Yen grew up in the green mountain state of Vermont after immigrating from southern China. Yen earned a Bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience with minors in Human Anatomy and Mind-Brain Studies from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.. She is completing her Master’s in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University.

Yen embraces a holistic and integrative therapeutic approach that combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered, psychodynamic, and multicultural principles. This framework allows her to craft a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals. Yen firmly believes that each person is a distinct individual, shaped by their background, culture, identity, values, and relationships. Yen and her clients will delve into the intricacies of emotions, fostering insight and self-awareness, and guiding you toward personal and relational growth.

Yen is wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing a robust therapeutic relationship founded on trust, respect, and genuine care. She deeply respects clients’ unique life journeys and requirements. Yen harnesses the therapeutic relationship as a catalyst for lasting change, leveraging your internal resources and strengths.

Yen recognizes the strength it takes to seek counseling and embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. She’s here to stand by a client’s side throughout this process. Yen makes clients well-being and personal development her top priority; she aligns her approach to each person’s individual needs.

Yen brings experience of working with adult populations, including working professionals, and individuals who identify as queer, people of color, and immigrants. Her background enables her to provide tailored support to a diverse range of clients. Yen has a deep understanding of the unique challenges that people face and has worked with clients on a variety of topics, such as anxiety, depression, substance use, PTSD, BDP, infidelity, racism, and life transitions. Her background extends to assisting individuals with intersecting identities, helping them navigate both the everyday stressors of life and the systemic stressors stemming from societal inequities. With Yen, you’ll find compassion, and commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space for all individuals, no matter their background or identity.
Yen’s clinical and research interests encompass several key areas. She is particularly drawn to the practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These modalities serve as powerful tools to assist individuals in acquiring coping skills and nurturing a profound sense of self and personal agency.

Additionally, Yen has a keen interest in motivational interviewing, which she employs to provide support to individuals striving for behavioral changes in their lives. This approach allows her to effectively guide and empower individuals on their journey of self-improvement.

Furthermore, Yen is dedicated to exploring evidence-based techniques that can aid individuals dealing with trauma. Her commitment to clinical practice enables her to continuously refine her skills and stay at the forefront of therapeutic approaches.

Yen’s native language is Chinese, and she possesses a high level of proficiency in Cantonese and Taishanese/Toisanese, being a native speaker of these dialects. She also has a working fluency in Mandarin. Yen is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and comfortable therapeutic experience for those who may prefer to communicate in these languages.

As a first-generation Chinese-American, Yen has an intimate understanding of the nuances of cultural assimilation, identity development, and life transitions. Her approach is centered around collaborating with clients to bolster their self-concept and helping them regain a sense of agency and control, particularly during times of uncertainty. Yen proudly identifies as a bicultural counselor, offering a unique perspective and personal experience that aids clients in navigating diverse spaces while balancing and integrating cross-cultural values. Yen sees it as a privilege to be a part of these communities and looks forward to integrating this shared understanding and experience into her work with clients.

Yen is a first-generation college student, marking the first in her family to pursue both undergraduate and graduate education. This aspect of her journey has equipped her with valuable insights into managing academic and professional settings while overcoming Imposter syndrome. Yen’s personal experience enables her to empathize with the challenges her clients may face in similar circumstances.

In her leisure time, Yen finds joy in cooking, losing herself in the pages of novels, and indulging in the occasional TV show binge. For her, it’s a wonderful way to unwind and relish some downtime. Yen’s passion lies in playing ultimate frisbee, not only as a means of exercise but also as a way to embrace healthy competition. Recently, Yen has embarked on an exciting journey into the world of acrylic painting. It serves as a creative outlet, allowing her to explore new dimensions of self-expression.

Yen enjoys living in the NYC metro area because there is no shortage of delicious and authentic Asian cuisine, satisfying her taste buds. Yen appreciates the convenience of walking as her primary mode of commute. This not only supports her daily routines but also presents a unique opportunity to immerse herself in the city, meander through the streets, and stumble upon hidden gems like cafes, shops, restaurants.