Hello! I’m Cynthia Mao.

Reaching out for help takes incredible courage, and I want to commend you for taking this significant step. It’s difficult to navigate life’s challenges alone, and the path of feeling unseen and unheard can be both confusing and painful. Your struggles are not your fault, and you deserve a safe space where you can freely express your emotions and thoughts without judgement. I’m glad that you are here, where your voice will be heard and embraced with empathy. 

As we get started on this collaborative journey, I consider it a privilege to learn about your deepest thoughts and feelings. I offer a therapeutic environment with respect, warmth, and nonjudgmental support. Together, we can navigate your past, present, and future, delving into your inner landscape with compassion and understanding. Our shared exploration will empower you to cultivate insights, healing, and a renewed sense of self.

I’m a dedicated mental health therapist passionate about accompanying and guiding you toward a life of emotional well-being and personal growth. With a background rooted in psychology and clinical social work, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, I would like to stand by your side in part of your life journey.

Therapy for Asian and Asian American Communities

I am deeply committed to offering therapy specifically tailored to the distinctive experiences of Asian and Asian American individuals. Coming from East Asian communities and getting educated in the States, I will work collaboratively with you to help you figure out your social, cultural, and gender identities within different cultural and social backgrounds. Without judgments or high expectations, we will co-create a safe and open space where you can explore who you are and how to move closer to your ideal state.

 Together, we will develop a better understanding of ourselves and a more significant relief from the things that hinder our healing and success. We’ll cultivate a sense of connection, empowerment, and self-discovery. I will guide you toward a path of authenticity and resilience.

Therapy for Stress and Anxiety

Anxiety can cast a shadow over even the brightest moments of our lives. Stress from work, relationships, school, or daily interactions can all be driving you anxious. I am here to provide you with the tools to reclaim your sense of calm and explore the roots of your anxiety. Through evidence-based techniques, mindfulness practices, and empathetic support, we will work together to alleviate the weight of anxious thoughts in the most helpful way. Think of me as your steadfast companion, guiding you toward a place of peace and self-assurance.

Therapy for Relationship Issues

Navigating relationships can be both rewarding and challenging. Whether it’s family dynamics, friendships, or matters of the heart, I’m here to stand by your side as we unravel the complexities of your connections. With an open heart and a nonjudgmental stance, I am dedicated to helping you cultivate healthier connections and fostering a deeper understanding of yourself within these dynamics.

What Therapy with Me Looks Like

Choosing therapy is an act of self-empowerment, and I’m here to honor that step by creating an environment defined by trust, authenticity, and a shared sense of purpose.

In our therapeutic journey, these are two of the approaches that I would usually use:

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: We’ll cultivate a mindset of embracing your thoughts and feelings rather than resisting them since pushing them away would probably lead to repetitions and more problems. Together, we’ll work on committing to actions that align with your values, so that you can develop psychological flexibility and resilience. Through mindfulness practices and acceptance, we’ll create a supportive space for you to develop a compassionate relationship with your inner experiences. Our focus will be on actively pursuing a meaningful life, promoting emotional well-being and personal growth.

Client-Centered Therapy: Our sessions revolve around you and your unique experiences. I’m here to actively listen, without judgement, and provide a space where you can freely explore your thoughts and emotions. Your needs and goals will be at the forefront of our work together.

Psychodynamic Approach: We’ll delve deeper into the layers of your experiences, understanding how past interactions and emotions shape your present. This approach empowers us to untangle the threads of pain and uncertainty, leading to a renewed sense of self and emotional well-being.

If you’re ready to embark on a journey of self-exploration, healing, and growth, I extend a warm invitation to take the next step. Your unique story holds value, and I’m here to guide you in weaving a narrative of resilience and empowerment.

More About Me…

My journey has been filled with unique experiences that help me connect with the challenges you might be facing. I’ve seen firsthand the struggles my loved ones face with mental health and the related stigmas. Being an Asian woman who’s lived in various parts of the US, I’ve felt the challenges of being a racial minority and understand the pressures of blending cultural heritage with Western expectations.This helps me deeply appreciate the beauty of diversity and the nuances of identity.

Outside of work, I love soaking in the beauty of nature, losing myself in music, and admiring the wonders of art. Like many, I enjoy binge-watching shows on Netflix, playing video games, and cherishing moments with animals. Quality time with family and friends means the world to me. Let’s chat about our shared interests and experiences; I’m here to connect with you.

Let’s start talking about how therapy can help you. Schedule an appointment with me today.

Cynthia Mao, 社会工作硕士 MA
成人、伴侣、家庭咨询师

你好，最近怎么样？

如果你在挣扎于各种情绪起伏，对自己极度不自信，或者生活的压力让你喘不过气，那你来到了对的地方——我们正是能够帮助你的人。生活常常会给我们带来意想不到的变化，而我们似乎也无法时刻都能控制住内心的焦虑、悲伤和孤独。尤其当你处在不同文化背景和多重身份的情况下，平衡各种情绪和行为变得更加具有挑战性。而我想让你知道，在这趟人生旅程中，你可以选择不再孤单。作为心理咨询师的我，会支持、理解并引导你成为更好的自己。

你好！ 我是Cynthia Mao。

我知道向外求助需要很大的勇气，能迈出这一步的你真的值得被认可。我也明白，独自面对生活其实已经很不容易，而感觉没人理解或者屡次受挫可能更让你觉得痛苦。但请知道，这都不是你的错。你值得并且可以拥有一个能随时流露情感和想法，并且不用担心被批判、审视的地方。在这里，我会认真倾听你的故事，并且理解、陪伴你。

