Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ali Johnson-calderone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Ali, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents did a lot of things right, but the real magic was in how they balanced being rock-solid role models for a healthy relationship while letting me chart my own, sometimes unconventional, path.

Growing up, I got a front-row seat to an intact relationship built on mutual respect, communication, and a whole lot of warmth. My parents didn’t just show me what a strong partnership looks like—they lived it every day. Whether it was how they handled disagreements without slamming doors or how they always made time for each other (even if it was just a cup of coffee in the morning), they set the bar high for what love should be.

But what really made them stand out was their willingness to let me be me, even when they didn’t understand. While some parents dream of their child becoming a lawyer or a doctor, mine somehow rolled with the punches when I announced I wanted to be a couples and sex therapist. Not exactly the conventional path most parents hope for, right? They taught me to think independently, to be unapologetically original, and to pursue what mattered to me. I mean, they didn’t bat an eye when I started geeking out over relationship dynamics and the psychology of intimacy.

One of my favorite memories is my dad jokingly saying, “Well, at least you’ll always have interesting dinner party stories.” And he wasn’t wrong! That mix of stability and freedom has shaped everything about how I approach my life and career. It’s why I can balance being an expert in relationships while still bringing humor and warmth to everything I do. My parents showed me the power of connection, but they also showed me that the best kind of love—whether it’s for your career, your partner, or yourself—comes from staying true to who you are.

So, if you ever wondered how a couples and sex therapist learned the ropes, it started at home with parents who modeled the kind of relationship I aim to help others build, while giving me the wings to follow my own quirky, meaningful path. Thanks, Mom and Dad!

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi there! I’m Ali Johnson-Calderone, LCSW and I’ve always been fascinated by the complexities of human connection. I started my career as a couples and sex therapist, which gave me a front-row seat to what makes relationships thrive—and what causes them to falter. After years of working with couples to untangle the toughest relationship challenges, I realized something: I wanted to be there at the beginning of the journey, helping people find the right match and build a strong foundation from the start. That realization led to the creation of Love Lines.

What We Do at Love Lines
Love Lines is where modern dating meets therapeutic expertise. We offer a range of services designed to help singles and couples create lasting, meaningful connections while tackling the growing epidemic of loneliness head-on:

Matchmaking: For singles in Austin, TX, we provide personalized matchmaking services that go beyond surface-level compatibility.
Dating Coaching: For individuals across the country, we help clients build confidence, improve communication, and break unhelpful patterns in their dating lives.
Support Groups & Psychoeducation Classes: We run virtual programs to support singles and couples in navigating modern relationships with clarity and resilience.
Self-Paced Courses: Our Relationship Success Toolbox offers therapeutic research-backed tools to help couples strengthen their bond at their own pace.
What Problems Do We Solve?
Modern dating can feel overwhelming—swiping through endless profiles, dealing with ghosting, and navigating the murky waters of online interactions. For singles, we help cut through the noise to find clarity, confidence, and emotionally compatible matches.

Beyond dating struggles, we’re also addressing the epidemic of loneliness that so many people are facing today. By providing tools to foster meaningful relationships, we’re helping individuals move from isolation to connection, proving that no one has to face the world alone.

For couples, we provide tools and insights to reignite connection, improve communication, and address challenges before they become roadblocks.

What Sets Love Lines Apart?
What makes Love Lines truly unique is that all of our matchmakers and coaches are licensed couples therapists. We’ve spent years on the inside of relationships—working with couples who’ve struggled, grown, and thrived. That expertise means we don’t just “match” people; we equip them with the tools to build something lasting.

Unlike other matchmaking services, we offer a combination of expert-led coaching, personalized support, and a focus on emotional resilience. We’re not here for the quick fix—we’re here to create real, sustainable results.

What I’m Most Proud Of
I’m incredibly proud of the impact Love Lines has had in helping clients find clarity, confidence, and connection. Seeing someone go from feeling stuck or discouraged to thriving in their love life is what drives me every day. I’m also proud of how we’ve made relationship support accessible to a wider audience, combining therapeutic insights with modern, approachable services.

But what makes me even prouder is that Love Lines is part of a bigger mission to combat loneliness. By helping people build strong relationships and find their place in a supportive community, we’re not just improving individual lives—we’re making a real dent in one of the biggest emotional challenges of our time.

What I Want You to Know
At Love Lines, we believe that relationships are the fabric of society. When people build healthy, fulfilling connections, it doesn’t just change their lives—it strengthens communities. Whether you’re single and looking for your match or in a relationship and wanting to deepen your bond, we’re here to support you with humor, warmth, and expert guidance every step of the way.

Love Lines isn’t about fixing people—it’s about empowering them to show up as their best selves and create the love story they deserve.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I believe the most helpful thing for succeeding in my field—beyond training and knowledge—is emotional resilience and authenticity. Working in a field that revolves around human relationships means you need to be prepared for the highs and lows. Whether it’s helping someone navigate heartbreak or witnessing the joy of a thriving connection, staying emotionally grounded is key.

Authenticity also plays a huge role. Clients want to work with someone who is real, relatable, and genuinely invested in their success. When you’re true to yourself and your mission, it shines through in every interaction and builds the trust necessary for success.

Finally, having a community of support is invaluable. Surrounding yourself with peers who understand the challenges of entrepreneurship and creative work can make all the difference. You can learn from their experiences, share insights, and lean on each other during tough times—it’s like having your own personal cheer squad!

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely, I would choose the same profession, specialty, and everything that comes with it—quirks, challenges, and all. While the road to becoming a couples and sex therapist (and now matchmaker and dating coach) wasn’t exactly the most conventional path, it has been incredibly rewarding.

There’s something profoundly fulfilling about helping people create meaningful connections. Relationships are at the core of who we are as humans, and being able to guide people toward healthier love lives feels like making a real difference—not just for them but for society as a whole.

If anything, I might start the matchmaking and coaching side of things sooner. I’ve learned that being there at the beginning of someone’s journey, helping them avoid common pitfalls and build confidence from the start, is just as impactful as helping them later on when things are more complicated.

So yes, I’d choose this path again in a heartbeat. It’s messy, it’s heartfelt, and it’s full of moments that remind me why I love what I do. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade those moments for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.lovelinesatx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelinesllc/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556718509702
• Twitter: https://x.com/LoveLinesLLC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-XHSOI2srHPyWLwey8axbg
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/LoveLinesLLC/

Image Credits

Matthew Chambers Photography. https://www.matthewchambersphotography.com/