Asian Therapist Fresno | Joanne Lai, LMFT
Our culture can deeply influence our identity, sense of self, and the way we move through the world. As an Asian therapist in Fresno, I support women in exploring these elements of themselves and making sense of their experiences. I use somatic therapy methods and a holistic approach to help you find healing.
As a culturally responsive Asian therapist, I come to therapy with a deep understanding of the pressures you may face as an Asian woman. Yet, I also work from a place of curiosity knowing that you are the expert of your lived experiences. I’ll embrace your culture(s) and support you in exploring all parts of yourself. You’ll be free to openly discuss experiences of discrimination, family dynamics, and identity struggles that may be deeply rooted in cultural norms. Through our explorations, I’ll help you reconnect and align with your true self.
Takeaway:
My Approach |
to therapy
I come to my work as a therapist with the belief that we can heal when we’re able to connect to our bodies and accept her guidance. Within this space, you're free to explore all facets of yourself. I focus on the connection between your mind and body to help equip you to address mental health issues, trauma, family conflict, life challenges, and low self-esteem.
Many Asian women feel disconnected from their bodies and emotions. This may be due to numerous reasons including:
I use talk therapy along with mind-body practices to help you strengthen your self-compassion and reconnect with yourself. Re-building this connection can give you strength and wisdom, as you heal, cope with stress, expand your resiliency, and release expectations that do not serve you. My hope is that through treatment, you’ll have the space to renew your authentic self, uncover your internal strengths, and create a life that you love.
Many Asian women feel disconnected from their bodies and emotions. This may be due to numerous reasons including:
- External expectations from society, cultures, families, religions, etc.
- Discrimination and oppression against our racial, ethnic, and gender identities
- Life stressors that come with existing in today’s world (working, paying bills, maintaining a home, raising kids, investing in your relationships, etc.)
I use talk therapy along with mind-body practices to help you strengthen your self-compassion and reconnect with yourself. Re-building this connection can give you strength and wisdom, as you heal, cope with stress, expand your resiliency, and release expectations that do not serve you. My hope is that through treatment, you’ll have the space to renew your authentic self, uncover your internal strengths, and create a life that you love.
Asian therapist in Fresno
I’m a licensed therapist helping women break free from unresolved wounds and patterns that have held them back. I specialize in treating trauma, childhood wounds, burnout, stress, cultural concerns, and relationship issues. Through somatic practices and psychotherapy, I provide you with holistic care that helps you reconnect with yourself.
Learn more
- Credentials: Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Certified GYROTONIC® Trainer
- License number: 121155, California
- Education: Master’s of Art in Psychology, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Illinois Master’s of Science in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy, California State University, California
- In-Person and Teletherapy Available
- Providing therapy since 2016
- Modalities used include: Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment-Based, Breathwork, and Family Therapy
Learn more
Meet Joanne Lai |
I prioritize helping all of you heal. This means creating a space that helps you connect with your body and learn to listen to her. It also means embracing and taking into account the various parts of us and our world that impact our mental health.
Holistic
There is so much rich diversity within the many different Asian cultures. While we share many cultural norms and strengths, it would be a disservice for me to claim I understand exactly what every Asian woman in America is going through. I personalize therapy to you as an individual and join you in exploring your complex identities. I’ll honor your culture(s) and support you in examining the wisdom and strengths that you want to draw from them.
Culturally Responsive
I founded Spiral and Bloom to be a true sanctuary for women. A place where you can come as you are and be fully accepted and cherished. This is the place for you if you want to deepen your connection with yourself, become unstuck, strengthen your relationships, cope with stress, or live a life more aligned with what’s most important to you. Here you’ll receive care that honors and promotes your wholeness and healing.
Why choose Spiral & Bloom Embodiment Sanctuary
The term therapist is more of an umbrella term for licensed mental health providers. A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed professional counselor (LPC), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) are all considered therapists. They have a master’s degree and state license to practice therapy and diagnose mental health conditions. Psychologists have a doctorate in counseling psychology and a state license to practice therapy and diagnostic assessments. They can diagnose learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, and behavioral problems in addition to mental health conditions.
If you are most interested in therapy as opposed to a diagnosis, the key is to find a therapist who is a good fit for you. This includes using techniques that work with your processing style, specializing in your area of concern, and having a willingness to collaborate with you.
If you are most interested in therapy as opposed to a diagnosis, the key is to find a therapist who is a good fit for you. This includes using techniques that work with your processing style, specializing in your area of concern, and having a willingness to collaborate with you.
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychologist?
therapy
FAQs about
How can I tell if I need a therapist?
Recognizing when it's time to seek therapy is different for each person. However, common indicators that it’s a good idea to see a therapist include:
Even if these signs don't perfectly align with your experience, know that something doesn’t have to be drastically wrong for you to seek therapy. Many people seek therapy at different times in their lives when they’re confused about big decisions or have personal goals they want to achieve. If you’re considering therapy, I invite you to reach out and we’ll explore the path together.
- persistent feelings of sadness, numbness, or hopelessness
- ongoing anxiety
- difficulty coping with stress
- feeling disconnected from yourself or others
- strained relationships
- low self-esteem
- feeling stuck in unhelpful patterns or your current situation
Even if these signs don't perfectly align with your experience, know that something doesn’t have to be drastically wrong for you to seek therapy. Many people seek therapy at different times in their lives when they’re confused about big decisions or have personal goals they want to achieve. If you’re considering therapy, I invite you to reach out and we’ll explore the path together.
Where can I find Asian American therapists in Fresno?
There are multiple ways to find Asian therapists in Fresno or elsewhere in the United States. Inclusive Therapists is an online directory that gives you the option to search by the provider’s identity and includes a filter for the “Asian Diaspora.” The Asian Mental Health Collective has an Asian American Therapist Directory for both the U.S. and Canada. You can also find Asian therapists through Psychology Today using their ethnicity filter when searching for a clinician.
Culture is an intricate part of our complex identities. Finding a therapist who understands what it’s like to navigate life as a bicultural woman of color can lessen the amount of explaining you feel like you need to do within sessions. If you’re searching for a holistic Asian therapist in Fresno, I provide in-person sessions as well as online somatic therapy across California.
Culture is an intricate part of our complex identities. Finding a therapist who understands what it’s like to navigate life as a bicultural woman of color can lessen the amount of explaining you feel like you need to do within sessions. If you’re searching for a holistic Asian therapist in Fresno, I provide in-person sessions as well as online somatic therapy across California.
Access self-discovery and holistic healing at Spiral & Bloom Embodiment Sanctuary.
In therapy with me, you’ll receive support that honors your unique identity as an Asian woman. Together we’ll explore and welcome all parts of you to help you live authentically. If you’re interested in somatic therapy, please reach out for a free consultation. I’d be honored to join your healing journey.
Sources
Iwamasa, Gayle. “Recommendations for the Treatment of Asian-American/Pacific Islander Populations.” Council of National Psychological Associations for the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Issues, 2012. Accessed May 20, 2024.
