Mengzhen Shi
(She/Her)
Tier I Therapist
Hey, it is nice to e-meet you.
I believe human encounters and connections are nurturing. I also believe relationships have their healing power. Sometimes, we are trapped in loneliness and helplessness due to traumatic experiences and unexpressed emotions. We are overpowered by these painful experiences. Healing is to evoke our own transformational power by being seen and being heard in a safe relationship.
I hope that we can co-create a safe space. Here, you can express, explore, and release in your most comfortable ways. I am with you. I will give you my full attention, hold space for you, and contain your emotions. Together, we will understand your situation, organize your feelings, transform, and move forward.
A soft heart is the most powerful. It helps you embrace your true self, connect with others, and resonate with the world.
My Story
I was born in Zhejiang, China. I got my bachelor’s degree in psychology in Taiwan, and am now pursuing my master’s degree here in the US. Being an international student, I understand how challenging it is to adapt to an identity of “a foreigner” or “part of a foreigner” and a “strange” or “somewhat strange” environment. I may have experienced the difficulties you are experiencing. Thus, I will be glad to help you.
For me, the most precious thing about studying abroad is that I can review my growing process from a different cultural perspective and understand how my cultures make me become who I am. This integrated understanding of myself helps me get a real sense of “this is me”, and makes me more grounded, relieved, and compassionate.
Therapeutic approach
Therapy is the collision of two lives. I am feeling oriented and sensitive to relationship dynamics. Thus, I emphasize relationships and emotional experience in therapy. My therapeutic approach is relational-oriented and process-oriented.
Under the influence of a four-year training in narrative therapy, I also emphasize the sociocultural context and human resilience in their situations. I acknowledge the complexity and diversity of human beings and appreciate the literary and artistic nature of lives.
I am trained in Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Grief and Bereavement Counseling, Counseling for LGBT, Gestalt Therapy, Art Therapy, Dance Therapy, and Family Therapy.
They all affect how I understand you and how we interact during the sessions.
I am also anxious and curious about our therapeutic process.
Specialties
Relational trauma, grief and loss, early traumatic experiences, attachment, gender issues, cultural adjustment, personal exploration.
Credentials
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New York University - Master of Arts in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness (in process)
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New York University - Advanced Certificate in LGBT Health, Education, Social Services (in process)
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Fu Jen University, Taiwan - Bachelor of Science in Psychology