About Me

Welcome. My name is Edie. I arrive as a human first, psychotherapist second. I am a second-generation Chinese American native to the Bay Area. I consider myself a deeply attuned feeler, lover of animals, and a slow mover.

My personal process deeply influences my process as a psychotherapist. Navigating achievement-oriented academic environments, experiencing complex trauma with immigrant parents, navigating the world as a deep feeler, and returning to and living from my body are core processes where I have transmuted pain into spaciousness.

My Approach

Thank you for choosing to show up for yourself. Healing takes courage. Our minds and bodies learn to function in certain ways that help us survive certain periods, and often, hold onto the same patterns that no longer serve us. Any changes we may desire to make are perceived as inherently dangerous as our system is wired for survival.

As a psychotherapist, I have been described as warm, fiercely compassionate, and comfortable sitting in and exploring the depths. I draw upon the traditions of Jungian depth psychology, transpersonal psychology, relational therapy, and holistic modalities that encompass the whole being. In action, I am a process-oriented therapist that believes experiences are more powerful than lectures. Experiences start with the present moment. Modalities I may invite during our time together:

  • Experientials in the present moment (i.e., sand tray, visualization, meditations)
  • Mind-body principles and somatic work, and exploring your relationship with these parts while noticing your somatic (physical and bodily sensations) to enhance the mind-body connection.
  • Parts work
  • Information on the nervous system, nutrition, gut health, and fascia and may also be introduced to build a foundation of wellness. Reinforcing these different spokes of the wheel and practicing listening to the body and its wisdom can lead to insights that are longer-lasting and deeper than psychotherapy that solely focuses on the rational brain.
  • Integration work (pre-ceremony and post-ceremony)

”Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” Zen Buddhist saying

I am not a quick fix therapist, as I have experienced true healing to take gentleness, safety, and integration. I believe that transformation occurs through attunement and acceptance of the present moment, rather than forceful attempts to be different.

With youth (ages six and above), I invite experientials (i.e., sandtray, expressive arts therapy, play therapy, somatic work) and hold a compassionate and warm space to meet them right where they are at. I partner with their families and system to provide aligned support.

Education & Credentials

Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy *currently in training December 2025

Process Model of therapy by Don and Carol Hadlock 2024

Certificate Reiki Level II 2024

Certificate Reiki Level I 2021

Masters of Social Work from The Ohio State University 2022

Bachelors of Science from The Pennsylvania State University Psychology (Honors) 2019

Bachelors of Arts from The Pennsylvania State University Criminology

*Graduated magna cum laude

Contact Information

Currently available for requests

edieyelcsw@gmail.com

(408) 618-5568