Esme Peng (She/Her)

Tier I Therapist

We all have moments in life when we encounter things that seem unpredictable or uncontrollable. We may feel stuck, confused, and not knowing what to do or where to go. As a counselor, I see my role as a supportive figure who would accompany my clients in their journey to explore meanings and answers. I firmly believe that everyone has the strength to heal and to grow, and I would like to be the person who can help my clients find their strength and build resilience. In my therapy, I hope to offer everyone a safe and non-judgmental environment where they feel respected, heard, and accompanied.

I offer services in both English and Mandarin.

My Story

Prior to my training in mental health counseling, I worked as a research assistant at New York University on several research projects studying culture, parenting, and child development. I have conducted my own research project on Chinese mothers’ gender beliefs, parenting practices, and mother-daughter relationships. The knowledge I learned from my research experience would help me as a practitioner to understand my client’s experiences more deeply.

In addition to research, I have experiences working with children who are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at a rehabilitation center in Shanghai and with children who are diagnosed with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at NYU Child Study Center. I have also had experiences working with adolescents with behavioral concerns in a middle school in New York City. All these experiences have laid the crucial foundation for my work as a counselor.

As a female Chinese international student who has had the privilege to work with underserved client populations in both the U.S. and China, I can fully empathize with the way gender, race, cultural and intersectional identities influence one’s mental health. Therefore, I hope to provide accessible and culturally sensitive services for clients from diverse backgrounds.

Therapeutic Approaches

I practice an integrative therapeutic approach that draws on theories and techniques from person-centered therapy, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), and creative art therapy. Operating from a trauma-informed, multicultural, and feminist lens, I want to look at each client in their unique past and current context and work with them in a collaborative and flexible style tailored to the individual.

Specialties

Acculturation Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Interpersonal and Intimate relationships, Life coaching, Self-esteem

Credentials

Degree: New York University - M.A. of Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (in process)
Degree: New York University - B.S. of Applied Psychology with honors