Karlene Rowland, MSc

Director of Counselling

CCS Senior Practitioner

Registered at Canadian Counseling and Psychotherapy Association

Education: MSc in Mental Health Psychology
Types of Therapy: Psychodynamic, EFT, IFS, ACT, DBT, CBT
Languages: English
Works with: Adult, Teenager, LGBTQ+
Locations: Downtown, Online

Karlene is from New Zealand where she studied Psychology at undergraduate level before coming to China 20 years ago. She has an MSc in Mental Health Psychology from the University of Liverpool (a British Psychological Society accredited course) where she achieved distinction level grades in all modules including Psychological Appraisal and Treatment, Psychotherapeutic Intervention Strategies as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Mental Health Treatment. Karlene’s dissertation studies focused on post-natal depression and anxiety in particular during the first 1-6 months following birth.

Karlene’s approach to supporting clients focuses upon evidence-based practice and psychotherapies working hard to assess the bio-psycho-social needs of her clients, she uses an integrative approach blending modalities and therapies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Psychodynamic Approaches to treat a variety of mental health problems and disorders. Karlene has received training in treating addictive behaviors, depressive disorders like post-natal depression/post-natal anxiety, anxiety disorders such as Generalised Anxiety Disorder but also social phobia, panic attacks and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder as well as eating disorder psychopathology, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and CPTSD.

Karlene works to demystify approaches to therapy by diffusing myths about mental health to normalize the experience of her clients, placing their psychoeducation and the therapeutic relationship and alliance at the forefront of creating a safe and supportive zone for clients to learn and acquire useful skills and tools, which they can then utilise beyond the counseling context to help deal with distress and live better lives. Her goal in a client session is to begin to set in motion and facilitate a growing awareness of the client’s own psychotherapeutic process, that leads the client toward relieving their distress, and working for ongoing change that continues well beyond each therapy session, with a focus on wellbeing to help prevent further distress and build resilience for her clients.

Karlene has extensive experience in delivering workshops and corporate training sessions on an array of topics related to workplace mental health, suicide prevention and intervention as well as years of training volunteers to work on a helpline for crisis and mental health support.

Anna Tian, PACFA

Australia Registered Counsellor

Education: Master of Counselling
Types of Therapy: ACT, CBT, Person-Centered
Languages: English, Mandrian
Works with: Teenager, Adult
Locations: Pudong, Online, Puxi

Anna has a Masters degree in Counselling with Monash University, Australia. Anna has almost fifteen years working experience as a registered nurse in the UK, Singapore, and China. Additionally, she has experience with international schools and students in China, currently working as a high school nurse for an international school in Shanghai. Anna has had broad experience supporting many teenagers and adults with a broad variety of physical and mental health issues during her time in hospitals and school. Her passion is providing a holistic approach for people who are not only physically in need, but also mentally and emotionally in need.

Anna 毕业于澳洲莫纳什大学咨询硕士专业。作为一名专业的注册护士Anna已拥有15年的临床工作经验，曾在英国和新家坡工作，现在是上海一所富有名望的国际学校的高中部护士兼护士长。她丰富的工作经验已帮助和提高了众多学生和病人的身心健康。她追求的理想是为有需要帮助的人提供全方位的身心咨询，让他们拥有更好的生活品质。

Anna可以讲很流利的英文和中文，她主要是在浦东看诊但是如果有需要她也可以到浦西和网上咨询。

Annie Li, MA

Education: Master of Applied Psychology
Types of Therapy: Personal-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Couples Therapy, Sex Therapy
Languages: English, Mandarin
Works with: Adult, Couple, Teenager, LGBTQ+
Locations: Pudong, Online

Annie has her Masters of Arts in Applied Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies and is currently working towards her certification of National Certified Counselor (NCC). Since 2015, she worked as a TCM practitioner and also as an elementary school nurse in an international division of a private school in Shanghai. Working with a wide range of people, Annie is committed to supporting clients going through challenges such as anxiety, depression, personal growth, and relationship issues. Her goal is to help people explore their true selves and assemble their emotions in a new way.

Annie provides counseling sessions to adults, teenagers and couples capitalizing on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, Couples Therapy, and Sex Therapy.

