(she/her)
New to Grow
Hello, I’m Xiangru (Ruby) Meng, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with dual licensure in both New York and New Jersey. For the past seven years, I've had the privilege of partnering with individuals, couples, and families as they navigate the complex currents of life. My experience has shown me that everyone, at some point, faces challenges that can feel overwhelming, whether it's the persistent hum of anxiety, the weight of depression, the complexities of relationships, or the uncertainty of major life transitions. My role is to walk alongside you through these ups and downs, offering support that is not only professional but also deeply compassionate, down-to-earth, and tailored specifically to you. My therapeutic approach is built on the belief that you are the expert of your own life. I strive to create a warm, non-judgmental environment where you feel safe to explore your thoughts and feelings. Beyond my professional work, my personal passions deeply inform my practice. Yoga reminds me of the crucial mind-body connection, while rock climbing has taught me about resilience and how to break down overwhelming challenges into manageable steps. As a knitter and a dog mom, I’m also reminded daily of the value of patience and the healing power of unconditional connection. Whether you are seeking to heal, build healthier relationships, or simply find a clearer path forward, I am here to support you. My goal is to help you navigate your current challenges while equipping you with the insight and tools to build a more resilient and meaningful life. I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you!
Our first session is a bit different from future sessions because it has three main goals: for us to get to know each other, for me to understand what's bringing you to therapy, and for you to get a feel for how I work to see if it's a good fit for you. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with. Towards the end of our session, I will share my initial thoughts on how we might work together to address your concerns. We will collaboratively discuss a potential plan for therapy, including how often we might meet. My aim is for you to leave the first session with a sense of hope and a clearer understanding of what the therapeutic process can look like for you. Please remember, there's no "right" or "wrong" way to be in a first session. My role is to create a non-judgmental and supportive space for you. I look forward to meeting you and beginning this journey together.
I take a strengths-based, collaborative approach, working with you to define your goals for therapy. In our work together, I draw from a variety of approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness practices, and the Gottman Method for couples. My goal is to offer a compassionate, collaborative space where we can address current challenges and foster lasting growth, and a greater sense of balance and well-being.
I have experience working with a wide range of individuals, including those navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship challenges, and women’s issues such as reproductive health and domestic violence.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I’ve been using CBT treating clients with anxiety and depression. I like that CBT is structured and goal-oriented therapy that focuses on present problems and equips clients with practical skills to manage them. I work collaboratively with clients while assessing their specific challenges and to set clear and achievable goals for therapy. During therapy sessions, we will identify negative thought patterns, challenge and restructure thoughts and develop new coping skills.
Gottman method
I’ve been using Gottman method for couples counseling to strengthen clients' relationships by improving friendship, managing conflict, and creating shared meaning.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I found ACT very helpful for patients with high anxiety and chronic medical conditions. Clients often feel relieved after applying ACT techniques such as cognitive defusion or self-as-context. The relief doesn't come from eliminating difficult thoughts and feelings, but from changing their relationship with them.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
I like to introduce mindfulness based practice during sessions, especially for clients with anxiety with panic attacks and trauma. Sometimes just simple grounding techniques would be helpful.