About Leila:

Hello, my name is Leila, and I am glad that you are here!

I was born and raised in China. My journey as an international student began when I was 18. Studying abroad on my own brought many cultural and social challenges, leading to feelings of isolation and, at times, depression. This experience made me more aware of mental health issues. Over time, I realized that I wasn’t alone in these struggles, and that realization sparked my interest in psychology.

My commitment to becoming a mental health therapist is deeply rooted in my intersectional identity as a cis-female, queer, and Asian individual. Navigating self-awareness and self-identification across different cultural contexts has been challenging, but I’ve been fortunate to receive support from others along the way. Now, with the education and determination I’ve gained, I feel motivated and equipped to be there for people who might also be facing challenges related to identity, belonging, and mental well-being. I have experience working with Asian LGBTQ+ individuals and their family, which has deepened my understanding of the nuances of cultural sensitivity in these contexts.

In my practice, I take a strength-based approach, prioritizing the creation of an empathetic and non-judgmental environment where you feel supported and secure. My goal is for you to build trust— not just in me, but in yourself as well. Together, we’ll explore your upbringing, unique experiences, and any topics or concerns you wish to explore. By collaborating with you throughout the process and helping you develop new skills and perspectives, I hope to help you learn more about yourself and connect with yourself and the strengths within you. 

Starting your journey of self-exploration and healing takes courage, and I want to affirm you for taking this step. It’s an important move toward growth and well-being, and I’m here to support you along the way. To schedule an appointment with me, please reach out to our Care Coordinator team, who will guide you through the process. I want to recognize your bravery in seeking help, and it’s an honor to be a part of your journey!

Yuheng “Leila” Li is a Clinical Social Worker Intern/Master of Science in Social Work Intern
Supervised by Asuka Garcia, LCSW 104455

您好，我是昱蘅，您也可以称呼我为Leila，很高兴在这里遇见您！

我来自中国，在十八岁时开启了我的留学生活。一个人在异国他乡，面对着种种文化差异与独立生活的挑战，让我开始关注心理健康问题。随着我逐渐深入了解，我发现这个领域比我意识到的更有意义与重要。我要学习心理学——我做出了这个决定。

之所以坚定地投身于心理咨询师的职业，一部分原因也是因为我的交叉身份——我作为一位亚洲人，同时也是顺性别女、性取向为酷儿。在较为传统的东亚文化中，我的身份有些令大部分人难以接受。而在留学期间，在完全不同的文化氛围中，我感受到了包容与多元。一路上，我得到了朋友和导师的支持与鼓励，让我在寻找自我认知和身份认同的道路上不再那么困难。现在，我由衷地希望能运用我的专业知识，为那些和我一样，在身份认同、归属感与心理健康方面面临挑战的人提供帮助。在过去的几年里，我在LGBTQ+个体及其家庭的工作中积累了丰富的经验。每次帮助到他人的时候，我都更加理解心理咨询的意义。

在我的实践中，我将采用优点导向的方法，优先创造一个充满同理心和无评判的环境，给予您绝对的支持和安全感。我的目标是帮助您建立信任——不仅是对我的信任，也是您对自己的自信。我们将共同探讨您的成长背景、独特经历，尊重您的想法，一起面对让您感到苦恼的问题。通过治疗技巧和合作，您会在不断前进的过程中发现自己的力量！

感谢您读到这里，踏上成长与治愈之旅需要勇气，您已经迈出了积极且重要的第一步。若要预约，请联系我们的协调员团队，他们将帮助您。如果能够成为您旅程的一部分是我的荣幸！

李昱蘅是位临床社会工作实习生/社会工作硕士实习生
由临床社会工作者Asuka Garcia（执照LCSW 104455）督导