Ali Piacente
LCPC, LCPAT
Ali understands the messy, beautiful, and often overwhelming realities of raising kids. She works alongside parents to find steadiness and connection as she knows firsthand the challenges of raising children in today’s world. Ali has supported new and expecting parents as they navigate the transition to parenthood, as well as parents of school-age children and adolescents facing struggles at home, school, or just with the ups and downs of growing up. Ali also cares deeply about supporting people who spend their lives caring for others, as well as adults navigating major life changes—offering a space to pause, reflect, and feel less alone.
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 Clinical Professional Art Therapist
LCPAT, #ATC412
Maryland State Board of Professional Counselors and Therapists
Registered and Board Certified Art Therapist
ATR-BC, #17-256
Art Therapy Credentials Board
Certified Theraplay Practitioner
2025
Trained in Perinatal and Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
2017
how i can help you
My approach to counseling is grounded in warmth, curiosity, and a genuine desire to connect with you. Starting counseling takes courage, and my hope is that when we’re together, you feel supported and understood.
For families with young children, I offer Theraplay® with kids under nine and their parents/caregivers. These playful, structured activities use the parent–child relationship as the foundation for building safety and connection, while also helping with challenges like big emotions, meltdowns, or dysregulation at home.
I use art therapy with parents, teens, and adults, often weaving in polyvagal-informed practices to support awareness of the body and nervous system. My work is trauma-informed, and I’m mindful of how overwhelming experiences can show up in artmaking, in the body, or in the stories we carry.
Even though our life experiences may be different, my goal is that you never feel I’m “above” you as an expert. Instead, I show up as someone who likely knows some of the same emotions you carry and can walk alongside you as you move through them. Art can hold any amount of pain, joy, love, and complexity. You don’t have to rely only on words with me — art can memorialize, validate, and express your inner world, opening the way for more peace and clarity. As you take steps toward more freedom in your life, I am honored to serve as your guide, witness, and companion.