Stephanie Lai, LCSW

Are you unmotivated by everyday tasks and struggle to find where you belong in your social group? When you look in the mirror, do negative thoughts such as “I’m not enough” or “I feel hopeless” roam inside your brain? Do you find yourself freezing up in social situations, wishing you knew how to react? In a society plagued by institutional racism, gender inequalities, and generational differences, it is common to feel disheartened, anxious, and angry at ourselves and the world around us. By reaching out and prioritizing self-care, we can create a safe space to process difficult emotions and learn to manage your reactions.

I have experience providing psychotherapy in a wide range of settings, including clinics, schools, and shelters. I started my career working with the Asian American community, providing culturally appropriate services for Cantonese and English speaking clients to help them connect their mental health struggles with their childhood experiences, family dynamics, and societal expectations. I’ve also worked in other clinics and schools doing psychotherapy with adolescents and early adults struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma.

Using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy I work with adults on mindfulness techniques and coping skills to improve your relationships, unhelpful thinking patterns, and reactions. I also draw from my training in Trauma-Focused CBT, an evidence-based model to help adolescents process trauma alongside making behavioral changes and reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

I believe everyone can harness their strengths to bring about positive long-term change in their lives. Whenever you’re ready to start self-improvement, I will be here to help you live your best life.