I can help you replace old thought patterns and coping mechanisms with ones that will be more effective in your current circumstances, leading to a more fulfilling life. I see each therapy or testing session as an act of great trust by the client to let me into your world. I approach therapy from a Relational-Cultural model, integrating your values, history, personality, and strengths with what we learn from our time together. Let's work together to take those next steps toward a life worth living.

I'm Dr. Ali (she/they) and I have worked with many teens, adults, and families recover from trauma/stressors, learn to manage depression, anxiety, and many other mental health concerns. I combine humor, education, resource-building, and relationship building to meet your needs. If you know you are stuck, I know ways we can figure out why and get you unstuck.

I have been in the field of mental health for 30 plus years. My primary specialties include anxiety, depression, trauma/EMDR, couples, and post-partum concerns. I am also trained in Internal Family Systems, Love and Logic Parenting, and I have expertise in chemical dependency as well. I work with individual adults, couples, adolescents, college age youth.

My approach is holistic, and I often use CBT along with solution-focused and mindfulness-based therapeutic strategies. I integrate these methods based on the unique client and do not believe in a “one technique fits all” approach. I am non-judgmental and easy to talk to. Through collaboration, I empower my clients and promote inner strength and growth.

Therapy can be a space for deep healing, and it starts with feeling safe, seen, and supported. If you're navigating relationships, healing from trauma, or managing long-standing patterns rooted in attachment wounds, you don’t have to do it alone. I offer a grounded, compassionate space to help you process the past and reconnect with your strength in the present. My training includes EMDR, somatic, energy psychology, and cognitive-behavioral tools to help rewire thought patterns and support the nervous system in releasing stored emotional pain, often leading to long-lasting, transformational change.

Healing doesn't have to be rushed. My approach is calm, collaborative, and deeply respectful of your pace. Whether you are carrying trauma in your body or feel like life is just "too much", let’s see together how we can help you get on an easier, happier road.

It takes a lot of courage to reach out to a therapist, and you've taken that first step already. I don't know your story yet, but if you are experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, or loss, you don't need to go through it alone. You deserve support, comfort, and help. Whatever you're struggling with, you're invited to my office—in person or virtual—for a conversation.

I'm an open, gentle, sometimes sarcastic person. Therapy usually involves grappling with some uncomfortable feelings, but my clients and I also often joke and laugh in our meetings. I have training and experience dealing with a range of issues from grief to ADHD, but everyone's path is unique. I'd love to walk with you for as long as I can be helpful.

I started my doctoral program in 2000 and could not wait to get through the boring assessment classes so I could start learning about therapy. I mean, really, what can a bunch of numbers and inkblots tell you about a person? Much to my surprise, those early courses piqued my curiosity and the practice of doing evaluations made me a true believer. Hearing clients say things like, “Wow! It makes so much sense now!” or “I didn’t realize I was doing that” is a powerful and humbling experience. Today, assessment is one of my passions because I see how it changes people’s lives for the better.

My approach to assessment is collaborative, which means building a relationship with you to ensure the experience and results are meaningful. Depending on what you are looking for, test results can range from determining a correct diagnosis to providing valuable information about personal motivations and capacities.

Together we develop an assessment plan, engage in the work, discuss the results, and figure out how it fits into your life. Final reports are a combination of your personal insight and my professional experience.

My approach aligns with the belief that folks are much more than their symptoms and that each individual has inherent dignity and worth. I provide a customized unique approach with each person to best help them reach their goals. I work with individuals who are struggling to find purpose, are working through a difficult transition, and those who feel like their emotions are controlling them. I have a published literature review on body positivity and the influence on self-image; I utilize self-compassion and somatic techniques to increase empathetic and validating inner self talk.

My specialties include working with queer and nonbinary folx, polyamory and ethical non-monogamy, those who are struggling with interpersonal skills and setting boundaries, and those who struggle with complex thoughts and habits surrounding eating and self-image.

I am a facilitator of DBT groups and provide individual DBT therapy, evidence-based psychotherapy, and individual skills training. When developing a therapeutic relationship, I will work with you as partners to create an environment where we can explore your goals and foster your ideal life worth living.

At the core of my work is a deep respect for each person’s lived experience and identity. My current person-centered practice is heavily informed by my background in community mental health, case management, and advocacy; I approach therapy through a multicultural and accepting lens, always seeing you as a human first — not a diagnosis or a problem to be fixed.

My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, respected, understood, and supported. Together, we work to identify your strengths, explore challenges, and develop tools that align with your values and goals.

I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, and Solution-Focused Therapy. By integrating these approaches, I strive to offer individualized treatment that supports healing, growth, and meaningful change at your own pace.

Life is always challenging, and my goal as a therapist is to work alongside you to address issues that are keeping you from living life according to your expectations. I believe in leveraging your strengths, your unique sense of self, and resources, to work towards your personal or relational goals. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, families, and couples in non-profit, residential facilities, in-home, and outpatient settings across the Twin Cities area.

My primary specialty area is working with families and couples with high conflict. Other specialty areas include cross-cultural issues, relationship issues, communication issues, parental issues, anxiety, depression, and impulsive behaviors. I speak fluent Mandarin, Cantonese and intermediate Malay. I am trained in EMDR and am an Enrich/Prepare facilitator.

I am passionate about helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of relationships and attachment. Utilizing attachment theory, relational dynamics, and some CBT, I will guide you in understanding how your past influences your present connections. My approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, creating a safe space for you to explore your feelings, patterns, and behaviors. I believe that healing begins with awareness and that building strong, secure relationships is essential for our mental well-being. Together, we will work to identify attachment styles, challenge thought patterns, and foster deeper connections.

My areas of interest include anxiety, depression, relationship issues, self-esteem, and trauma. I enjoy working with young adults, adults, and couples. For couples interested in pre-marital/pre-commitment work, I am certified as a Prepare/Enrich facilitator and can provide an assessment and feedback sessions.

I believe it takes a lot of strength to reach out for help. Engaging in therapy often means a willingness to be vulnerable. It's an honor and privilege for me to experience that space with clients. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, grief, life transitions, or just feeling stuck, therapy can be a place to slow down and make sense of yourself, others and the world around you. I work with teens, adults, and older adults, and I especially enjoy supporting folks who are neurodivergent (like those with ADHD or autism), as well as older adults and caregivers navigating big life changes.

My style is warm, thoughtful, and low-pressure. I want you to feel safe showing up just as you are. I mostly use a psychodynamic approach, which means I’m interested in how your past experiences and relationships might be showing up in your current life.

I am also trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). This type of therapy is commonly used for treating trauma symptoms, but can be used for anxiety, depression, grief/loss, and eating disorder symptoms. We’ll work together to notice patterns and build insight that helps you move forward.