meet olivia yang

olivia’s credentials and philosophy

Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) - Clinical license 149.013888 - Pronouns (she/her/hers) - English - Individuals 

I utilize a flexible, eclectic & integrative trauma-informed approach tailored to help each client authentically explore & express their innermost thoughts, feelings & desires, at their own pace, while offering gentle guidance, coaching, warmth, humor, empathy & compassion.

I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic space that allows clients to identify & work toward their own personal goals, gain increased insight & self-awareness, & develop coping skills & strategies to better tackle life’s problems, in order to achieve balance in all realms: mental, emotional, physical, spiritual, relational & professional.

I am passionate about working with the AAPI community, as well as other highly sensitive people, empaths, introverts & overachievers. I am open to exploring the full gamut of cultural, social, relational, identity & existential issues. I also have a strong interest in integrating alternative treatments, such as the use of psychedelics, ketamine & medical cannabis, in order to facilitate healing from trauma, improve mental health & emotional well-being, & promote spiritual growth & transformation.

Some of my intersecting identities are:

I am a second-generation Chinese & Taiwanese-American - Chicago & burbs native - proud aunt & dog mom - survivor & thriver of complex trauma, parent, pet & pregnancy loss - highly sensitive person & empath - introvert - reformed overachiever - Latin dance enthusiast - former graphic & web designer - LGBTQIA+ ally & advocate

specialization

olivia’s areas of focus:

Trauma & dissociation - anxiety, depression & mood disorders - grief & loss - Asian-American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) mental health - fertility journey- domestic violence - toxic relationships - modern dating - racial & cultural identity - existential issues - children of immigrants - intergenerational trauma - family of origin issues - introverts - highly sensitive people & empaths - overachievers - imposter syndrome -confidence & self-esteem - shame recovery

olivia’s approach:

EMDR - trauma-informed - ego state therapy & parts work - Internal Family Systems (IFS) - attachment theory - psychodynamic & relational - experiential - DBT -ACT -CBT- mindfulness - Polyvagal-informed - Gottman method - strengths-based

education

The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy & Practice

Masters in Social Work, Clinical Concentration

Fluence

Understanding Ketamine

EMDRIA

Basic EMDR certification in progress

Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence & Partner Abuse Intervention Program trainings

contact

olivia@balancepsychotherapy.com