Since graduating from Yorkville University’s Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology (MACP) program in April 2023, Ali Woods has hit the ground running – opening her own therapy practice, Better Life Therapy, and publishing her first book, It’s What’s On The Inside That Matters.
The London, Ontario-based therapist’s journey to success was anything but conventional, rather full of twists and turns that helped shape her into the professional she is today.
Woods recently sat down to share the story of her transition from child welfare worker to private practice owner, how her education at Yorkville University helped guide her career, and what inspired her to write a journal designed to support clients in their therapeutic journey.
Here’s what she had to say:
Describe your journey towards becoming a therapist and what drew you to the MACP program at Yorkville.
I like to describe my journey as “taking the scenic route.” It’s a bit ironic, given that I didn’t enjoy school, yet here I am, a graduate of three programs – a Child and Youth Work diploma, a Bachelor of Social Work, and a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology.
When I began my undergrad, I was very focused on a career in child welfare as a protection worker. That dream became a reality in April 2020 when I graduated with my BSW and stepped into the role. However, navigating the complexities of the child welfare system, especially during a pandemic, was an eye-opener. The lack of resources and the overwhelming mental health crisis faced by families highlighted deep systemic challenges.
I found myself naturally drawn to supporting the families and youth I worked with, particularly in helping them cope with the mental health struggles that often contributed to CAS involvement. I thrived on building meaningful relationships and gaining a deeper understanding of how people found themselves in such challenging situations. But I struggled deeply in this role. The support I wanted to provide often fell outside the scope of my duties, and limited time and resources made it difficult to truly help these families.
Over time, I began to feel the weight of burnout and started exploring other ways I could make a difference. That’s when I turned my focus toward the mental health sector, specifically from the perspective of a therapist. A conversation with a friend, who had gone through the Yorkville program, sparked a lightbulb moment for me. The program was a perfect fit – it allowed me to work while studying, explore new career opportunities, and, most importantly, open the door to eventually working for myself.
It wasn’t a straight path, but every twist and turn has brought me closer to where I’m meant to be – helping others in a way that aligns with my passion and purpose.
Tell us a little bit about your practice and the clients you serve.
I opened Better Life Therapy in May 2022 after several years in children’s mental health, where I experienced the challenges and limitations of the publicly funded system. These constraints often conflicted with my core values as a therapist, such as prioritizing the therapeutic relationship, honoring the time it takes to build trust, and recognizing the complexity of mental health within families.
I created Better Life Therapy to provide youth and adults with meaningful, relationship-centered support – beyond one-time sessions – offering flexibility like evening availability and long-term care. My practice is designed to reduce barriers to therapy by offering sliding scale fees for those without financial stability, direct billing for insurance, and a welcoming space that fosters growth and healing.
At Better Life Therapy, I work with clients navigating anxiety, trauma, relationships, and life transitions. Using approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Polyvagal Theory, I tailor my approach to each client’s goals. My mission is to help clients build self-confidence, develop resilience, and experience the safety and connection that comes from a trusting therapeutic relationship.
What is It’s What’s on the Inside That Matters all about and what inspired you to write it?
It’s What’s On The Inside That Matters was inspired by my clients and their desire to stay organized and intentional about their therapy journey. Many would bring notebooks, phones, or laptops to sessions to track what we discussed, sparking the idea for a dedicated therapy journal.
Drawing from my experience as a therapist and insights from the Yorkville program, I recognized that successful outcomes in therapy often depend on setting intentions, working toward goals, staying accountable, and applying session learnings.
This journal was designed as a purposeful companion to therapy. It includes:
– Sections to track pre- and post-session reflections, including mood and key topics.
– Space for self-reflection on implementing skills or insights discussed in therapy.
– Tools to clarify goals and monitor progress over time.
– A dedicated section with coping skills from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
The journal also serves as a therapy time capsule – a tangible representation of growth that might otherwise go unnoticed. Therapy is a journey, and this journal provides clients with a lasting reminder of their healing, progress, and resilience.
What does is mean to you to have the journal published?
Writing It’s What’s on the Inside That Matters was both an enjoyable and transformative experience. Partnering with Friesen Press was a game-changer – they guided me through the planning, execution, and distribution process, helping me achieve my goal of making the journal available through major retailers like Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes & Noble.
Seeing the journal published and out in the world still feels surreal, and it’s always a delightful surprise to hear that someone has purchased it.
What do you hope readers take away from using the journal?
When you pour so much time, energy, and heart into creating something, you can only hope that others feel the same passion and care you’ve infused into it. My hope is that those who use this journal will see their growth, recognize their progress, and feel like they have a meaningful space to document and reflect on their mental health and wellness journey.
Learn more about Woods, her practice and her journal at www.bloomintowellness.ca
