New to Grow
Dr. Taji Huang, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who provides compassionate, evidence‑based therapy for adults seeking meaningful and lasting change. She works with individuals navigating trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, mood concerns, and life transitions, and tailors treatment to each client’s unique needs and goals. Dr. Huang integrates approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma‑focused therapies to help clients increase insight, build effective coping skills, and move toward greater balance and fulfillment. She is known for creating a supportive, grounded therapeutic space that also encourages growth, accountability, and transformation. Dr. Huang believes therapy is a collaborative process, one that empowers clients to heal, reconnect with themselves, and live more intentional lives.
Our first session is about creating a sense of safety, trust, and connection. I understand that starting therapy—especially if you have a history of trauma, can feel intimidating, vulnerable, or even overwhelming. We will move at a pace that feels right for you, and you will always have choice and control over what you share. During our initial meeting, I’ll invite you to talk about what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and what you’ve been carrying, whether that feels clear or hard to put into words. We’ll review relevant background information gently and thoughtfully, with an emphasis on your current needs rather than forcing you to revisit difficult experiences before you’re ready. There is no expectation to “tell your whole story” in the first session. I’ll also take time to explain how I work, answer questions, and collaborate with you on what support might look like moving forward. A trauma‑informed approach means paying close attention to your comfort, emotional regulation, and sense of grounding throughout the session. If at any point something feels like too much, we pause, adjust, or shift focus, your nervous system sets the pace. By the end of our first session, my goal is for you to feel heard, respected, and supported, with a clearer understanding of how therapy can help and what our work together may involve. This first step is about building a foundation, one rooted in safety, empowerment, and collaboration, so that meaningful healing and change can unfold over time.
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to create a safe, grounded, and supportive environment while also offering thoughtful challenge. Clients often feel deeply seen and respected in our work together, which allows them to be vulnerable, honest, and open to meaningful change. I meet clients where they are while helping them move toward where they want to be. I work from a trauma‑informed, evidence‑based framework that prioritizes safety, pacing, and collaboration. I am attentive to each client’s nervous system, emotional tolerance, and readiness for deeper work, ensuring therapy feels empowering rather than overwhelming. Clients maintain choice and control throughout the process, which helps build trust and long‑term resilience. Another strength of my approach is my ability to integrate multiple modalities—including CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma‑focused therapies, based on each client’s needs and goals. Rather than using a one‑size‑fits‑all method, I tailor treatment to support insight, emotional regulation, and practical skill‑building. Clients leave sessions with both a deeper understanding of themselves and tools they can apply in daily life. I am especially effective with motivated, goal‑oriented clients who want something different and are open to growth. I balance compassion with accountability, offering honest feedback while maintaining a nonjudgmental and supportive stance. For clients who value depth, reflection, spirituality, or personal transformation, therapy becomes a space not only for healing, but for alignment, empowerment, and lasting change.
I am best positioned to work with clients who are motivated and open to growth, even if they feel vulnerable or unsure where to start. My ideal client is goal‑oriented, ready for change, and knows they want something different—whether that means healing from past experiences, developing healthier patterns, or living more intentionally. They are open to being both supported and gently challenged in therapy, and may identify as spiritual or curious about deeper meaning and self‑awareness. Together, we work collaboratively toward meaningful, lasting change.
EMDR
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and have used it extensively in my clinical work with clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety, grief, and other distressing life events. My experience includes working with individuals who present with both single-incident trauma and more complex developmental or relational trauma. In my practice, I use EMDR as a structured, phase‑based treatment approach. I begin with a thorough assessment to ensure the client has sufficient internal resources, grounding skills, and emotional stability before we move into reprocessing. During the preparation phase, I focus on helping clients build coping strategies, increase affect tolerance, and develop a strong sense of safety in the therapeutic relationship. Once a client is ready, I guide them through the reprocessing phases, using bilateral stimulation—typically eye movements, taps, or tones—to help the brain process traumatic memories that remain “stuck” or unintegrated. My role is to facilitate the client’s innate capacity to heal, not to direct or interpret their experience. I monitor their level of activation closely, help them stay within their window of tolerance, and support the natural progression of desensitization and cognitive restructuring. Throughout the EMDR process, I integrate elements from other modalities as needed, such as grounding techniques, parts‑work, mindfulness, and psychoeducation, especially for clients with complex trauma histories. This helps ensure they feel supported, regulated, and empowered throughout treatment. Overall, EMDR has been one of the most effective tools in my practice for helping clients resolve traumatic memories, reduce symptoms, and create more adaptive beliefs about themselves. I use it flexibly, tailoring the pace and structure to each individual client’s needs, history, and readiness.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in my practice to help clients understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I work collaboratively with clients to identify unhelpful thinking patterns, develop coping skills, and create more adaptive ways of responding to stressors. CBT allows for a structured, goal‑oriented approach while remaining flexible to each client’s needs.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in my practice to help clients build skills in emotion regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. I apply DBT strategies to support clients in managing intense emotions, reducing maladaptive behaviors, and increasing coping and resilience. The approach is collaborative, skills‑based, and tailored to each client’s needs.