Ally Simone (she/her)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (T2066)


About me

Hello and welcome. Thank you for taking a moment to learn more about me. I was born and raised in the PNW and spent my childhood in the rivers and the Redwoods of coastal Northern California. Spending time in nature has always been a protective factor in my life and I still find myself most at peace when I am out in the wilderness hiking or backpacking. I enjoy cooking and eating, reading, laughing with friends, music, watching terrible reality tv shows, and spending time with my family. I am married to my wonderful partner and have two children.

My Approach

I understand that attending therapy can be a daunting experience. As a therapist and a person, I am warm, empathetic, and strengths based. I aim to meet my clients where they’re at right now, regardless of their previous experience with therapy, and to create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment that is conducive to self-exploration. I believe that everyone's healing journey is different, and I work collaboratively with my clients to develop a personalized treatment plan according to their unique needs and goals.

I enjoy working with clients who desire more fulfilling lives and relationship, are curious about themselves and others, and are willing to trust the process and lean into the discomfort of trying something new in order to get there. I support clients by using evidence based approaches rooted in The Developmental Model of Couples Therapy, Attachment Theory, EMDR, mindfulness, and Polyvagal theory. I'm passionate about helping my clients develop self-compassion, find greater nervous system regulation, and heal from trauma. I also love working with relationships and see many couples and folks in less traditional relationship dynamics. I have trained directly with Martha Kauppi, author of: Polyamory: A Clinical Toolkit for Therapists (and Their Clients) and pull from this experience to support consensually non-monogamous clients with issues such as communication, boundaries, and jealousy. With all partnerships, I work with folks to create a more secure foundation through the practical application of concepts like attachment theory and differentiation.

I am committed to creating an inclusive and anti-oppressive space for all of my clients. I believe in therapy that acknowledges the interconnectedness of multiple systems of oppression and seeks to empower my clients to cope with and challenge these systems. I hope to cultivate the kind of environment and relationship in which my clients feel that they can bring their whole selves into the room. I am anti-racist, LGBTQ+ and gender affirming, pro-disability justice, neurodiversity affirming, body positive/neutral, sex positive, kink positive, and spiritually open.

One thing I believe that we all have in common (myself included) is the search for meaning and a sense of belonging. No matter what your identities and your reasons for seeking therapy, I hope to always meet you where you’re at and make this process as collaborative, transparent, and caring as I can. I see therapy as a place for both bravery and safety. There are times when you will be asked to step outside your comfort zones, be more vulnerable, and challenge your own beliefs. There are times when you might also experience profound healing, safety, and connection.

Education and relevant training

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Honors – University of Oregon (2014)

Master of Science in Couples and Family Therapy with Distinction – University of Oregon (2016)

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Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy Level 2 - Relational Institute (2023 - in progress)

Assessing and Treating Sex Issues in Psychotherapy - Relational Institute (2023)

EMDR Certification - Kase & Co. (2023 - in progress)

EMDR Basic Training - Kase & Co. (2023)

Fuck Sex: A Clinician’s Guide To Liberating Sexual Desire - AASECT (2023)

EMDR Certificate Course: Assessment, Resourcing and Treatment Techniques for Trauma and Anxiety (2022)

Systems Theory and Working with Poly Relationships (2021)

Therapy with Adoptive and Foster Families - Portland State University (2019)

Cultivating Racial Awareness for Transracial Adoptive Families - CASE (2019)

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We do not grow absolutely, chronologically. We grow sometimes in one dimension, and not in another; unevenly. We grow partially. We are relative. We are mature in one realm, childish in another. The past, present, and future mingle and pull us backward, forward, or fix us in the present. We are made up of layers, cells, constellations.

— Anaïs Nin