Ari Aho
Ari Aho
(they/them)
Hello! My name is Ari. My pronouns are they/them/theirs. I have been practicing therapy for 5 years, and have worked with neurodivergent children and adults for 10+ years. Some things I love the most are: good food, weird art, and my little maltipoo Freddie. I am a good fit for children, teen, or adults who are autistic, have symptoms of ADHD/ADD, and other mental health symptoms.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, I’ll likely ask a lot of questions to better understand you or your child’s experiences and make sure I’m the right fit. I’m also happy to answer any questions you have about my background, interests, or pronouns. I try to create a collaborative and comfortable environment that centers on feeling safe, heard, and understood. It is helpful for me to learn about what has and hasn't worked for you in the past; which is usually discussed in the first session.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
What makes me unique is my strong understanding of neurodiverse clients combined with a willingness to bring a playful, creative approach to therapy. I use role-playing to help build social skills, support clients through challenges like job or relationship struggles, and tailor interventions to each person’s interests and strengths. For example, I learn about clients’ special interests to explore social skills and support emotional awareness and coping. I also incorporate storytelling and art to help children manage trauma symptoms safely, without having to relive difficult experiences. I am a good fit for youth who have been "in and out" of therapy, and are looking for someone who sees them.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
Are you looking for a quirky therapist who can help your child or teen build friendships, navigate big emotions, or heal from family trauma? I’d love to support you! I especially enjoy working with unique, creative kids, teens, and adults—those who may experience autism or other neurodivergent traits alongside trauma. I use play therapy techniques, art, and draw on my 10+ years experience supporting teens and adults with skills like hygiene routines, social interactions, emotional regulation, and more. I have several years experience working with children/teens on telehealth during COVID-19, and feel confident in my toolkit of telehealth based therapy interventions for youth. I’m also a great fit for gender-diverse teens and adults, as well as children with hyperactivity or ADHD symptoms who need compassionate mental health support to manage behaviors at school and at home.
About Ari Aho
I identify as
Serves ages
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Gender-affirming therapy
As a genderqueer practitioner, I understand how mental health treatment has historically stigmatized and pathologized gender-diverse people—and how those harms continue to affect the therapeutic relationship for many of us. My goal is to offer affirmation, psychoeducation, and a safe supportive space to explore what brings you joy and helps you feel most whole. Grounded in an intersectional framework, I welcome open, nuanced conversations about race, gender, disability, and other aspects of identity as they relate to your lived experience and the therapeutic alliance. Open to working with youth and adults.
Child Parent Psychotherapy
I offer Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), a relationship-based approach that uses play and connection to help young children and their caregivers heal from significant trauma together. My work is grounded in the understanding that both children and adults may carry their own experiences of stress or trauma, and I support families in building safety, trust, and stronger emotional bonds to recover from trauma as a family. This specific type of treatment discusses intergenerational trauma and strengths; and is best suited for children 0-6yrs old with 1 significant trauma and a caregiver who is open to participating in play based sessions.
Trauma Informed Care
I have over five years of experience supporting both children and adults with significant trauma histories. I’m especially passionate about working with elementary-aged children navigating big changes—such as removal from primary caregivers, shifts in family structure, bullying, or other forms of abuse. I specialize in providing trauma-informed, family-based support that helps ease daily struggles around routines like hygiene, bedtime, and getting ready for school. I have worked in educational and mental health settings with neurodiverse children and teens for 10+ years, including those on the autism spectrum, who may need help with emotional regulation, potty training, or adjusting to new environments such as foster care. I'm open and enthusiastic about partnering with families to support teens on the spectrum who are seeking compassionate, affirming mental health care.
Eclectic
My eclectic therapy style draws from a wide range of approaches, tailored to each person’s unique needs and interests. I incorporate expressive arts, movement, music, play-based techniques, and storytelling to help clients of all ages engage in therapy in ways that feel natural and meaningful. I’ve used these creative modalities in a variety of settings—including adult rehab programs, inpatient and forensic facilities, and with children in mandated therapy in foster care. With years of experience supporting individuals who have been in and out of therapy, I’ve learned how to build trust by honoring each client’s story, interests, and strengths. I often draw on my understanding of autism and special interests to create individualized interventions, behavior supports, and anger management tools that feel engaging and empowering—especially for children and teens who may have felt misunderstood in previous settings. I am a good fit for a quirky and intelligent teen who needs some support in managing impulses, engaging in more appropriate behavior in school and home settings.