Janie Lai

In today's world, children and adults both face a unique variety of barriers and obstacles.​ Given the stigma of mental health challenges in many cultures, mental health journeys can feel isolating without the right support. 

 

My approach is built from my personal and professional experiences, as well as my educational background. I focus on establishing a safe, secure, and positive environment to express emotions, explore patterns, develop awareness, and pursue life-changing growth. I believe that therapy is a space to both process past and present life experiences, as well as to build and practice new skills and make changes with lasting benefit. I practice drawing from attachment focused, cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral therapy, psychodynamic, and culturally-centered orientations. 

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I am intentional about listening to the voices of individuals with lived experiences and understand the importance of considering cultural factors, such as race, class, and ability, when seeking to understand each individual's strengths, needs, and challenges. Individuals with marginalized identities are at higher risk of discrimination and micro-aggressions, and may have different styles of processing information and communicating, which can impact their mood, relationships, and identity development.