Mingyi He (She/Her), LMSW

Tier II Therapist

Life can be tough, and we all suffer sometimes. When we are tired, yet life still comes at us fast. At some points, we may no longer roll with punches like we used to. And at these points, we can experience more anxiety, stress, emptiness, and self-doubt than ever before. Sometimes, we may not even recognize the person in the mirror.

So, if you are reading this, I want to say welcome and thank you for initiating the healing process for you. Seeking help is a courageous step, and being open to a genuine and non－judgmental therapeutic experience may be the first step towards sincere connection and healing.

My Story

As a former Asian international student, I juggled multiple cultures, experienced self-judgment, loneliness, and worried about being off track without a plan. I used to believe I could "fix" my feelings and emotions with each accomplishment and recognition. It's never enough as the bar gets higher and higher for me. I can never be fully relieved from my own insecurity seeking validations from others. The need for validation from others actually created more anxiety and depression, making it addictive to hear praise, acceptance, and acknowledgment in all aspects of life. However, the journey to grow into a psychotherapist changed my belief system. I'm now a believer of self-validation. I've learned to accept all of me, to choose the best for me, and to feel whole and free with all the powers within. It truly set me free!!!

Thus, if you are seeking to connect with a therapist with warmth and authenticity, I'm here for each of you: no matter if you want to seek help with shifting your perspectives and letting things go in the moment, or you want to take time to process. I can create a safe and supportive space where you can feel free to express yourself, and we can collaborate in identifying your specific goals and needs. Together, we can navigate your unique path to transformation and healing.

I offer English and Mandarin services, and I offer weekday and weekend online and in-person sessions. I can offer low fee and sliding scale sessions based on specific needs.

Therapeutic Approaches

My treatment approach is person-centered and strength-based, which I integrate psychoanalysis, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and Couple Therapy.

Specialties

Population: I have work experience with college students and young adults, the POC population, Asian immigrants, and international students.

Issues: Anxiety, low self-esteem, trauma, relationship issues, social anxiety, depression, life transition and adjustment issues, self-image issues.

Credentials

Columbia University--Master of Science in Social Work (Advanced Clinical)
University of Minnesota Twin Cities-- Bachelor of Art in Communication, Minor in Cinema Study
License: New York States/LMSW
Advanced Training: EMDR basic training from The Center for Excellence in EMDR therapy in process (03/2023-09/2023)

More about me:

Besides my clinical work, I am also a VR researcher and developer. I enjoy integrating humanity and philosophy into technology to advocate for the BIPOC community. I participate in developing different embodiment VR projects to represent racial minority life under gentrification and social exclusion at Columbia. Similar to counseling work, technology should also be a medium that carries healing and understanding and lets us overcome fears and prejudice.