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Mingyi He, LMSW

She/ Her

Tier II Therapist 

There is so much more to life than just feeling fine, and as a therapist, I deeply believe in this. Every concern, whether big or small, is valid and deserving of attention; it's not about overreacting, but rather about respecting your wants and needs. It's completely okay to feel overwhelmed or drained by life's hurdles and to seek a momentary break to prioritize self-care. It's during these moments that we often unearth our resilience, uncover strengths, and foster personal growth.


Perhaps there have been moments when feeling content and good enough seemed distant, or when it felt like nobody truly sees or hears you. In those moments, it's important to recognize that self-criticism isn't the path to becoming a better version of yourself. You are not defined by your actions alone; there is so much more to be cherished and valued for the unique essence of who you are. This is precisely why I became a therapist—because I care deeply about those who feel unseen and unheard, and I want to help them thrive beyond just feeling "fine."


As a relational, trauma-informed therapist trained in EMDR and AEDP, I wholeheartedly believe that seeking support is an act of self-love. I am honored to be a companion on your journey. Therapy isn't just about addressing life challenges; it's also about enhancing self-awareness, navigating life transitions, and unlocking your full potential. Investing in your mental and emotional well-being is a courageous step, with benefits that extend far beyond the therapy room—into your relationships, work, life, and overall sense of fulfillment.


If you're ready to embark on this profound journey, know that I am here to walk beside you. Together, we can create a space where your story is acknowledged, your voice is heard, and your authentic self is not only seen but celebrated.

As a therapist who believes in self-validation, I've learned to accept all of myself, to choose the best for me, and to feel whole and free with all the powers within. 

My Story

My journey of self-discovery began not as a therapist, but as a film and VR game researcher and creator. Leaving China for the United States to study film and media production, I sought to understand human stories and emotions, using every scene and scenario to capture what needed to be seen and felt. While in grad school, I joined an XR research lab, utilizing VR and XR to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups, allowing the majority to experience the unheard and unseen. Working at tech companies and movie studios, I used storytelling, research, and data analysis to raise awareness about mental health and advocate for the BICOP community. It was during these experiences that my interest in trauma and neuroscience research blossomed. Realizing my passion for human connections over behind-the-scenes creations, I began working with people affected by complex trauma. I came to understand that mental health is deeply rooted in our interactions with our environment. I realized that trauma affects our brains in profound neurological ways, altering our responses to stress and shaping our perceptions of the world. Understanding this connection between trauma and neuroscience has deepened my commitment to supporting individuals on their healing journey.

Therapeutic Approaches

In my therapeutic approach, I firmly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of healing. In a warm, non-judgmental space, I strive to facilitate corrective emotional and relational experiences that create positive changes and alleviate suffering. I've undergone training and practice in several approaches, allowing me to tailor our work together to suit your needs best. 


I've delved into more accelerated therapeutic approaches cooperating with neuroscience. From Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Mindfulness, I'm equipped to support you through a variety of challenges.


I am also certified in Motivational Interviewing (MI) and have certificate training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) with extensive training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), I specialize in providing effective behavioral change therapy. Together, we can challenge unhelpful thoughts, build new habits, and find motivation in life.

Specialties

Undo Aloneness: Healing from developmental trauma
Developmental trauma occurs when a person experiences overwhelming events or lacks the support needed to process and integrate those experiences. This can lead to emotional energy becoming stuck in the mind and body. I specialize in addressing both big "T" traumas, such as traumatic childhood or big life changes, and little "t" traumas, like job loss or arguments, which can accumulate over time. 
Without proper support, defense mechanisms develop, disconnecting individuals from themselves and others. Neuroscience shows that trauma alters brain structure and function, leading to hypervigilance, avoidance, and emotional dysregulation. As we’re facing the core of trauma, we reconnect with ourselves and others, restoring balance and wholeness. In this healing journey, you're not alone. With compassionate support, we navigate your inner landscape, uncovering resilience and strength. Together, we rewrite the narrative of trauma, empowering you to embrace life fully and find joy in the present.