李灵菲Annie毕业于加州整合大学应用心理学专业并为取得国际咨询师的认证而努力中。自2015年开始，她在上海从事临床医师的工作并且曾在一所学校的国际部担任校医。灵菲拥有与不同年龄段人群工作的经验，她专注于帮助他的来访者应对服焦虑、抑郁、个人成长和人际关系问题等挑战。她的目标是帮助人们探索真实的自我，并以一种新的方式整合他们的情绪。

Annie为成人、青少年和伴侣提供咨询，她运用的咨询技术有认知行为疗法、情绪聚焦疗法、伴侣治疗和性治疗。

Annie可以讲很流利的英文和中文。她目前主要工作地点在浦东和网上，如果有需要她也可以到浦西接待咨询。

Carrie Jones, LCSW

USA Licensed Clinical Social Worder

Education: Master’s Degree in Social Work
Types of Therapy:
Languages: English
Works with: Adult, Couple, Teenager, Child
Locations: Online

Carrie Jones is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker from Texas (USA). She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Baylor University. In Texas, she worked in a number of settings including a family counseling center, a substance abuse center, and several schools. Since 2010, she has served as the Director of Counseling at Community Center Shanghai. Carrie specializes in working with children and adolescents, but also works with adults on a broad range of issues including cultural adjustment/transition, self-esteem and identity, grief and loss, substance abuse, self-injury, anxiety, stress, depression, and mental illness. Carrie has a firm background in working with clients, both adolescents and adults, with eating disorders and is a strong believer in Family Based Therapy for this issue. Carrie also has training and experience in marriage counseling and is committed to helping couples and families improve their relationships. For more information about Carrie, her counseling style, and to read some of her articles, visit www.shanghaicounselor.net.

Catherine Humphreys

Education: Masters Degree in Clinical Counseling

Types of Therapy: EFT, Crucible Therapy, Psychodynamic

Languages: English

Works with: Couples, Adults, Teens

Locations: Pudong, Online

As a presenter Catherine has worked with an array of organizations in Shanghai on topics including cultural and developmental diversity, burnout, and value identification.  Catherine is most passionate in supporting the healthy sexual development of children through her Raising Healthy Kids Series; a group of workshops offering support to parents and schools as they guide children and teens through their sexual and social development.

Cecilia Ding (丁希希）, CCC

Canadian Certified Counselor, Self Growth Coach

Education: MA in Counseling
Types of Therapy: Trauma Processing, EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, Emotional Regulation, Stress Management, Couple and Group Therapy
Languages: English, Mandarin
Works with: Adult, Teenager, Couple
Locations: Online

Cecilia has had a passion for empowering others since high school. Her fight against domestic violence was featured in the New York Times(on the FAST track) and received awards from Hillary Clinton. After graduating from Harvard, she worked on venture capital and IPO projects. After achieving success with her own investment firm in the United States, Cecilia decided to return to her roots of helping others as a life coach. She has coached for many years and is now pursuing a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology (LMFT track) from Palo Alto University and receiving training in individual, family, couples counseling, and specialties such as play therapy and teletherapy.

While Cecilia came from a coaching background, she believes that clients ultimately have all the answers within themselves. She helps them uncover the power already within.  She guides her clients to answers rather than giving them the solution (授之以鱼不如授之以渔).  

Cecilia grew up in China and America. She studied in many countries and lives in a bicultural family. She appreciates the richness and challenge of a diverse community. Cecilia deeply respects everyone’s freedom to be the best version of themselves and believes family units, love, and aspirations come in many equally valuable forms. She sees clients of many ages, with a particular strength for helping couples and individuals managing transitions such as the birth of a new child, affairs, midlife anxiety, career changes.  

