Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

I believe in the power of integrating sound Christian theology with proven psychological insights in counseling. This is mainly the content, to be carried out in the context of the genuine and empathic therapeutic relationship between the counselor and the client. As the counselor meets clients where they are, joins them in what they face, and inspires them to see and work out who they can become, the client is invited, encouraged, and modeled to embark on the journey towards healing, growth, and renewal. I believe genuine changes involve and impact the biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of the client’s life.

I consider it a sacred privilege to hear and participate in the stories of every man, woman and child that I am honored to meet in counseling sessions. With awe, humility, empathy, and prayerful listening, I long to create a safe space where my clients can boldly face themselves and their issues. I desire to walk with my clients towards fuller discovery their true self and the gradual formation of their new identities, realities, and hope. I recognize and cherish differences between my clients and me, and commit myself to treat all clients with dignity, respect, and patience, advocating for their total wellbeing without reservation.

Expectations of Therapy

I do not consider myself the “expert” on my clients’ problems, nor do I impose onto them what I believe they should do. Instead, I seek to make every effort to understand them in their personal, familial, social, and spiritual contexts. I seek to identify all the strengths and capabilities they already possess. Based on such understandings, I would collaborate with them to come up with specific goals and plans for changes. Ultimately, my clients decide how often they want to meet, how far they want to go, what works for them that we should continue, and what does not work for them for which we would adjust.

In each session, I would tailor the counseling theories and therapeutic techniques to apply based on the needs and traits of the client. Often times, I give clients homework assignments. The idea is to engage the clients in interactive practice of the head, the heart, and the hand. In subsequent sessions, together with clients, we will evaluate the effectiveness of the homework and try out more creative exercises. At the end of the day, the goal is to help my clients to gain power and freedom to be more fully the people they are created to be.

Professional Experience

I earned my Master of Divinity degree in Christian Formation and Soul Care from Denver Seminary in 2014. The reason I took on this study is that I sought to understand the full-fledged Christian gospel and how it could be lived out in the day-to-day life as a Christian. Through this journey, I realized that a Christian may still have resistant relational, emotional, and even systemic wounds and patterns blocking him or her from the promised abundant life in Christ. This is where psychological insights and techniques can come into play to help dig deeper and wider in order to accomplish more growth and understanding. This awareness led me to start the Master’s level of study in clinical mental health counseling at Denver Seminary in fall 2015.  During my studies at Denver Seminary I was privileged to work at Denver Family Institute in the summer of 2018 as a Practicum student doing individual counseling, and to work at Cornerstone Christian Counseling as an intern in the fall of 2018.  I was hired as an LPCC with Cornerstone upon graduation in May of 2019.

Prior to my journey at Denver Seminary, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in English in China in 1992. I taught English there in a college for about 5 years. In 1998, I came to America. I earned my Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut in 2002. I have worked as a full-time IT professional since then. My ultimate career passion is in spiritual direction and counseling. Looking ahead, I envision a total career transition in the near future.

Personal Interests

I first married in 1993 in China. We have two children from this marriage: Susan and William. Susan was born in China, and William was born in America. They are more than 12 years apart in age. My first marriage resulted in divorce in 2012. In 2017, I married my current husband. He is American. Ours is the second marriage for both of us, and our blended family now includes four adult children from my husband’s first marriage and two from mine. Before we were married, we took the time necessary to work through various issues that might result from a blended family. We now enjoy a wonderful, satisfying marriage and a loving and caring home that we continue to create for all of us.

My husband and I practice hospitality at our home. We open our doors to many friends and family from America and China. We also maintain strong mutual support for our individual pursuit of calling and ministry. At this moment, I am in the process of being ordained as a minister with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In my spare time, I love gardening, hiking, and reading. Over the years, I have summited about a dozen of Colorado’s 14’ers. I long to summit more Colorado peaks!