to the conversation. Mercedes supports people across a broad range of concerns including body image, codependency, dissociation, and issues linked to avoidant or dependent personality patterns.
People who choose her often value a calm, focused space to talk through hard decisions and to practise new ways of relating. She will work with each person to set clear, achievable goals and adjust methods as progress unfolds.
What this therapist works with
Her listing names Addictions, Relationship issues, Family conflicts among the things Mercedes works with, alongside the areas below.
- Addictions
- Relationship issues
- Family conflicts
- Parenting issues
- Self esteem
- Abandonment
- Antisocial personality
- Attachment issues
- Avoidant personality
- Body image
- Caregiver issues and stress
- Co-morbidity
- Codependency
- Commitment issues
- Communication problems
- Control issues
- Dependent personality
- Dissociation
- Divorce and separation
- Domestic violence
- Drug and alcohol addiction
- Family of origin issues
- Family problems
- Forgiveness
- Guilt and shame
- Immigration issues
- Impulsivity
- Isolation / loneliness
- Jealousy
- Life purpose
- Men's issues
- Midlife crisis
- Money and financial issues
- Mood disorders
- Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD
- Panic disorder and panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Post-traumatic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Prejudice and discrimination
- Self-harm
- Self-love
- Social anxiety and phobia
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
- Young adult issues
Approaches listed
- Narrative Therapy: Named in her listing among her approaches.
- Attachment-Based Therapy: Listed by Mercedes among the ways she works.
- Client-Centered Therapy: Listed by Mercedes among the ways she works.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Listed by Mercedes among the ways she works.
- Motivational Interviewing: Listed by Mercedes among the ways she works.
- Solution-Focused Therapy: Listed by Mercedes among the ways she works.
- Trauma-Focused Therapy: Listed by Mercedes among the ways she works.
- Training stated: This directory copies the approaches a therapist names and does not check training records. Ask Mercedes directly how much of the work is narrative and what a session usually looks like.
Narrative Therapy in this listing
Narrative Therapy appears in this therapist's own list of approaches. That tells you it is part of how she works. It does not tell you how much of a session it shapes, and this directory does not check or rate training.
If a narrative approach is what you are looking for, it is worth asking Mercedes directly how she uses it and what a session usually looks like.
Online session options
Therapy approaches and how they work online
Attachment-based work looks at how early relationships shape current connections and helps people understand patterns in trust and closeness. It can be useful for people experiencing breakup, caregiver stress or repeated relationship breakdowns. Narrative Therapy focuses on the stories people tell about themselves and others. It helps separate a person from a problem and opens space for new meanings and choices. Client-centred therapy creates a supportive, non-judgemental space where the person leads the conversation and the therapist follows, which suits people needing to feel heard before making changes.Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with the client about their goals, preferences and what feels most helpful. Together they can try different methods and adjust the plan based on what works in real sessions.
Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging to fit different needs. Video is good for a fuller conversation and visual cues, phone calls work when bandwidth is limited, live chat suits a quicker check-in, and messaging lets someone reflect between sessions. These options make it easier to fit therapy around work, caregiving or travel and keep continuity when life is busy.
Common questions about this listing
What concerns does this counsellor address?
She supports people with addictions, relationship problems, family and parenting strain, and low self-esteem, as well as related issues like abandonment, body image and communication problems.
How would you describe her therapeutic style?
Her style is person-centred and practical. She listens first, then helps people reframe their stories and practise small changes to improve daily life.
What experience does she bring to sessions?
She has six years of professional experience working with a range of interpersonal and personal concerns.
What credentials and location are listed?
She holds AASW as her credential and is based in Australia.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English, Albanian and Italian.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions can be held via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and uses a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with this counsellor?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a session based on the therapist's availability.
Contacting this therapist
Sessions with Mercedes are arranged through our partner platform. It asks a few questions about what you are looking for, then shows you the therapists available to you, including Mercedes where she has space. Ask about fees, and whether she holds a licence or registration where you live.
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