 She looks forward to meeting all that life will put in her path. 希希欢迎大家用中文咨询。

CH Huang, LMSW

USA Licensed Master Social Worker

Education: University of Michigan, Master of Social Work
Types of Therapy: Play Therapy, CBT, Marriage and Family therapy
Languages: English, Mandarin
Works with: Age 4+, Child, Adult
Locations: Online, Downtown

Chiung-Hsuan Huang, LMSW, is a private-practice counselor in Shanghai specializing in child and adolescent mental health. A social worker by training, she has worked in the community health center in the USA; at Child Protective Services in Taiwan, and with asylum-seekers in Hong Kong. She has experiences with children and teenagers with emotional and behavioral issues, adults with marital and family relationships issues, mental disorders, personal growth and multicultural issues. CH Huang has obtained certificate training in child-centered play therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and Structural Family Therapy. She recently completed the 2-year Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy Training.

Curt Spigelmyre, MA, LMFT

USA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Languages: English
Works with: Couple, Family, Individual
Locations: Online

Curt is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who graduated from Wheaton College, IL, USA. He specializes in assisting individuals, couples, and families who are in times of transition and/or facing challenging situations. Curt has done extensive work helping those with trauma, loss and grief issues, and struggling with addictions.

Curt’s counseling approach uses a variety of different methods with his clients based on their presented need including emotional focused therapy, attachment theory, family system therapy, internal family systems, mindfulness, cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and solution-focused therapy.  

Curt seeks to provide a safe place for clients to be seen, heard, and accepted. He aspires to help couples deepen their connection by addressing their underlying wounds and supporting them towards great openness and transparency to each other. Curt actively connects with and understands his clients and their stories. Some of us have never been invited to explore parts of our story that deeply affected us. Our lives are often so busy that we do not give ourselves permission to listen to what our bodies are telling us about the stress and/or the pain that we carry until we get crushed underneath by what overwhelms us.

Curt has cross-cultural experience in various teaching and counseling positions in southeast Asia for fifteen years. He also had a cross cultural marriage with his wife Nancy who he has been married to for thirteen years. In his free time, he likes eating good food, watching movies, listening to music, cycling, swimming, reading, and playing with his three energetic boys.

Izabela Misiuk

Her practice addresses a range of issues, including anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and self-esteem. Her mission is to help clients find balance, heal from past experiences, and embrace new possibilities. Through compassionate support and tailored strategies, she aims to reduce emotional distress, enhance well-being, and foster meaningful growth.

Janice Holland, LPC

USA Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor

Education: Master’s Degree in Applied Psychology
Types of Therapy: Gestalt, CBT, Trauma Model Therapy
Languages: English
Works with: Pre-teen, Teenager Age 12+, Parent, Adult
Locations: Downtown, Minhang

Janice has an undergraduate degree from Texas Christian University in The Study of Exceptional Children and obtained her Master’s degree from New York University in Applied Psychology in 2009. Janice is a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor in the state of Texas and has worked in Mental Health Hospitals, public and private schools, and in private practice in the United States before moving to Shanghai, China in 2017.Since moving to China she has maintained her private practice and also worked as a school counselor for Shanghai American School for 6 years. Janice has a Trauma Model Therapy certification from The Ross Institute. She specialized in the treatment of adult survivors of childhood trauma and those who have experienced betrayal trauma. Her modalities are Gestalt, Person Centered Therapy, and Trauma Model Therapy which focuses on the underlying human response to adversity/trauma and provides the avenues and tools necessary for person to process their feelings and experiences while re-establishing a trust and connection to self.

Jessica Yin, MA

Member of Association of Counseling Sexology and Sexual Wellness, an Organizational Affiliate of American Counseling Association

Education: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from Palo Alto University (CACREP accredited) in Palo Alto, California, U.S.A., Master of Applied Psychology, Northwest Normal University, China
Types of Therapy: Affirmative, Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Informed, Psychodynamic, Couple and Group Therapy
Area of Focus: Sexual and gender related issues, emotional stress, mental health, personal growth, intimacy, family, academic distress for college students, career development
Languages: Mandarin
Works with: LGBTQ+, Adult, Adolescent, Couple, Family
Locations: Downtown, Online

Jessica has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Palo Alto University (CACREP accredited) in Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. Prior to entering this program, she obtained the Chinese National Psychological Counselor license (Secondary Level) which was government-recognized for the practice of psychotherapy in China, since 2007.

