Hello, I’m glad you’re here. My name is Alice (XiaoRan) Zhao. As an Asian woman and a mother of two young children, I bring both lived experience and professional understanding to my work with mothers, trauma survivors, and BIPOC individuals. I understand the emotional weight of carrying multiple roles while navigating cultural expectations, systemic barriers, and personal healing. I specialize in supporting mothers and BIPOC clients who have experienced trauma, chronic stress, or discrimination. These experiences can leave lasting impacts, including intrusive thoughts, emotional overwhelm, feelings of guilt or shame, and physical responses that may feel hard to control. You do not have to carry this alone. I provide a safe, culturally responsive, and compassionate space where your experiences are honored and understood through various therapeutic approaches. Trauma is not always easy to put into words. Memories may feel fragmented or difficult to access, and talking about them in detail can feel overwhelming. In therapy, I use Brainspotting to help process traumatic and stressful experiences in a gentle and effective way, allowing healing to happen without requiring you to relive every detail. For mothers, especially BIPOC and immigrant mothers, there can be added layers of pressure, identity shifts, and isolation. Whether you are balancing caregiving, navigating intergenerational expectations, or adjusting to life in a new culture, I understand the unique challenges you face. As a counselor, I am deeply committed to empowering you, honoring your resilience, and supporting your journey toward healing, balance, and hope.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During your first session, you can expect a warm, welcoming, and supportive environment where you are invited to share at your own pace. This session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to talk about what brings you to therapy, your concerns, and your goals for treatment. I will conduct a thoughtful and comprehensive assessment to better understand your experiences, strengths, and needs. Together, we will begin to explore what support may be most helpful for you and start developing a personalized treatment plan that feels aligned with your values and priorities. Above all, the first session is about building safety and trust. My goal is to establish a strong therapeutic relationship and create a solid foundation for our work together, ensuring that you feel heard, respected, and supported as we move forward.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My greatest strengths as a provider include my empathy, my ability to create a safe and non-judgmental space for clients, and my extensive knowledge and experience with various therapeutic methods. I am dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals dealing with Anxiety, depression, trauma, and PTSD, those struggling with ADHD, and families experiencing conflict. My expertise and empathetic approach make me an ideal provider for those seeking to overcome emotional challenges and improve their overall well-being. I provide a safe and healing journey.
Brainspotting
I have extensive experience with Brainspotting, a therapeutic method that helps clients access, process, and overcome trauma and emotional pain. In my practice, I use Brainspotting to help clients focus on specific eye positions which stimulate deep processing and healing. This method has proven effective for those dealing with trauma, PTSD, and other emotional difficulties.
Integrative
I use an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from multiple evidence-based models to meet each client’s unique needs. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all method, I support my client by combining techniques that provide emotional insight, practical change, and overall well-being. This flexible approach allows therapy to evolve as clients grow, ensuring care that is both personalized and effective.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I incorporate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address negative and irrational thought patterns, helping clients examine the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and replace unhelpful beliefs with more adaptive perspectives.
Attachment-based
I am familiar with attachment theory and incorporate attachment-based approaches in therapy to help clients understand relationship patterns, strengthen emotional connections, and address challenges related to attachment and intimacy. I also use Gottman theory in therapy to help with couples work.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I incorporate mind–body approaches to support emotional regulation, using techniques such as breathwork and body-based awareness to help clients manage stress and improve emotional resilience.