About Me
Dr. Liu received her doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology in New York. Before obtaining her doctoral degree, she trained as a clinical social worker, earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pennsylvania. Her background in social work has deepened her commitment to mental health and fueled her determination to hone her craft in psychotherapy.
Dr. Liu has worked and trained extensively in psychotherapy across a diverse range of treatment settings and geographical locations. She provides psychotherapy in both English and Mandarin Chinese. Highlighting the common threads of cultivating cultural humility and employing evidence-based practice in a manner that humanizes the therapeutic relationship, she has served diverse populations. Her experience includes college counseling, assisting adults with acute and chronic psychiatric conditions, and aiding young professionals in managing work stress in both inpatient and outpatient hospital settings.
Outside of the consultation room, Dr. Liu enjoys camping, hiking with her dog and traveling.
My Approach
My work begins by holding in mind the sensitivity and urgency of those who come into my office: Perhaps you are struggling with debilitating anxiety or depression, feeling deeply stuck in a career or relationship, or experiencing aching emotional pain that is difficult to identify. I understand everyone comes with different levels of experience and familiarity with therapy. In our first session, I am excited to get to know you and answer any questions or concerns you may have about therapy.
I firmly believe that the heart of successful therapy lies in the relationship and trust we cultivate. Recognizing that each individual carries into therapy a unique tapestry of life experiences, I offer a spectrum of psychotherapy services. These range from short-term evidence-based treatments targeting anxiety and depression to psychoanalytically-informed therapy tailored for adults and couples grappling with trauma, relational challenges, or acculturation difficulties. My style is warm, attentive, and devoid of judgment, grounded in the conviction that emotional safety is the cornerstone of our collaborative journey.
Mental health is about having choices. Through our work together, I will provide a safe and containing space for you to make contact with emotional pain and struggles while highlighting your resilience and fostering a deeper understanding of yourself. My goal is to help you release painful emotions, reflect on patterns of thoughts and behaviors, and reconnect with a deeper sense of inner freedom.
How I Work
Here are just a few examples to help you understand what it's like to work with me:
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Relational: I believe that we discover ourselves in the presence of others. By collaboratively exploring patterns of interaction, feelings, and narratives within the therapeutic relationship, we can gain insight into their interpersonal dynamics and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling relationships outside of therapy.
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Experientially-based: I believe therapy provides a safe place for us to explore our feelings and thoughts in the moment. Therefore, I may redirect us to notice feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations that are emerging in the session. It is a way of helping us become more attuned with ourselves, as well as exploring new ways to be with others.
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Culturally-informed: We exist in the context of our social environment, including our cultural background, religious beliefs, and family of origin values and dynamics. I will listen attentively and tailor our treatment to reflect your specific needs, fostering an understanding of how your experiences shape your relational and emotional patterns.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) based: As a living, breathing human being, emotional pain is inevitable. However, how much we suffer depends on our relationship with emotional pain and difficulty thoughts. We may learn tools to better cope and tolerate difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. It focuses on our actions aligning with our values, helping us move toward a more fulfilling life.
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Solution-focused: While I value the importance of understanding our past behaviors and patterns, I also emphasize on finding solutions and helping you make different and healthier choices in life, building on your strengths and finding practical ways to make positive changes.
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Attachment-based: Through a better understanding of your formative relationships, we will work together to help you build healthier and secure attachments in your relationships.
