Katherine Fan
She/ Her
Tier I therapist
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel both hopeful and difficult, especially when you have been carrying something on your own for a long time. You may be feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from yourself, or unsure of how to put your experiences into words. I hope to offer a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and explore what you are going through without judgment.
As an art therapy intern, I view therapy as a collaborative process. Together, we can explore your thoughts, emotions, relationships, and experiences at a pace that feels comfortable for you. I believe therapy can help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself, discover new ways of coping, and feel more confident navigating life's challenges. My goal is to create a space where you feel supported, understood, and able to explore new possibilities.
I offer therapy in Mandarin and English for virtual and in-person sessions.
Using creativity, curiosity, and a relational approach, I help you explore the emotions beneath your patterns and develop greater self-understanding and flexibility.
My Story
My path to art therapy grew from my background in visual art and my interest in understanding people's experiences. I earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation from Ringling College of Art and Design and am currently pursuing my Master's degree in Art Therapy at New York University.
My clinical experiences have allowed me to work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults across schools, hospitals, community settings, and private practices in both the United States and Taiwan. Working in different environments has taught me to stay flexible and adapt to each person rather than assuming that one approach will work for everyone. My experiences in private practice in Taiwan and the United States have also deepened my appreciation for how culture, family, and our environments can shape the way we understand ourselves and seek support.
My background in visual art and animation continues to shape how I think about therapy. I have seen how creative expression can offer another way to communicate experiences and emotions that may be difficult to put into words. I enjoy exploring these possibilities with clients while remembering that creativity can look different for everyone.
As I continue developing my identity as a therapist, I value approaching each client with curiosity and openness. I do not believe I need to have all the answers for therapy to be meaningful. Instead, I hope to be a companion in the process of exploring who you are, what has shaped you, and what you want for yourself. I believe therapy is not about changing who you are, but about helping you better understand yourself, recognize your strengths, and find ways forward that feel authentic to you.
Therapeutic Approaches
My approach is grounded in a person-centered and relational framework. My approach is grounded in a person-centered and relational framework. I integrate Art Therapy with experiential and emotion-focused approaches to support exploration of emotions, relationships, and different parts of yourself with curiosity and compassion. Under clinical supervision, I may incorporate parts-based exercises informed by Internal Family Systems (IFS) concepts and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) as appropriate. Together, we can build greater self-understanding and develop new ways of relating to yourself and others.
Specialties
Relationships & Life Transitions
I enjoy working with young adults and adults navigating breakups, relationship changes, life transitions, and uncertainty about what comes next. These experiences can bring questions about identity, self-worth, and the future. Therapy can offer a space to process what has changed, understand relationship patterns, and explore what you want for yourself moving forward.
Identity, Self-Worth & Perfectionism
I am interested in working with high-achieving adults who may feel pressure to constantly succeed, meet expectations, or be the person others can rely on. Perfectionism, self-criticism, comparison, and people-pleasing can make it difficult to recognize your own needs. Together, we can explore where these expectations come from and develop a more compassionate understanding of yourself, your values, and what fulfillment means to you.
Childhood Experiences & Adult Patterns
Our early experiences can continue to shape how we see ourselves, manage emotions, and relate to others as adults. Through my clinical work with children and families, I have developed a strong interest in understanding how developmental disruptions, family dynamics, and unmet emotional needs can influence patterns later in life. Therapy can be a space to explore these experiences, including inner child work, and better understand patterns such as difficulty setting boundaries, seeking approval, avoiding conflict, or repeating familiar relationship dynamics.
Culture, Identity & Collaborative Therapy
My experience working in private practice settings in both Taiwan and the United States has taught me the importance of adapting to each client and their individual cultural and personal context. Our understanding of family, success, relationships, and emotional expression can be shaped by where we come from and the environments we have experienced. I approach therapy with curiosity and openness, and hope to be a companion in exploring your identity, experiences, and goals together.
Credentials
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Supervisor: YuehChun Chao(Avery), LCAT 002513
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Degree: New York University/Master’s in Art Therapy, in progress.
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Degree: Ringling College of Art and Design, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation
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Advanced Training: Camp Good Grief, grief support experience with children and adolescents
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Advanced Training: Master's-level coursework in Substance Abuse Counseling
More About Me
Outside of the therapy room, I enjoy painting, crafts, animation, film, and exploring different creative projects. My background in animation has given me a strong appreciation for visual storytelling and the many ways people communicate beyond words.
I also enjoy figure skating, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family. These interests help me stay curious and remind me of the importance of creativity, connection, and play in everyday life.
I hope to create a space where you can feel comfortable being yourself, whether you want to talk, create, reflect, or simply take some time to understand what you are experiencing.