Ali Wright

Peer Mentor (He/Him/His) 🏳️‍🌈

Special Interests: C-PTSD | trauma recovery | grief | depression and anxiety | suicidal ideation | holistic wellness | addiction | LGBTQ+

Ali grew up just outside the city of York in the United Kingdom. Having experienced physical and emotional abuse from his single mother and a distanced relationship with his father, Ali learned to escape through the creative arts. Music was his safe place, and he took every opportunity to learn musical instruments and to perform. He learned about trusting and supportive relationships through his teachers who he still considers to be important role models.

At fourteen, because of depression and ongoing abuse, Ali attempted suicide. One week later, his mother died unexpectedly. This led to a diagnosis of C-PTSD, and years of depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and insomnia. Ali learned to hide his symptoms, and in college, Ali often turned to alcohol to manage his challenges.

In 2011, Ali studied music for a semester in New York. There, he met his husband. They moved to North Carolina in 2013 so that Ali could pursue graduate school. They moved to Eau Claire in 2018 so that Ali could begin teaching music at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Having experienced the benefits of mental health counseling, Ali felt the need to pay it forward and help others beyond the classroom, so he decided to pursue a new life working in mental health.

Ali has previously worked with adult and child survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault, as well as individuals struggling with addiction. Ali prides himself on seeing the best in people and sees safe and non-judgmental relationships as the key to helping others change. He integrates trauma-informed activities such as yoga, creative practices, and meditation, into his own healing and into his work with others. When he’s not working, Ali loves spending time with his cats (and foster cats), watching stand-up comedy, going for walks, and drinking coffee.