Jessica is a practitioner in counseling including individual counseling, couple counseling, groups, EAP and SAP. She also has extensive experience in crisis helplines for mental health support, she served as a psychological counselor in the anti-epidemic psychological assistance platform led by the Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Psychological Alliance and then joined the Shanghai Psychological Hotline team led by the Shanghai Mental Health Center as a hotline counselor.

Jessica focuses on supporting people living with HIV and the LGBTQ+ population, providing services including but not limited to individual counseling, group counseling, couple and family counseling. Be able to help them with gender-identification, intimacy, trauma, etc. After years of study and practice, she maintains empathy, affirmation, recognition, and acceptance of the sexual orientation and gender identity of her clients, supports them to better accept themselves, better identify themselves, better affirm their identity, reduce the internal conflicts, empower them, and let them have more energy to get along better with their relatives, improve their relationships both interpersonal and in workplace.

At the same time, Jessica has more than 20 years of working experience in international companies. Served as regional management role of Asia Pacific, mainly involved in quality and project management. Experience in cross-cultural company personnel management and customer relationship management, she has chance to embrace diversity, build up strong ability to issue analyze and problem solving. Her rich life experience, exploration of personal gender identity, understanding of family, parenting, experience in different periods of education, exploration and experience in the workplace allow her to help clients from the perspective of gender identity, relationship, family and career development.

Julia Sollner

Education: MSc in clinical and work and organizational psychology

Types of Therapy:  life themes coaching, in-depth psychology, mindfulness-based, systemic and solution-focused techniques

Language: German, English

Works with:  Adults

Location: Online

Jon Sedarati, MBACP

UK Registered Counsellor with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Education: MSc Psychology
Types of Therapy: Systemic, Psychodynamic, CBT
Languages: English
Works with: Adult, Teenager, Child, Couple, Family, Group
Locations: Downtown, Online

Let me be frank: I do not have a magic pill for you. I do not have a one-size fits all solution to my clients’ problems. I may not be able to help you, at all. But. . . if you are motivated to change, try new things, think new thoughts, and build a trusting relationship with me, I believe you are almost certain to benefit from counseling.

Originally from England, Jon earned a master’s degree in psychology before beginning his psychotherapy training at the Sino-American Family Therapy Institute (SAFTI). Presently, he is a clinical intern at Community Center Shanghai (CCS) and Yew Wah International Education School (YWIES). Jon’s areas of interest include relationship issues (e.g. marital, familial), sex, anxiety, addiction, and depression.

Jon hopes that clients come to view him, not as a healer or problem-solver, but as a guide whose primary function is to listen. That said, he believes meaningful changes require action, and do not simply result from talking about one’s problems.

Learn more at talkwithjon.com

Joon Yun, M.Ed, NCC

USA State of Colorado – School Counselor Certificate
National Certified Counselor

Education: M.Ed
Types of Therapy: Person-centered, Solution-focused, CBT
Languages: English, Korean
Works with: Child, Adolescent
Locations: Pudong, Downtown

Joon Yun is a Licensed Counselor with a Master of Education degree in School Counseling from Lehigh University (Pennsylvania, USA) and is currently working towards her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).

Joon was born in South Korea, grew up in Singapore, and pursued higher education in the United States. Joon moved to Shanghai in 2020 and is currently working as an Elementary School Counselor, serving over 800 students aged 4 to 11. With her work experience in various countries and cultural backgrounds, Joon is committed to supporting clients struggling with a wide range of challenges such as depression, anxiety, adjustment, culture shock, relationship issues, and identity development. Her goal in counseling is to work with her clients as a team to journey through the clients’ struggles and help them facilitate their potential, heightening clients’ understanding of their capabilities and strengths. Joon is a strong believer in eternal growth in the human mind, and her vision is to plant ever-growing seeds in clients’ minds fostering their self-actualization.

Joon provides individual and small group counseling sessions to children and adolescents utilizing techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-centered approach to Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and Play Therapy.

