Ali Piacente
LCPC, LGPAT
Ali has spent much of her career working with adults, but has found so much joy working with kids, teens, and coming full circle to supporting their parents. Ali has primarily worked in private practice supporting new and expecting parents, children and adolescents, people in the helping and healing professions, and adults in the midst of stressful life transitions.
therapy specialties
education & credentials
Master of Arts in Art Therapy
George Washington University, 2013
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor
LCPC, #LC14743
Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
Licensed Graduate Professional Art Therapist
LGPAT, #ATG341
Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist
ATR-BC, #17-256
Art Therapy Credentials Board
Level one Theraplay® & MIM
2021
Foundational Theraplay® Practitioner
June 2023
Intermediate Theraplay® Practitioner
April 2024
Trained in Perinatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
2017Cl
how i can help you
My approach to counseling is based on an underlying feeling of warmth, curiosity, and desire to connect with you. Starting counseling takes a lot of courage and my hope is that when we are together you feel like I’ve got your back – even if I’m challenging you.
Our sessions might incorporate elements of mindfulness including breath and meditation exercises, making art with a sense of curiosity about whatever comes out on the page, and building on strengths and resources you already have. My practice is trauma-informed and I am sensitive to how extremely stressful experiences might be expressed through the art or while we’re processing an art piece. I am also versed in play therapy including sand tray therapy and playful Theraplay® games to build connection and joy.
Even though our life experiences are probably very different from one another, I hope you feel that I am not above you as an “expert” but instead that at some time I’ve probably experienced some of the same emotions and can offer some ways to move through them. Art can hold any amount of pain, suffering, joy, and love. The beauty of art therapy is that you don’t have to solely rely on your words with me. Art therapy is a way to memorialize, validate, and connect to your inner world so you can move forward with more peace and clarity. As you take steps in bringing more freedom in your life, I am honored to be a part of your journey as your guide, witness, and companion.
