Interview with Ali Mann, LCSW
As part of providing resources to folks interested in learning more about different practitioners and types of therapy, I’m excited to highlight the work and resources of colleagues in the field whom I’ve worked with or know personally.
Alison “Ali” Mann is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) practicing in New York. We met through the magical world of instagram! I am a big fan of Ali’s work helping folks with OCD, anxiety, body image issues, physical differences, body focused repetitive behaviors, and disordered eating.
To learn more about Ali’s therapy practice Authentically You Therapy check out her website: https://www.authenticallyoutherapy.com/
Ali Mann, LCSW
Rachel: Hi Ali, thank you so much for taking the time to share with me and my readers about your and your work. Could you share with us about the concerns that clients typically come to you with? How do you help clients with their goals?
Ali: The concerns clients typically come to me for are related to body image, anxiety or OCD, eating disorders or BFRBs (or some type of mix of these things!). Typically, most of my clients "feel different" in some way. Whether that is due to being neurodivergent or maybe their difference is more visible, such as hair loss. Being both visibly different due to having Alopecia Areata and also being neurodivergent, part of my approach to supporting folks is being able to help them feel deeply seen in their experience of being different, rather than invalidating these experiences as society often does. I think this speaks to my relational style with clients. In regards to the modalities I use most, I consider myself integrative and will draw from different techniques based on their needs. For example, a client with OCD I will likely use more ERP techniques, while someone with body dysmorphia I may draw from my training in mirror exposure therapy. I enjoy providing clients both concrete behavioral tools to support symptom relief in combination with more insight driven approaches as well.
Rachel: Can you tell readers more about the philosophy of body positive values and neurodivergent affirming care? Why are these important to you and your practice?
Ali: My body-positive values and commitment to neurodivergent affirming care are definitely at the core of my practice. To me, being a body-positive therapist means to advocate for and believe in the acceptance and equitable treatment of ALL bodies regardless of size, ability, appearance, race or gender expression. I always inform my clients that body-positivity is a value system, rather than a way you need to feel about yourself. In the same way that I recognize body diversity, being neurodivergent affirming means I also recognize that all brains are wired differently. I do not believe that any brain or body type needs to be "fixed" or "eradicated" and it is so important to me that every client can build a peaceful relationship with their unique brain and body.
Rachel: I know that you have shared that you just launched Authentically You Therapy. What are your hopes and dreams for your private practice?
Ali: My hope for my practice is that it can be a safe landing space for anyone who has been told they are "too weird" or that their body is a problem to be "fixed". Ultimately, everyone deserves to feel safe being their authentic self and if I can be a small part of helping people do that, then I will feel accomplished.
Rachel: Is there anything else that would be helpful for readers to know about you and your practice?
Ali: Separate from my therapy practice, I also have a business that is for hair loss specific mental health resources. For anyone looking for support tailored to hair loss who may not live in New York, more info can be found here: https://www.aidbyali.com/
Rachel: Thank you again Ali for taking the time to share with me more about you and your work. I really appreciate it!