Laura McAlister

USA Registered Counseling Associate

Education: MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University (CACREP accredited)
Types of Therapy: CBT, Attachment Theory, EMDR, psychodynamic approaches, Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Works with: Adults
Locations:  Online, Downtown

Laura McAlister is an American Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and holds an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Colorado Christian University (CACREP accredited). She has spent nearly 14 years abroad in China and Japan and has been in Shanghai for about 10 years. Laura’s approach to therapy is primarily a blend of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, attachment theory, EMDR, and psychodynamic approaches. She has completed levels 1 & 2 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and uses this approach in couples’ work. Laura’s client base is mostly made up of people seeking help for depression, anxiety, attachment style, recovery from narcissistic abuse, trauma, personality disorders, and couple’s therapy. Laura aims to create a safe and supportive environment for clients to express themselves and find workable solutions that can be used independently. Her goal is for clients to learn the skills necessary to manage challenges and become the version of themselves that they’ve always wanted to be. 

Linlin Allen, MBACP

UK Registered Psychotherapist (#383755) with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy

Education: MA in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice
Types of Therapy: Person-Centred, Humanistic
Languages: English, Mandarin
Works with: Adult, Teenager 14+
Locations: Downtown, Online

Linlin Allen is a registered therapist with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She has a Master’s Degree with a distinction in Person-Centred Experiential Counselling and Psychotherapy Practice from the University of Nottingham.

Her therapy emphasises on the healing power of the therapeutic relationship, thus she offers a warm and completely accepting environment that is safe for exploring difficult experiences. With her presence, people may find themselves stripping away their masks and feeling more in touch with their authentic selves. She also utilises her felt sense to reflect and provide helpful insights for her clients. She tries to see the world through your eyes first, then lends her brain to you for thinking, feeling and debating important topics in your mind.

Linlin has been providing individual therapy since the summer of 2017, and has had experience working with adults and children in the UK and in Shanghai, regarding a broad range of topics including personal growth, existential questions, depression, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, low self-esteem, childhood trauma, generational trauma, relationships (family/friend/partner), sex, puberty, cultural diversity, lgbtq+, work stress. Though she was born and raised in China, she has been living her adult life within the international community. She identifies herself as someone with a more “western” mindset, but can also understand the Asian culture. She is fluent in both English and Chinese.

Linlin believes that every person is unique, and she does not expect her clients to be any different from who they are. Her favourite quote is “People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner.’ I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.” – (Carl R. Rogers, A Way of Being)

Li Li, PACFA

Australia Registered Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia

Education: MCouns, MCom, GradDPsy, BCom
Types of Therapy: ACT, CBT, SFBT
Languages: English, Chinese
Works with: Adult, Teenage 14+
Locations: Pudong, Downtown, Online

Li is a registered counsellor from Psychotherapy and Counseling Federation of Australia (PACFA) and a certified career counsellor. She has a dual career path in counseling psychology and commerce, holding a Bachelor and Master’s degrees in psychology and counseling from Monash University and commerce degrees from the University of New South Wales. Before counseling, she had more than ten years of experience in the investment and consulting industry. Her diversified experiences, meticulous thinking, and the ability to view issues from different angles enabled her to assist clients in exploring new perspectives and managing relationships. In addition, she is a solution-focused therapist with systematic training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She tailors therapy plans to help clients understand their concerns and develop coping strategies.

Li was born in Shanghai and went to Australia in high school. Her cross-cultural background, corporate experience, and counselling speciality made her unique and well-suited for cross-culture, self-exploration, personal growth, emotion management and relationship counseling. She is a thinker who respects authentic feelings and prefers to be genuine. She believes that everyone holds a shining pearl inside but is covered with “dust,” as we often restrict ourselves with perceptive limitations and are burdened by our moods. She aims to combine her corporate experience and counseling psychology profession to help clients develop new perspectives on their issues, cultivate resilience to better cope with struggles, and explore the richness inside to live a more peaceful and fulfilling life.  It is her goal that counseling will assist clients in learning to remove the “dust” and uncover the shininess of the internal pearl.