如果心理咨询是你我坐在一搜小船上合作划桨前行，那么你的真实经历、感受与想法就是我们手中的桨。我会给你提供一个尊重、温暖、安全的地方，如此我们才能打造出只属于你的、能够帮助我们逆流而上的桨与船。我们可以一起探索过去、现在和未来；并且在你觉得安全、合适的时候，进一步挖掘你的内心世界。当你更了解自己的时候，也许你就可以更从容地面对生活。

作为一个以客户为中心的咨询师，我真诚地想陪着你一起走向情绪稳定、内核强大和个人成长等等的目标。基于我在心理学和临床社会工作领域的专业知识与经验，我也希望通过我真诚的态度以及我们健康的咨询关系，对你的生活产生积极影响。我愿意在你生命中的这个阶段与你一同前行。

为亚裔群体提供的心理咨询

我非常关注亚裔群体的心理健康，也致力于为每一位亚裔来访者量身打造属于你自己的咨询空间。因为我自己也是一名成长于东亚文化、在美国接受教育的女性，我愿意和你一起努力，帮你在复杂的文化和社会环境中找到你真正的自己。在这里，没有高要求高标准，我们可以一起创造一个安全、开放的空间，让你探索并逐渐找到你想要的状态。

我们一起努力去摸索人生、摆脱困扰、接受挑战。我们会逐渐培养和他人、自我、环境的连接，逐步赋予自己能量和信任。用真诚与韧性，你可以终于学会紧紧拥抱自己。

关于压力与焦虑的心理咨询

我理解，脑海中挥之不去的担忧和停不下来的想法也许会笼罩我们生活的一切，让原本平静的夜晚变得如坐针毡。工作、人际关系、学校等等一系列方面的压力都可能让你焦躁不安。在这里，我会为你提供一些帮你找回内心平静的技能和指引，并且一起找出焦虑的根源。运用诸如循证疗法和正念疗法等方式，加上共情与支持，我们能够减轻焦虑带给你的负担。把我当做一个可靠的同行者，你可以一步步走向平和与自信。

关于人际关系的心理咨询

人是社会动物，而人际关系时而甜蜜时而痛苦。这里的“人际关系”包括但不限于家庭、友情、伴侣关系，但无论是哪方面的关系带给你困扰，我都愿意与你一起慢慢解开那些错综复杂的结。我会用开放的心态，不做评判，只关注于如何帮你更深刻地理解自己在关系网中的位置，并且建立更健康的关系。

和我一起做咨询是什么样的呢？

心理咨询应该是一个给自己赋能的过程；而我会创造一个可信任的安全环境，来实现这个目标。我希望我们的咨询是你我的共同协作，在共享同一个目标的前提下，对彼此信任、真诚。

以下这三种方式也许能给你更细节的介绍：

1. 接纳与承诺疗法: 在我们的交流中，会逐步建立对待思维和情感更开放的心态，而不是试图躲避它们，因为躲避、抗拒也许会导致问题恶化或者在未来的某些时刻反复重现、打扰你的生活。一起，我们会努力去采取符合你价值观的行动，这样你就能更加灵活、坚韧地应对生活。通过正念和接纳的方法，我们要帮你建立起与内在经历亲切相处的态度。我们的目标是积极追求有意义的生活，促进情感健康和个人成长。

2. 个人中心疗法: 我们的谈话会围绕着你和你的经历展开。我会倾听你的故事，不做评判，并提供一个你可以自由探索思想和情感的空间。而且我信任你，因为你最了解你自己。你的需求和目标是我们共同努力的方向。

3. 心理动力学：我们会从多个层面来深入了解你的经历与过去，理解过去的互动和情感是如何影响你现在的生活与选择。这种方法会帮助我们解开问题的线索，探索痛苦和不安的根源，从而让你更好地理解自己、感受到成长与幸福。

如果你准备开始这段自我探索、愈合和成长的旅程，我真诚地邀请你跟我一起迈出下一步。你的故事有很多价值，而我在这里助你书写出一篇属于自己的、充满韧性和力量的故事。

关于我的更多信息…

我自己的经历也许能帮助我们更顺畅、自然地连接，也许你我有很多相似与不同之处。我看过我所爱的人挣扎于各种压力与情绪，我也切身体会过社会上无数对于心理健康、族裔、性别等等问题的刻板印象与不公正待遇。作为一名在美国不同地方都生活过的亚洲女性，我能深切体会到少数族裔所面临的不同挑战，同时我也理解在东西方文化之间寻找平衡的压力。经历和身份让我更深刻地欣赏多样性的美丽以及包容的力量。

在工作之外，我热爱大自然，享受音乐与艺术。和许多人一样，在家时我喜欢看看视频，和我的猫晒晒太阳。我也喜欢和家人、朋友出门散步、吃饭。我们也可以浅谈我们共同的兴趣和经历；我想要与你建立更深的连接。

如果你想进一步了解与我一起做心理咨询能如何帮助你，不妨就现在约个时间，我们开始聊聊吧。

Registered California Board of Behavioral Sciences Number: ACSW 117246

加利福尼亚行为科学委员会注册执照号：ACSW 117246

Registered under the name Xinyan Mao

注册名：Xinyan Mao

Supervised by Nadia Islam, LCSW 24725

督导：Nadia Islam 临床社工 LCSW 24725