FAQ
Therapy: What to Expect
What is therapy, really? How is it different from talking to a friend?
Therapy is more than just talking—it’s a space where you can slow down, listen to your inner world, and begin to understand yourself in new ways. Unlike a friend, a therapist is trained to notice patterns, ask deeper questions, and hold space for emotions that may feel too much in everyday life. Our relationship is focused entirely on you.
I’m here not to give advice, but to help you connect the dots, heal past wounds, and move toward what feels more alive and true for you.
What do we talk about in sessions? Is there a structure?
Every session will look a little different, depending on what feels most alive or important to you in the moment. My way of doing therapy is not highly structured—I invite you to say whatever comes to mind, even if it feels random or off-topic. Often, the unconscious brings forward exactly what needs our attention, leading us into places that feel unexpected, meaningful, and even transformative.
That said, I’ll help us stay connected to your deeper goals, whether that means processing emotions, making sense of patterns, or exploring a stuck place. You don’t need to plan anything ahead. Just come as you are.
What if I’m not sure my problem is “serious enough” for therapy?
That feeling is more common than you think. Many people worry they’re being “too dramatic” or that others have it worse. But therapy isn’t just for crises—it’s for anyone who feels stuck, numb, anxious, lost, or disconnected from themselves. You don’t need to prove your pain or have the right words. If something inside you is quietly asking for support, that’s enough.
I’m high-functioning. Do I really need therapy?
Absolutely—and you’re not alone in wondering this. Many of my clients are highly capable, thoughtful, and appear “fine” on the outside. They’re getting things done, caring for others, showing up—but inside, they may feel anxious, overwhelmed, emotionally disconnected, or quietly exhausted.
High-functioning doesn’t mean untouched by pain. Often, it means you’ve learned to cope through perfectionism, self-silencing, or pushing through feelings. Therapy isn’t just for crisis—it’s also a space for you to slow down, reconnect with your inner world, and explore what’s underneath the surface.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything “right” but still feel stuck, numb, or unsure of what you need, therapy can help you understand those patterns and begin to feel more fully alive—without having to fall apart to get support.
How can therapy make a change to my life?
Therapy creates change by helping you become more aware of your internal patterns—how you think, feel, relate, and protect yourself—and by offering a new kind of relational experience that can reshape those patterns over time. When you feel seen, supported, and emotionally safe, your nervous system can begin to respond differently.
Thanks to neuroplasticity, the brain is capable of change throughout life. Old emotional pathways that were shaped by past pain or disconnection don’t have to define you forever. In therapy, we stay with key emotional moments in a gentle, attuned way—and this can help create new pathways for feeling, relating, and being. Over time, you may find yourself reacting differently, connecting with others more freely, and feeling more grounded in who you are.
How long will Therapy last?
The length of therapy varies from person to person. Some people come for a few months to work through something specific. Others choose to stay longer to explore deeper patterns and allow change to unfold over time. We’ll check in regularly to see how things are going and make sure the work continues to feel useful and right for you.
Therapy Setup
Do you offer online or in-person sessions?
I offer both. Sessions can take place online (via a secure video platform) or in-person at my office in New York City. Each format has its own unique benefits. Some people feel more at ease in the comfort of their own space, especially when starting therapy. Others find that coming into the room creates a sense of presence, grounding, and emotional focus.
What matters most is that you feel safe and connected—whether through a screen or in person. You’re welcome to choose what feels right for you, and we can always revisit it as your needs change.
How long is each session? How often do we meet?
Individual sessions are 45 minutes long, and couples sessions are 60 minutes. Most clients come once a week, though some choose to meet more or less often depending on their needs, schedule, and goals.
We’ll talk together about what feels right for you—and that arrangement can shift over time.
Do you take insurance?
I’m not in-network with any insurance providers. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to get partial reimbursement. Sometimes with reimbursement my clients can reduce the cost by a lot. See below for how that works.
Do you provide superbills for reimbursement?
Yes. If your insurance plan offers out-of-network coverage, I can provide monthly superbills that include all the necessary information for you to submit a claim. Feel free to ask if you’re unsure how this works.
What if I can’t afford the full fee? Do you offer sliding scale spots?
Yes, I offer a limited number of sliding scale spots based on financial need. If cost is a concern, please don’t hesitate to reach out—we can talk about what’s possible.
What’s your cancellation policy?
I hold a weekly time slot just for you, so I ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a session. If you cancel within 24 hours or miss a session without notice, the full fee will be charged. Of course, I understand that emergencies happen—just reach out as soon as you can.
Getting to Know Me as Your Therapist
What’s your style of doing therapy?
Many clients have told me they feel a deeply warm and attuned presence when they’re with me. I take that to heart. I show up emotionally present, engaged, and attuned, not distant or neutral. I believe therapy works best when it’s grounded in a real, human relationship, where you feel genuinely seen and supported.
At the same time, I don’t just stay on the surface. I’m deeply curious about your inner world—your longings, fears, defenses, and the patterns that shape how you relate to yourself and others. Sometimes we’ll sit together in painful emotions, and I’ll be right there with you. Other times, I may gently challenge you or help you notice blind spots that are hard to see on your own.
My work combines emotional depth and safety with active engagement. I won’t just nod along—I’ll be with you in the hard places and help you find new ways forward. What matters to me most is that you don’t feel alone in your experience—and that you come to feel more real, more whole, and more alive.
Do you speak Chinese? Can we have sessions in Mandarin or Cantonese?
Yes! Mandarin is my native language. As a Mandarin-speaking therapist in NYC, I often work with clients who feel more comfortable expressing emotion in their first language. I also understand Cantonese well—I did my undergrad in Hong Kong, so I’ve had plenty of practice listening. Just a heads-up: my speaking is… let’s say charmingly imperfect😅 But if you speak Cantonese, I’ll definitely understand you, and we can mix languages however feels comfortable.
Are you seeing a therapist yourself?
Yes—I’m currently seeing a psychoanalyst myself. Having a space to explore my own inner world has been deeply rewarding, both personally and professionally. It helps me understand myself more fully, and my work as a therapist benefits immensely from being on the other side of the process.
That said, I’ll be honest: I’ve “broken up” with four therapists before finding the right one. Some just didn’t feel like a good fit—trust me, I really know how hard it can be to find the right therapist. It’s just as tricky as dating!
So here’s my takeaway: if you find a therapist who feels right, don’t wait—reach out, grab that spot, and hold on. Good ones fill up fast. 😉
How do I know if you are the right therapist for me?
First of all—thank you for reading this far. The simple answer is: you won’t know until you find out.
I won’t pretend to be the right therapist for everyone. Not every match clicks—and that’s okay. But when it does click, therapy can become something truly meaningful, even life-changing. If what you’ve read so far resonates with you, chances are you already have a sense of whether we might be a good fit.
That said, nothing replaces talking to a real human. I encourage you to schedule a free consultation with me—we’ll get a feel for each other’s vibe, and you can ask anything on your mind. No pressure, no commitment—just a chance to see if it feels right!