Hi, I'm Ali. I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT #134921). I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and serve clients all over California. I am employed by Ritenour Counseling, and am supervised by Licenced Marriage and Family Therapist Michelle Ritenour (LMFT #51357).

My Story. I became a therapist because I experienced firsthand how therapy can transform a life. My own therapist offered me the kindness and curiosity I didn't know I was longing for, helping me understand the stories behind my emotions and relationships. Through her empathetic witness to my story, the most vulnerable parts of me began to come alive again.

I believe healing is a lifelong journey—sometimes you need therapeutic support, sometimes you don't. I don't claim to have "arrived"; we're all in process, and I continue my own healing work too. You are the expert on your life and story. I simply bring helpful knowledge, tools, and support you with the same kindness and curiosity that changed my life.

Qualifications & Training

Education:

  • MA Counseling Psychology, University of San Francisco

  • MA English Literature, King's College London

  • BA English, Southern Methodist University

Specialized Training:

  • Integrative Therapy Traineeship, California Pacific Medical Center - Sutter Health

  • Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies Level 1, Linda Thai

  • Narrative Focused Trauma Care Level 1, The Allender Center

Professional Membership:

  • California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

My Approach

Relational First: The therapeutic relationship must be safe, non-judgmental, and filled with curiosity and kindness. I prioritize creating a space where you can feel authentic and truly seen.

Trauma-Informed Care: If you've experienced trauma, you know how it affects not just your thoughts, but your entire body and nervous system. I'm trained to provide trauma-informed care that honors these impacts and helps your nervous system feel safe to heal. In our sessions, we'll pay attention not only to your words, but also to what your body and nervous system need.

Integrative Methods: I ground my work in Psychodynamic, Narrative, Family Systems, and Attachment theories, while drawing tools from Internal Family Systems and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I also use psychoeducation because I believe in equipping you with a deeper understanding of how your brain, body, emotions, and nervous system operate.

What to expect in sessions: You can expect me to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions, celebrate your growth, laugh with you, and hold your story with honor and compassion. Together, we'll work on issues including depression, anxiety, relationships, and life transitions, with special attention to complex trauma.

You'll gain a deeper understanding of how your story has shaped your thoughts, beliefs, emotions, relationships, and body. Most importantly, you'll experience more freedom and imagination to become your most true, authentic self.