Psychotherapy

Healing takes as long as it takes.  Everyone’s journey is unique and has different twists and turns and takes its own length of time.  There is no need to judge or compare. Some of my clients have experienced changes in the first couple of sessions, for others it took a few months or more to start noticing progress.  

Progress does not necessarily need to be “big”.  It can be what you struggle with on a daily basis, such as getting better sleep, waking up without feeling anxious, eagerness to tidy up your apartment, washing the dishes that have piled up for days or being able to initiative communication.  These “small” changes indicate profound shifts are happening within you.

In a session, you may notice a new emotion, thought, or behavior that is not what you are used to, but what you have longed to experience. One of the major signs of healing is the capacity to hold your own hurt with a kind and gentle heart.  You may become softer and stronger, wiser and more at ease.  

Hong's Approach

With a background in applying and integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches, somatic therapies are the ones I use most often.  They tend to be the most effective therapies for many of my clients, including those who come to me with a history of traditional talk therapy.  Many of them are eager to work on their trauma or long-standing issues that they have not been able to pass through.  Some have exhausted options for other therapies yet the deep-rooted patterns, beliefs and emotions remain difficult to shift and transform.  

Most of my sessions tend to be experiential, unless you feel the need to have a talk therapy session, which is equally respected.  

I often find myself moved by the trust my clients have in me.  I feel privileged to witness their greatest and most vulnerable moments.  It’s an honor to observe the release of their traumatic emotions and the occurrence of the transformation to lightness, spaciousness and a true sense of freedom.  It is a homecoming experience.  

Coming from a different cultural background, I integrate Eastern and Western philosophies and experience into my practice. I speak fluent English and Mandarin Chinese.

I also have worked with people who seek guidance to integrate plant medicine ceremonial experiences. In a non-judgmental space with my presence and understanding, I help integrate the challenging experiences one may go through during such ceremonies. I bring all of my therapeutic and personal experience to support and facilitate people who are considering and/or have already engaged in such profound practices.

Virtual Therapy in the Current Environment

Even though I have an office in midtown Manhattan, during the current pandemic crisis, all therapy sessions are being conducted online via HIPAA compliant platforms. Safety is my main concern when working with you. I make every effort to create a safe environment in our remote sessions.

EMDR therapy and the other somatic therapies that I use have been applied in my tele-therapy sessions since the lock-down in March 2020.  I have found that they are as effective as in-person therapy.

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Somatic Therapies

Somatic therapies understand that when trauma occurs (it could be the small “t” of our everyday life experience), it affects or impacts our nervous system. This trauma-conditioned nervous system distorts and shatters our sense of self and disconnects the truth of who we are.  Healing from trauma, or moving pass your past, requires a reset or re-programming of our nervous system.

Somatic therapies may include but are not limited to EMDR therapy, Somatic Intervention, and Somatic Experiencing.

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