amft

My story
I became I became a therapist to be the person I needed when I was younger. I felt like no one in my life, adults or peers, truly understood or noticed my struggles. My primary goal is to ensure you feel seen and validated for what you are experiencing.
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Hi there! My name is Alli Gilden, and I am a California registered associate marriage and family therapist (AMFT #138565) and associate professional clinical counselor (APCC #13599) practicing under the supervision of Ashley Hudson (LMFT #83507).
Where it all began...
To me, therapy is all about the relationship between the therapist and client. Research shows that a strong and trusting relationship is one of the best indicators of successful therapy, and I strive to build that foundation from our very first session.
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While completing my education at California State University of Fullerton, I gained experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, substance use, and eating and body image issues. I have a deep passion for working with teens and young adults. Figuring out who you are is both exciting and overwhelming. Together, we can explore your strengths, values, areas for growth, and dreams. I also welcome meaningful conversations about current events, identity, and the world we live in—especially knowing how deeply today’s youth care about social issues and the future.
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Helping others work through disordered eating and body issues is one of my greatest therapeutic passions. With 10% of individuals in the U.S. experiencing disordered eating—and with it being the second most fatal mental illness behind opioid addiction—this work is both urgent and meaningful. Many factors contribute to these struggles, including societal pressures, chronic dieting, painful comments from others, internal stress, and the need to feel control. Together, we’ll work to understand the root of these issues and begin repairing the broken bonds between mind, body, and identity.
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In addition to my work with eating disorders, I specialize in supporting individuals through grief, bereavement, and significant loss. Loss can take many forms—death of a loved one, a life transition, the end of a relationship—and the emotions that follow can feel overwhelming, isolating, or even disorienting. I approach this work with deep compassion and create a space where clients can grieve at their own pace, find meaning, and feel supported through the healing process.
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I also have experience working with teenage boys and young adult men navigating anger, trauma, and emotional shutdowns that often show up in their relationships. I offer a supportive environment for young men to explore their emotions safely and develop tools to manage reactions, communicate more effectively, and build stronger, healthier connections with others.
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My approach to therapy is client-centered, which means your treatment is tailored to you. I believe in walking alongside you to make meaningful changes, develop insight and coping skills, and build emotional strength that aligns with your goals. I have extensive training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which I integrate based on your unique needs.
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My clients appreciate my sense of humor, gentle confrontation, and “stubborn compassion.” I value unconditional positive regard and strive to treat every client with empathy, acceptance, and authenticity—no matter what you’re facing.
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If you're feeling ready for support, connect with our intake coordinator today to take the first step. You don’t have to go through this alone.
ALLI GILDEN

HowI Help
OFFERING IN-PERSON & TELEHEALTH THERAPY
I know therapy can feel scary and uncomfortable at first. I’m sure it took a lot to ask for help. I want my office in Yorba Linda to be a safe place, so you feel comfortable being open and vulnerable. Not only do I provide therapy in Orange County, I provide online therapy in the state of California where it’s a great opportunity to attend therapy sessions in the comfort of your own home. Teletherapy also provides convenience and less stress, where you don’t have to worry about traffic or planning to get to a location on time. I want to make the therapy experience as easy, stress-free, and comfortable as possible. I am here to support you in person and remotely.