Emotional Disturbance and Personal Growth
In every situation, there's no predetermined 'right' way to feel, and your emotions aren’t who you are. Often, we're tempted to push away so-called 'negative emotions' like anxiety, anger, jealousy, or sadness. We reassure ourselves with phrases like 'I'm okay,' hoping to push these emotions away. Yet, suppression and avoidance offer only temporary relief; eventually, these emotions resurface, often with greater intensity. That's where therapy comes in. We can explore and understand your emotions, recognizing that even those that seem unwanted may serve a purpose, often as a form of self-protection. Emotions are just trying to communicate in their way, albeit not always effectively. Together, we can learn to tolerate distress, regulate emotions, and develop healthy emotional processing skills. Remember, healing isn't about erasing emotions; it's about understanding, accepting, and learning to navigate them in a healthy way.


Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
Being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is not your fault; it's a real phenomenon supported by neuroscience. It's okay to feel overwhelmed by things that others may not notice. Your nervous system is wired in a unique way that allows you to process information deeply and empathize with others on a profound level. 
With someone who truly understands your challenges and has faced similar struggles in the past, know that you have the strength and resilience to navigate the challenges that come with being highly sensitive. Our ability to recognize and honor our needs is a powerful asset in creating a life that aligns with our values and brings us joy. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-awareness, embracing our sensitivity as a natural part of who we are. By setting boundaries and learning to say no to draining activities, we reclaim our energy and protect our well-being. Engaging in self-care practices or spending time in nature nurtures our soul and restores balance. By embracing our strengths, supporting one another, and honoring our needs, we can navigate the world with grace and resilience.


Body-image Issues
It's perfectly okay to glance in the mirror and feel a desire to make some tweaks here and there. Wanting to improve ourselves is natural, regardless of our size or shape. Society often sends negative messages about body image, even to those who are very thin. It's a strange aspect of our culture. However, before deciding to make any changes, it's important to examine our internal dialogue. Everyone has their reasons for wanting to alter their body image, and it's not solely about appearance but also about how we feel about ourselves. Together, we can explore your unique journey toward a healthier body image, free from judgment. Let's focus on the internal messages we send ourselves about body image. By doing so, we open up possibilities for becoming the best versions of ourselves, rather than adhering to a singular standard of beauty.


Cinema Therapy

Imagine a world where your favorite films are more than mere entertainment—they become powerful tools for healing and self-discovery. In ancient Greece, theater served as a means of catharsis, purging emotions and leaving audiences with a sense of purification. Similarly, cinema therapy takes a bottom-up approach, using specific movies to evoke feelings and access hidden emotions within us. Through exploring themes and empathizing with characters, we draw parallels to our own core issues and gain insights into addressing them.


We will engage with films through guided discussions, scenarios recreations, and creative expression. Unlike traditional top-down therapeutic approaches that primarily rely on cognitive interventions and awareness, cinema therapy operates from the bottom-up, tapping into the subconscious mind and access buried emotions, memories, and unresolved conflicts. By immersing ourselves in cinematic narratives, cinema therapy provides a safe and non-threatening space for exploration and self-reflection, allowing for the processing and integration of complex emotions and experiences.


As we witness characters' triumphs, challenges, and transformations on screen, we gain fresh perspectives, insights, and coping strategies for addressing our own life issues and emotional concerns.

Credentials 

  • License: New York States/Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) 113320

  • Supervisor: Huilin Lai, LCSW: R081942

  • Degree: Columbia University--Master of Science in Social Work (Advanced Clinical) 

  • Degree: University of Minnesota Twin Cities-- Bachelor of Art in Communication, Minor in Cinema Study

  • Certificate:  Motivational Interviewing (MI)

  • Certificate: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

  • Advanced Training: Clinical Applications of IFS Therapy: Integrative Approaches for Trauma, Attachment, Neurodiversity

  • Advanced Training: Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy ( AEDP)  Immersion Course

  • Advanced Training: EMDR basic training from The Center for Excellence in EMDR therapy

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