李力是一位来自澳洲的咨询师，毕业于澳大利亚莫纳什大学咨询硕士专业。她拥有咨询和商科双硕士，同时也是一名生涯规划师。在加入咨询行业前，她在金融投资行业有10年的工作经验。原先在商业尽调和谈判中培养出缜密的逻辑思考，让她擅长分析谈话内容，寻找矛盾点，帮助来访者从不同角度观察问题。她喜欢用苏格拉底式的对话帮助来访者打开认知盲区，拓展意识边界。她受过认知行为疗法和接纳与承诺疗法的系统训练，擅长按照来访者的需求定制咨询方案。

她出生在上海，16岁起赴澳留学。她的跨文化背景、企业经验和咨询专业使她在跨文化交流、自我认同、个人成长、压力管理和生涯规划方面有独特的优势。她喜欢思考，尊重真实感受，珍视人性中自然流动的真情实感。她相信佛陀所说的每个人都怀有价值连城的明珠，只是明珠的光芒被烦恼所遮蔽。她希望能将她的商业经验和心理咨询专业相结合，帮助来访者打开新视角、培养心理弹性来应对快速变化的社会环境。愿每个来访者能找到自己生命的意义和价值，获得内心的安稳、喜悦与平静。

Lydie Bonnet, MSCP

France Certified Clinical Psychologist

Education: Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology and Psychopathology
Types of Therapy: Talk therapy, Family therapy, Parental guidance
Languages: French, English
Works with: Pre-teen, Teenager, Adult
Locations: Online

Lydie Bonnet is a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist from France. She obtained a master’s degree in clinical psychology and psychopathology from Lyon 2 University.

She has worked in medical settings and educational organizations roviding individual and group therapy in both France and China.

In her practice, Lydie has had extended experience in the treatment of people suffering from anxiety, depression, loss of meaning in relation to work and/or life circumstances, and those with difficulties socializing. She also has specialized training in the use of theater and other art media in individual and group therapy for young people with emotional, behavioral and communication issues.

In her practice, she assists clients seeking relief from distress related to their mental and emotional health and accompanies them as they develop in their ability to understand and respond to their experience.

At CCS, Lydie provides individual therapy for adults, teenagers, and preteens as well as consultations for parents and families. She provides therapy in both French and English.

Marina Kalashnikova, MA

Marina holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in psychology, with distinction, complemented by a professional Russian qualification in Clinical Psychology.
She utilizes evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and SFBT to help clients achieve happiness and harmony, realize their value and uniqueness, and overcome traumas that prevent them from having harmonious relationships with themselves and others.
Mrs. Kalashnikova has expertise in working with complex trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, postpartum and midlife crises. Her clients come from a wide range of environments and upbringings, and range from children to teenagers to adults. As a wife and mother in a cross-cultural family who has lived in Europe, South America, and Asia, Marina incorporates academic training with multicultural concepts into each case.

Languages: English, Russian and Spanish
Online

Nancy (Shengmei) Spigelmyre, LMFT

USA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Education: Master Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy
Types of Therapy: Emotionally Focused Couple/Family Therapy, Family Systems, Trauma-informed Therapy
Languages: English, Mandarin
Works with: Couple, Pre-marital couple, Family, Individual
Locations: Online

Nancy is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Chicago, IL. She has broad experience working with families, couples and individuals both in the United States and internationally. Nancy brings compassion, authenticity, and cross-cultural life experience into the counseling relationship. Born and raised in East Asia, Nancy grew up in a culture with a negative stigma towards mental health before eventually discovering healing and growth through therapy for herself.

Nancy approaches therapy from person-centered, attachment theory and trauma-informed perspectives. She seeks to provide a safe environment for couples and individuals to explore family dynamics, past relationship trauma, and attachment patterns that contribute to ongoing struggles. She is a firm believer that wounds can be healed through secure bonding relationship. She also apply experiential approaches to help clients explore here and now emotions and thought process.

Nancy is passionate about working with individuals and couples experiencing marital distress and parenting issues. Being in a cross-cultural marriage for 14 years has given her a greater understanding and empathy for clients in similar situations. She also specializes in working with individuals dealing with mood disorders, attachment issues, identity struggles, and trauma. Nancy has moved multiple times between Asia and North America and can relate to those who constantly find themselves in transition. There has been many exciting events in her life, but she considers raising three energetic boys to be her biggest adventure so far! 

Rachael Basson

Education: MSc in Psychology

Types of therapy: Trauma-informed approach using CBT, ACT, DBT and CFT

Language: English

Works with:  Adults, LGBTQA

Locations: Online

Rachael believes in a collaborative therapeutic process, viewing clients as active participants in their own recovery. In a world where we constantly compare ourselves to others, Rachael strives to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their own experiences, values and identity in order to cultivate resilience.

