Ali Borden, MFT * 310.845.5440

ALI BORDEN, MFTINDIVIDUALS • COUPLES • FAMILIESpsychotherapy

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HOME ABOUT ALII help people identify habits and problems that get them off-track in their lives and to work toward the life they desire. I work with individuals, couples and families to manage emotions, develop better communication, and move towards their goals. I help people align their values, their strengths, and their actions.I am a co-author of "Biting the Hand That Starves You; Inspiring Resistance to Anorexia/Bulimia", and have spent 10 years working in treatment settings for women with eating problems including anorexia and bulimia. Most recently I was the Clinical Director at The Eating Disorder Center of California, a partial hospitalization program for women with eating disorders.I have presented locally and internationally including: The London International Eating Disorders Conference, Therapeutic Conversations Vancouver and Toronto. I frequently speak at universities, high schools and corporations on topics including 'How to Quiet the Self-Critic' and 'The Media's Messages and How It Affects Our Sense of Self Worth.' ABOUTAli Borden, MFTMY APPROACHMY APPROACH My approach to therapy is very conversational--you will not feel like you are the only one doing the talking (or the work!). While you share what is on your mind,I will ask questions to help clarify what you are striving for and what is standing in your way. Often people feel like they already know what they do and why they do it, but they still can't seem to make a change. In our sessions, we will look at issues from different angles, uncover overlooked skills, offer up new possibilities and connect you to your motivation for change. My approach is non-blaming, and I see you as a person separate from your problems. We will seek to identify abilities, commitments, and values that can support you to take steps toward what you prefer and reduce the influence of the problems that plague you.HOW I WORKI offer short or longer-term work. We will decide together how often you want to come and for how long. Many of my clients work through a specific situation where they get stuck and only stay in therapy until they feel better. Then they stop coming for months or years at a time until something else comes up that they want to work through (a 'tune-up' model). Other people have intentions and goals that they are moving toward, but there are ongoing temptations which encourage them to stray back into old habits. Some problems can be really hard to resist. People struggling with these types of problems tend to come on a more predictable schedule, perhaps for a longer period of time. These conversations are meant to remind them of what they want and what they don't want in situations when old patterns would seek to derail them (the 'regular doses will keep your immunity up' model). In any case, we will work together to develop what works for you.SERVICESINDIVIDUAL THERAPY ADULTS, ADOLESCENTS, CHILDRENIMPROVING RELATIONSHIPSDating issuesRecovering from a breakupCommitment and trust issues within couplesManaging career and relationshipStuck communication patterns in couplesSeparation, divorce, blended families Family communication/parentingYoung adults moving towards independenceMaintaining connection with an adolescentIncreasing communication, connectedness, and support of eachotherManaging emotions and fears Sadness/DepressionAnxiety/Stress managementGLBTQ teens, adults, couplesLife transitionsBuilding hope and possibilityChanging your lifestyleProblematic Desires/Addictions (using traditional and alternative approaches)Body Image/Eating DisordersLiving alternative lifestylesNurturing yourself and othersIdentity issuesCreating balanceSERVICESRATES & INSURANCERATESSessions are normally 50 minutes long. I usually recommend a 75-minute session for the first session with a family. Although I have a standard fee, I prefer to discuss this with you when you contact me to set up your initial visit. I do offer limited sliding scale appointments based on income and ability to pay. If you need a reduced fee, please let me know. If I am unable to accommodate your financial situation, I will try my best to assist you in finding appropriate referrals.I'm interested in hearing what brought you to therapy, and I'll do my best to let you know whether I think I can be of assistance to you. In the event that I am not the right fit, I'll be happy to refer you to someone else who may be able to help.RATES AND INSURANCEINSURANCEI will be happy to provide you with a monthly statement of services rendered (a superbill) if you wish to seek reimbursement from your insurance company. It is advisable to contact your insurance company prior to the first session if you are seeking third party reimbursement and ask the following questions: * What percentage of my bill will be covered for services obtained from an out-of-network provider? * How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? * What is my deductible? * What is my co-payment?PUBLICATIONSPraise for "Biting The Hand That Starves You" APA (Partial) Book Review; by SuEllen Hamkins, M.D. This is the book we have been waiting for. Anorexia is a pervasive mental health challenge affecting our brightest young women. Despite our best therapeutic efforts, anorexia still causes years of debility and ten percent of the time, death. With unfailing respect for those suffering, Maisel, Epston and Borden offer a fresh analysis of the etiology of anorexia and bulimia and give us effective new therapeutic tools. Readable and full of first-person accounts by girls and women dealing with anorexia, Biting the Hand that Starves You gives psychiatrists and clinicians in every therapeutic setting the theoretical framework and practice options needed to treat anorexia and bulimia...... Biting the Hand that Starves You is a welcome paradigm shift in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia. In my work with dozens of women dealing with anorexia/bulimia, I have found the narrative therapy approach of Maisel, Epston and Borden to be dramatically more effective than any other kind of treatment. Furthermore, their acknowledgement of anorexia as the confusing horror it is without blaming victims or parents is healing and refreshing. Patients and their families will find this book invaluable; the last section is specifically addressed to parents. If you are interested in compassionate, respectful and effective treatment of anorexia/bulimia, get this landmark book. Dr. Hamkins is a psychiatrist at the Carson Center in Westfield, Massachusetts.Biting the Hand that Starves You: Inspiring Resistance to Anorexia/Bulimia By Richard Maisel, David Epston, and Ali Borden; New York, W.W. Norton and Company, 2004.

PUBLICATIONSAvailable at Amazon.comLOCATIONOFFICE LOCATION179 S. Barrington Place, Suite ALos Angeles, CA 90049There is a parking lot directly across the street. I am able to validate until 5:00 pm.Plenty of metered parking is also available.CONTACT ALI179 S. Barrington Place, Ste ALos Angeles, CA 90049TELEPHONE: 310.845.5440CONTACT_aliborden_mac.comAli Borden, MFT • 310.845.5440 • 179 S. Barrington Place, Suite A • Los Angeles, CA 90049 • aliborden_mac.com