“What do I want to do?” When choosing the undergrad major, this question popped up in my head. Astronomy looks cool, but I did not like Physics; ocean studies are mysterious, but I could get sick on the boat; archeology is fascinating, but I was probably not prepared to work with a lot of dust. “What about psychology?” A voice came up. I have experience with therapy in middle school where I went through stress and depression due to the heavy school work and social isolation. It could be fascinating to find out more about the human psyche. Then I started my journey with psychology and mental health. After completing the Bachelor's degree in psychology in China, I finished a MS degree in Clinical Psychology in the UK. I then took on a job as a research assistant at the university and an education researcher role at an education technology company. Research article reading, programming, data analysis, publication…my science brain was dancing. What now then? I realized I wanted to learn more practical skills aside from theories, to better and directly assist clients with mental health issues. Therefore I bring my science brain into practice, become a mental health counselor. Although the story seems simple, there are countless moments that I am lost, doubtful, anxious, especially seeing my peers are running on their life paths, while I feel I am staggering forward, I am afraid that I fail and being left behind. However, once I meet my and grow with my beautiful clients, I think I am at the right place. Working with clients is a rewarding process. It also facilitates my self-reflection and growth.

Before starting therapy, there will be a 15-min free phone consultation for all the potential clients to determine whether we are a good fit for each other. This process is a little similar to dating: we talk, ask questions and feel the vibes. If we do not end up working together, it only indicates that we are not suitable for each other; it does not indicate that we have any problems. If we eventually decide to work together, Hooray! We can then process the paperwork and schedule our 1st session. At the beginning of therapy, the focus will be clients and I getting to know each other, establishing trust and rapport and learning more about the presenting issues. In the later stage, the sessions will focus more on the issues we would like to work on, which might derive from the history and/or the present. I usually cater the therapeutic approaches to each client’s unique needs therefore each client’s session will look different. In general, my communication style is natural, supportive, and non-judgmental. The sessions can be structured or non-structured. This is a collaborative process and we can explore how we can best use the time of therapy.

I work with a wide clientele and am open to working with clients from different cultural background and with various mental health issues. Clients who are motivated, consistent and open to different perspectives usually make the most out of therapy. They are curious to know more about themselves, explore the influence of the issues on their work and life, improve mental well-being, and even discuss broader existential topics. Their issues might derive from interpersonal relationships, work environments and other major life events.

I started to think about culture and self-identity since elementary school since Taiwanese, Chinese and Korean cultures are embedded in the family. Growing up in Mainland China as a Taiwanese child provoked a lot of thinking. Both people from China and Taiwan can speak Mandarin, we seem to be similar; however, there are still some nuanced differences such as eating habits, social values, accents that reminded me that we are different. Aside from grounding myself as a minority, I became aware of cultural difference and how it significantly forms people and their thoughts and behaviors. As I grow older, I had the chance to travel or live in more cultures and countries, which broaden my horizon and make me open and tolerant to people with various backgrounds. Since high school, I formally started the life-long journey of self-exploration, trying to figure out who I am and what I want. Topics include but not limited to self-esteem, self-concept, family dynamic, attachment, education/career decisions, meaning of life. I recognized my negative emotions and tried to cope with them; I desired love and to be loved but things would go beyond my wishes; I have made decisions that I regretted which totally changed my life path. Some of these experiences are heavy and unpleasant but when I look back, I have thrived and turned the pain and lessons into my nutrition to grow. This is also the message I would like to send to my potential clients. Sometimes we do not need to be perfect, do not need to fix everything in life and is ok to accept and just try out the options we have. I am here to assist you with your journey.

Therapy is like a journey on a boat with the therapist. You hold the pads and decide the goals and destination. I am on the boat with you to inspect where we are right now, to see what’s the obstacles along the way and what works for you to better.