Sophia (ChihNing) Wu, CAT-LP

She/ Her

Tier II Therapist

I wonder if you’ve ever had a similar experience to mine: growing up, we were often told that if we worked hard enough, got into a good school, and found a stable job, happiness would naturally follow. But as we grow older, we come to realize that life is far more complicated. We may lose our sense of direction in our careers, feel hurt or disappointed in relationships, and despite trying our best, we start to feel disconnected from who we are. We may begin to question what’s wrong with us, struggle to love ourselves, and feel overwhelmed by loneliness and confusion.

If given the chance, I would be honored to listen to your story, understand your struggles, and walk alongside you as you explore your inner world, navigate complex relationships, and gradually reconnect with the version of yourself you long to become. Together, we can work on rebuilding trust in yourself, cultivating self-compassion, and developing the inner strength needed to face life’s challenges with resilience and confidence.

By integrating verbal expression, writing, and creative art-making, I tailor the therapeutic journey to your unique needs. I deeply believe that mental health challenges are not signs of personal failure, but rather evidence of how hard you’ve been trying to survive. In our work together, we’ll unfold the map of your inner landscape, heal the wounds of the past, and rediscover the wisdom and strength that already exist within you—opening up space for growth, change, and possibility.

You are not broken—your struggles reflect how hard you’ve been trying to survive, and together, we’ll gently rediscover your strength, self-compassion, and sense of direction.

My Story

At the age of 20, I was diagnosed with depression, an eating disorder, and an autoimmune disease. That marked the beginning of a healing journey that has spanned over a decade—one that included ongoing psychotherapy, a deep dive into existential philosophy, practices of yoga and mindfulness, and extensive reflective writing.

At 30, with both excitement and uncertainty, I made the decision to leave behind my professional background in business that I had built in Taiwan, answering a long-standing inner calling to become a healer. I moved to New York to pursue a graduate degree in art therapy, and through structured training, I have been transforming into a professional mental health practitioner.

I am a wounded healer. These years of healing have taught me to shift from pursuing perfection to choosing to be authentic. Because I have known what it feels like to be broken, lost, and hopeless, I can deeply empathize with those in similar emotional landscapes. And because I have walked the path of recovery myself, I believe that even in the depths of despair, with the right support and companionship, it is possible to rediscover self-compassion and live a more honest, meaningful life.

Therapeutic Approaches

Our Relationship

I don't see clients as "problems to be solved," but as individuals who have been through something—and I believe in your capacity, resilience, and wisdom to meet the challenges you're facing. In our work together, I do not take the role of an expert or a teacher, but rather a collaborator and companion. I will listen with full presence, curiosity, and empathy, supporting you as you come to better understand yourself and reclaim your inner strength.

I welcome your honest feedback, invite your leadership in the process, and honor your autonomy—you always have the right to say “no” to me.

My Therapeutic Orientation

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Different methods serve different people at different times. My guiding principle is to use approaches that align with my core values, and that I’ve found meaningful and helpful in my own healing journey.

I deeply believe in the power of images. Many traumatic experiences and overwhelming emotions cannot be expressed through words alone. In these moments, art-making offers a powerful alternative language that helps us access and communicate our inner world. You don’t need to be “good at art” or know what to create—there is no right or wrong, beautiful or ugly in art therapy. Images are like words, and I will gently guide you in a safe and supportive space to use art as a way to know, trust, and heal yourself more deeply.

Depending on your needs, I also integrate concepts and practices from:

Internal Family Systems (IFS) – to gently and compassionately explore your inner parts and heal wounded aspects of the self.
Narrative and Existential Therapy – to reframe the past, make new meaning, and reclaim your voice in writing and shaping your own life story.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – to develop emotional awareness and learn to navigate stress, anxiety, and difficult emotions with more kindness and balance.

Cultural and Individual Differences

As an East Asian woman living and working in the Western context of the U.S., I resonate deeply with the complexities of cultural identity and individual difference. In therapy, I pay close attention to your background—whether cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual, or otherwise—and how these factors shape your experiences and inner world.

I approach these conversations with curiosity, humility, and respect. When needed, I welcome open and honest dialogue about identity, belonging, power, and marginalization. I will also reflect on how my own identity and cultural background may influence our therapeutic relationship. Ultimately, my goal is to support you in understanding how your environment has shaped you and to help you integrate and construct an authentic, empowered sense of self.

Specialties

The issues I specialize in are deeply connected to my identity and life experience. These are not just topics I’ve studied—they are struggles I have personally lived through, spent years healing from, and now hold with empathy and care. My own journey allows me to accompany and support others who are walking similar paths.

“I’m never good enough.”

You try so hard to meet others’ expectations, to become the “perfect” version of yourself. You crave approval, criticize yourself harshly, and no matter how much you do, it never feels like enough. You’re exhausted and don’t know how to stop. If this feels familiar, please know you are not alone. I’ve been there too, and I’ve worked with many clients who carry the same inner voices.

Together, we’ll explore where these voices come from—what they are trying to protect, and what they’re afraid of. Often, they lead us back to our family of origin or past relational wounds. We’ll gently work through those hurts, and begin building a safer, more compassionate relationship with yourself.

“I don’t know who I am.”

You may have a good education and a stable job, yet feel stuck in life—unsure why you’re here or where you want to go next. You might feel afraid of change or uncertain about who you truly are. This confusion is not your fault. Most of us were never taught how to understand ourselves or live according to what we want, rather than what we should be.

I’ll support you in reconnecting with the wisdom of your body and inner voice, sorting through the noise and fear, and finding clarity and direction. Together, we’ll practice listening to your true self and cultivating the courage to live a life that feels meaningful and true to you—even in the face of reality.

“Why can’t I be loved?”

You long for love and attention in intimate relationships, but find yourself repeatedly hurt, disappointed, or doubting your worth. You may feel stuck in unhealthy relationships you know aren’t good for you, yet can’t seem to leave. These patterns often stem from not having experienced safe, nurturing love—and from never being taught how to truly love ourselves.

In our work, we’ll explore the deep yearning to be loved and begin healing from those unmet needs. I’ll guide you in learning how to appreciate, support, and care for yourself. Building a trusting, healthy relationship with yourself is often the first step toward creating fulfilling, connected relationships with others.

Credentials

License: New York State / Creative Arts Therapist Limited Permit (LCAT-LP)
Supervisor: YuehChun Chao (Avery), LCAT #002513
Degree: MPS in Art Therapy, School of Visual Arts, New York, USA
Degree: BBA in Business Administration, National Taiwan University, Taiwan

More About Me

I was once a dog mom. Heartbreakingly, he passed away suddenly just before his sixth birthday. It was the first time I had come so close to the death of someone I loved deeply—and the first time I experienced such soul-wrenching grief. I didn’t know how to face the overwhelming waves of sorrow that followed. It was art therapy that helped me express the emotions I had been holding in and find a way to process the ending of that meaningful relationship. If you are also going through the end of a relationship and don’t know how to move forward, I’m here to accompany you in facing that grief through the unspoken language of images and art.

“Facing death teaches us how to truly live.” The sorrow of loss may never fully go away, but we can learn to live with it—making peace with regret, forgiving ourselves, and finding ways to carry forward the spirit and stories of those we love.

Book a Session with Sophia