Susanna Vigliani

Locations: Downtown, Online

Short-term CBT approach has the aim of helping patients find practical, effective tools and strategies to deal with common mental health problems. The patient will learn the skills necessary to see the change and will continue their path towards wellbeing on their own. Alongside the practicality of CBT, Susanna will listen and will provide a safe non-judgemental environment where one can recognise, explore, and process emotions and difficult experiences.

Scott Shen, LSW

Licensed Social Worker

Education: Master of Social Work
Types of Therapy: Solution-Focused therapy, CBT, DBT, Family therapy, Mindfulness
Languages: English, Mandarin, Shanghainese
Works with: Adult, Teenager, Child, Couple, Family
Locations: Pudong, Downtown, Online

Scott Shen is a Licensed Social Worker from the State of Ohio, USA. He has a Master of Social Work degree from the Ohio State University.

Through his work with children, adolescents and their families at several counseling agencies, Scott has extensive experience in individual and family therapy, dealing with a broad range of issues including cross-cultural issues, attention deficit, defiance, depression, anger management, grief and loss, stress, self-esteem and relationship issues. From his work with clients, Scott understands that various issuesand difficulties are not all that clients bring to him, and that each individual or family has their own set of unique strengths and resources as well. This knowledge always helps Scott to aid clients in addressing their chronic issues and to find solutions together.

Scott grew up in Shanghai and spent several years in Ohio for graduate school and work. He appreciates the difference between cultures and understands that living in a cross-cultural environment impacts every aspect of individual’s life and family dynamics. Therefore, Scott focuses on the use of Mindfulness techniques and other client-centered psychotherapy models to assist his clients in unloading the tremendous stress they encounter daily.

Vanessa Pu

Vanessa is currently a counselor-in-training pursuing a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University in California, United States. She has six years of experience as an entrepreneur in the health/lifestyle industry in Shanghai, promoting holistic wellness in the community. In addition, Vanessa has more than 10 years of experience in branding, marketing, and communication and 5 years in business and human resource consulting, having resided and worked in China and the United States. Vanessa’s theoretical orientation to counseling is mainly Person-Centered, and she utilizes tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, while approaching therapy with a trauma-informed and multicultural lens. 

Dr. Vilia Lyell, D.litt et Phil

South Africa Clinical Social Worker, Psychologist

Types of Therapy: Psychodynamic, Systems, Attachment Therapy
Languages: English
Works with: Adult, Family, Couple
Locations: Downtown

Dr Vilia Lyell qualified as a clinical social worker and then pursued further postgraduate studies in psychology, obtaining a Masters Degree and a Doctoral degree in Psychology. Vilia played a primary role as Director of Childline Johannesburg (Child abuse organisation) developing standards and protocols still used today. Since leaving the NGO sector in 1998, she has enjoyed a fulfilling career in private practice. Vilia worked extensively in the forensic field, appearing as an expert witness in matters pertaining to child abuse, domestic violence and child custody disputes Vilia’s therapeutic orientation is psychodynamic (object relations), which is an insight orientated approach aimed at helping clients understand their inner world and how this influences relationships both past and present.

Vilia offers psychotherapy to:
– Adults who are struggling with adjustment difficulties, depression, anxiety, stress, grief, trauma and relationship difficulties (within the context of their work and in their intimate relationships).
– Couples who want to work through their recurring conflict and destructive communication patterns, infidelity and those who wish to enhance the connection and emotional safety within their relationships.
– Play therapy for children who are not yet verbal enough to articulate their thoughts and feelings, due to their age. This methodology is developmentally applicable for emotional difficulties, behavioural problems, grief, trauma, adjustment difficulties and parental divorce/separation/discord.

