Therapy in Ann Arbor Michigan - Mala Child & Family Institute - Lio Riley

Lio Riley LLMSW

Clinical Social Worker

Ann Arbor & Online

About Me

*For a kid-friendly introduction that may be more accessible to young readers, see below!

Welcome! I’m Lio, a clinical social work fellow here at the Mala Child & Family Institute. I’m dedicated to empowering children and teens as they navigate challenges related to LGBTQ+ identity, disability, Autism (including PDA profiles), ADHD, and anxiety. As a neurodivergent and queer adult, I know that young people with these experiences are often misunderstood and face a range of barriers. I also understand the impact that a safe and nurturing environment can have on the development of self-worth, self-advocacy, and self-compassion. 

My Approach 

I use approaches such as Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. I also integrate concepts from polyvagal theory and sensory-based regulation strategies. My work is neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-informed. I tailor these methods to fit each client’s distinct needs. 

Play and Creative Expression 

With younger clients, I emphasize play-based engagement informed by the CCPT model. This approach trusts that children know what they struggle with and what they need, and provides an environment where they can work through their experiences with the facilitation and support of a therapist. I also recognize the therapeutic power of play and creative expression regardless of age! This means that together, we can incorporate interests and hobbies into our work together to make therapy not only effective but also enjoyable. 

Beyond Therapy 

Outside of work, I enjoy crochet, reading, and being outside. I also love board games and Animal Crossing!

  • Hello! My name is Lio. I really like to crochet, read books, and go outside. I also like playing board games and Animal Crossing. I’m excited to find out about what things you like!

    Sometimes, people have a brain that works differently than other people’s. If our brain works “differently,” that doesn’t mean that the way it works is “wrong.” It does mean that what works best for other people’s brains might not work as well for us, and what works for us doesn’t work for them! When people don’t understand this, it can be hard for us to be able to do the things that work for our brains, and sometimes that can make us feel bad.

    Some people choose to see a therapist -- that’s what I am! Therapists can help people understand how their brain works and feel good about their brains. Therapists can also help people figure out what things are hard for their brains and find ways to make them easier.

    We can work together to figure out what works best for your brain to help you get through the hard times and enjoy the fun ones! There are lots of different ways we can figure this out. When you come to see me, we can play, create something, or talk about the things that you choose. It’s up to you!

    If you have any questions about me or what we’ll be doing together, you can always ask me or a grown-up who takes care of you. I’m excited to meet you!

  • University of Michigan - Ann Arbor:

    BA in American Culture and Sociology with a social work concentration

    MSW with a concentration in Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse

  • Acceptance and Commitment (ACT), Coaching, Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), Experiential Therapy, Humanistic, Person-Centered, Play Therapy, Child-centered play therapy (CCPT); sensory-informed 

  • ADHD, Autism, Child, LGBTQ+, Parenting, Transgender, Disability, & late-identified neurodivergence 

  • Mood disorders, Anxiety disorders, & Neurodevelopmental differences

  • Individuals & Parent support 

    Toddler, Children (6 to 10), Preteen, Teen, & Transitional aged youth / Young adults (18 - 26)

    Has experience treating clients of the following religious faiths: Secular & non-religious, Muslim, Christian, and Jehovah's Witness – Open to seek out insight on unfamiliar faith systems 

    Allied with or has experience supporting clients in Bisexual Allied, Body Positivity, Deaf Allied, Gay Allied, HIV/AIDS Allied, Immuno-disorders, Intersex Allied, Lesbian Allied, Non-Binary Allied, Open Relationships Non-Monogamy, Queer Allied, Racial Justice Allied, Sex Worker Allied, Sex-Positive, Kink Allied, Transgender Allied, Disability; COVID-cautious; folks who engage in advocacy/activism; late-identified autism/ADHD

  • English

    Familiar with ASL + Deaf culture, community, and politics

  • Ann Arbor office & remote

Therapy in Ann Arbor Michigan - Mala Child & Family Institute - Lio Riley

Get to know Lio

  • This question is so hard for me, because I actually collect meaningful quotes in a note on my phone! These are a few of my favorites that I think relate the most to my work:

    • “I’m just going to tell you a story, that’s always better” (Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Play Therapy Podcast)

    • “We can trust the child to lead the way if only we can get out of it” (Dr. Brenna Hicks, The Play Therapy Podcast)

    • “‘My seeds will not grow,’ said Toad. ‘You are shouting too much,’ said Frog. ‘These poor seeds are afraid to grow.’” (from Frog and Toad Together)

    • ”I don’t want a valuable life lesson! I just want an ice cream!” (from Bluey)

    • “If you want to heal you gotta be weird” (from a TikTok I think)

    • “Sometimes the best understanding comes from your chest and your stomach” (from co-star)

    • “Advocacy is what you have been doing for yourself since you have been able to cry.” (I can’t remember where this is from! Likely a horoscope)

  • My little sister! She trusts her intuition and has always been an incredible self-advocate. She nurtures her own joy and peace without first seeking the approval of others. She isn't afraid to change her mind as many times as she needs to, because she knows that each version of herself deserves to feel safe and content. She's helped me to understand that self-care often requires tremendous courage. I try to be as brave as she is when I have to do hard things.

  • "All About Love: New Visions" by Bell Hooks has built my capacity to care for myself, my clients, and my community.

  • I love that I get to play! I believe that play is not exclusive to childhood, but is instead something profoundly important to seek out across the lifespan. Finding a career where the power of play is central to my work has been incredibly meaningful.