Meet Dr. Sehrish Ali, therapist and certified eating disorder specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Sehrish Ali and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Sehrish, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Being a therapist, my goal is to work in a setting that fits our specialties and our work styles. For me, the goal was to gain experience working in different settings and then work towards opening my own private practice.When gaining experience and training to specialize in eating disorders, I began recognizing the gap in the multicultural and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) community. In addition, I took notice of the lack of resources in certain communities. Over time, my goals transitioned to creating space that allowed me to become a provider that can offer flexibility in scheduling, resources, and bridged the ability for me to integrate creativity when working with my clients. Whether this was where, how, and when sessions would be held; as well as create a more individualized approach.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Guided Growth Therapy is private practice that is operated and managed by me, Sehrish Ali, a licensed eating disorder specialist. Guided Growth Therapy is a private practice that considers an individual’s journey (including their multicultural and BIPOC identities), body image, trauma, and disordered eating history effect one’s treatment.

By creating individualized treatment plans and emphasizing the client’s individuality and characteristics, I focus on treating the whole person instead of just aiming for symptom reduction. As a product of two cultures, I have gained insight into how integrating and placing an emphasis on approached through a multicultural lens allows us to look at problems, their origins, and treatment options differently than may have been previously considered.

One of my core goals as both a researcher and therapist is to provide the community with resources and psychoeducation to create a sense of awareness for those interested in learning and specializing in eating disorders and how acculturation can be integrated in treatment. I am currently expanding my practice by providing consultations and supervision for therapists, clinicians and facilities such as schools and clinics who are interested in working with body image and disordered eating and its potential effects on various cultural populations.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Jenny Ice-cream is my go to for all ice cream needs! I have a sweet tooth, and my favorite flavor choice is the salted peanut butter is a must try! If your in the mood to try one of the best chocolate chip cookies I would highly recommend Milk and Cookies’.If your like me and love brunch one of my personal favorites include Abouse, Tiny Boxwoods No5. I have also always enjoyed a good coffee shop for holding me accountable for getting work done something about the people watching and smell of fresh brewed lattes. I would recommend Common Bond or Agora. Joey Uptown has been one of my favorite spots for a fun lunch or a dinner with friends. For getting away from it all Bayou Bend Park is a great place to take a stroll and practice mindfulness walk, or simply take a book/kindle for afternoon read.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Dr. Stephanie Ellis has been my mentor since day one and provided me with so much inspiration and insight since my baby therapist days. Throughout the time that I have known her she has offered guidance and helped me process potential professional crisis. Her book, Five Minutes a Day to an Upgraded Therapy Practice, is such an amazing tool for any therapist or counseling student

Website: https://www.guidedgrowththerapypllc.com

Instagram: _guidedgrowththerapy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sehrish-ali-79420546/