Wenjing Pu, CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor, 国家二级心理咨询师

Education: Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
Types of Therapy: Process-oriented, Psychodynamic, Humanistic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed
Languages: Mandarin, English, Shanghainese
Works with: Adult, Couple, Group
Locations: Downtown, Pudong, Online

Wenjing has a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Palo Alto University (CACREP accredited) in Palo Alto, California, U.S.A. She is a member of the American Counseling Association. Prior to entering this program, she obtained the Chinese National Psychological Counselor license (Secondary Level) which was government-recognized for the practice of psychotherapy in China. Since 2013, Wenjing has devoted herself to volunteering in the mental health field, offering pro-bono lectures on the need for more broad-based psychological awareness by the public; answering a hotline for issues related to parenting, youth development, mental health, etc; and acting as a contributing columnist and guest advisor at a Shanghai radio station program focusing on raising healthy children.

Drawing on her previous career experience in engineering, Wenjing is especially good at integrating rationality and sensibility into her counseling approach. She aims to blend diverse modalities from Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Humanistic Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma Informed Care to treat various mental health challenges clients may face. Through her clinical practice, Wenjing is forming a unique style of integrating empathy and structure by blending aspects of Eastern and Western philosophies. A tailor-made therapeutic treatment plan is developed to benefit clients for their own unique life journey. Wenjing is pursuing developing specializations to treat a variety of issues including but not limited to relationships, emotional dysregulation, trauma, stress, grief and loss, addiction etc.

Wenjing believes during dark moments, an unbiased trained advisor can lift another person up and spark a flame within them, resulting in new hope, more energy, and a better future.

濮文菁是美国帕罗奥多大学临床咨询硕士学生，美国心理咨询协会（ACA））会员。早在2011年她已经获得中国政府认可的心理咨询执业证书-国家二级心理咨询师资格。从2013年起，她投身于心理健康领域，为普及大众心理健康知识开展了数场公益讲座，接听政府心理健康公益热线（12355）），就各类育儿、青少年身心发展等心理健康议题进行专业解答。她曾多次作为《上海教育》（晓周刊）撰写学生发展及心理健康主题专栏，并受邀参与上海广播电台FM93.4《教子有方》栏目嘉宾，分享亲子沟通及儿童发展方面的心理学知识和技能。

凭借之前在工程领域的工作经验，文菁尤其擅长将理性和感性融入她的咨询方法中。她旨在将心理动力学心理治疗、人本主义流派、认知行为治疗和创伤知情护理等多种模式融合在一起，以应对客户可能面临的各种心理健康挑战。通过诸多临床实践，她融合了东西方哲学，形成了一种共情与结构化相整合的独特咨询风格。她相信正因为每个人都拥有独特的人生经历，一个量身定制的治疗计划才会使客户受益，一个标准难以适应不同的需求。她的专业领域擅长：包括（但不限于）人际关系、情绪失调、创伤、压力、悲伤和失落、上瘾等。

文菁相信，在黑暗的时刻，一个不带偏见且训练有素的咨询师可以让另一个人振作起来，点燃他们内心的火焰，带来新的希望、更多的能量和更美好的未来。

Mirian Bonomi, LP, MS

Brazil Licensed Psychologist

Education: Psychology Degree, Masters in Public Health
Types of Therapy: Psychoanalysis
Languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Italian, a little French.
Works with: Adults, Adolescents, Families
Locations: Downtown

Mirian Bonomi is a psychologist from Brazil with a Master’s Degreein Public Health, with a focus on women’s and gender studies. She has worked for the Public Health Sector in the women’s and children’s health department in Brazil, as well as in hospital settings. She has also worked withdomestic violence and abuse in different capacities. In her role as an educator, for over seventeen years she has been working closely with parents/families, helping them deal with situations of child upbringing in a positive and collaborative way. She has been in Shanghai since 2016, working in multicultural environments. Mirian uses a psychoanalytical therapeutic approach and works with adults, children, parents and families, both individually and in groups. Mirian also provides support for pregnancy, perinatal period, and parenting.

Tonye Stuurman

Tonye Stuurman has lived in China for the past eight years. She has a Diploma in Journalism and an Honours Degree in Women and Gender Studies. In her home country, South Africa, she worked for many years as a community activist and workshop facilitator, focusing on gender-based violence.

Tonye has been an integral part of the CCS Teen Advocacy Group and introduced this group to the CCS Clothesline Project. In addition, Tonye also offers community workshops and seminars.