LPC, 14 years of experience
Hi there, I'm Dr. Shi. Do you want to become the best self, learn how to better manage and cope with life transitions, and stay on top of daily stressors? I could provide help by creating a safe and trusting environment where you feel comfortable sharing your experiences and feelings and receiving genuine feedback. In our sessions, we will explore patterns of thoughts, feelings and behaviors to establish improved ways of being and relating to others. Through our work together, you will achieve a better understanding of yourself, helping you to alleviate distress and develop more satisfying relationships. I am a licensed therapist in the state of Maryland with more than ten years of experience in individual counseling (adults and adolescents). I earned my doctoral degree in Counselor Education from the George Washington University in 2014 and since then I have been a faculty in school counseling programs in higher education.
In our first session, my goal is to get to know you and understand what brought you to counseling. We’ll spend some time talking about your background, your current concerns, and your goals for therapy. I’ll also explain how the counseling process works, including confidentiality, session structure, and what you can expect from me as your therapist. This is a chance for you to ask questions, share what feels most important, and begin building a safe, collaborative space where you feel supported. By the end of our first session, we’ll work together to outline initial goals and identify next steps so you have a clear sense of direction moving forward.
I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, relationship, and life transition adjustment issues. I have expertise in working with diverse client populations in terms of race/ethnicity, languages spoken, immigration status and gender identity. I use a systemic and strength-based lens when working with diverse clients which means clients will learn about valuing and utilizing their assets and seeing the presenting issues in an ecological framework.
My ideal clients are individuals who are motivated to explore their challenges and open to personal growth, even if they are unsure where to start. I work well with clients who may be navigating stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, life transitions, or struggles with identity and self-esteem. Many of the people I serve are seeking not only relief from immediate concerns but also a deeper understanding of themselves and their patterns. Whether your goal is to develop healthier coping strategies, improve communication, or build resilience in the face of life’s challenges, I strive to create a supportive and collaborative space where you can move toward lasting change.
I have extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize and reframe unhelpful thoughts, manage difficult emotions, and make meaningful behavioral changes. In my work, I use CBT as a collaborative, structured, and goal-oriented approach that emphasizes skill-building and practical strategies clients can apply in their daily lives. I guide clients in identifying patterns of thinking that contribute to distress and support them in developing more balanced perspectives and healthier coping responses. Depending on clients’ needs, I also integrate mindfulness and strengths-based strategies into CBT to create a flexible approach that feels both effective and personally meaningful.
My approach to therapy is integrative, meaning I draw from multiple evidence-based treatment methods to best meet each client’s unique needs. Rather than relying on a single model, I combine elements of approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based practices, person-centered therapy, and strengths-based interventions. This allows me to tailor the counseling process to your goals, personality, and circumstances while maintaining flexibility as your needs evolve. I believe that an integrative approach honors the whole person and supports growth by addressing thoughts, emotions, behaviors, relationships, and strengths in a comprehensive way.