Shuyi Liu (she/her)

I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University, along with an M.A. and M.Ed. in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, where I had the privilege of training with leaders in multicultural psychology. I have training in multiple evidence-based psychotherapy theories (e.g., Psychodynamic, Emotion-focused, ACT, CBT, EMDR, Interpersonal, Narrative, and Feminist) and I would describe my approach as eclectic, which means I select the best treatment for a given client based on empirical data and the client's unique life experiences and preferences. My method is heavily influenced by psychodynamic principles, trauma-informed care, and a multicultural perspective. My approach is tailored to each client's needs, whether through reprocessing significant events, building insights, developing skills, fostering resilience, or restoring healthy boundaries. In initial sessions, I explore your concerns and experiences in depth to create a fitting treatment plan.

I genuinely believe in the transformative power of being seen. When individuals feel truly understood, it allows them to connect with their best selves and grow. I also believe that everyone is doing the best they can, given the resources and experiences they’ve had up until now. With this in mind, I approach each client with deep compassion and empathy. Through trauma-informed therapy, my goal is to create a safe, judgment-free space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions. I aim to empower them to restore a sense of safety, pursue their personal aspirations, and build resilience. In addition, I am committed to providing psychological care that is grounded in research and evidence. As a professor and researcher, my work focuses on topics such as coping with minority stress, self-compassion, and clinical supervision. Having published 11 peer-reviewed articles on these subjects, I integrate this research into my practice, ensuring my clinical work is effective.