Jialu “Lulu” Gao, Masters Level Clinical Intern

Practicing Since: 2021

Lulu’s goal is to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where her clients feel comfortable and safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. She believes that building a strong, trusting relationship is essential for the therapeutic process, and Lulu strives to create a space where her clients can be authentic and open without fear of criticism. She is deeply committed to honoring the diversity of backgrounds, identities, and experiences that each individual brings to therapy. Coming from a different cultural background herself, Lulu understands the importance of recognizing how culture shapes the way we think, feel, and interact with the world. She welcomes and embraces these differences and strives to incorporate cultural sensitivity into the therapeutic relationship.

The primary therapeutic approach Lulu gravitates towards is humanistic, which emphasizes a client-centered and empathetic approach to therapy. However, she also draws on a variety of techniques tailored to meet each client’s unique needs, including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. In addition to these traditional methods, she enjoys incorporating creative elements into sessions, such as drawing, sand play, and other expressive activities. Lulu finds that these creative approaches can help deepen self-exploration and make the therapeutic process more engaging.

Lulu believes that mental health is an essential part of overall well-being, and that achieving a balanced sense of well-being is the ultimate goal we all strive for. The therapeutic process is a journey of self-learning. It’s a space where people can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a non-judgmental environment. Lulu views therapy as a collaborative process, and hopes that through this process, her clients not only gain insight into the challenges they face but also discover their own strengths and coping strategies that will empower them to create healthier lifestyle choices and achieve their goals.

She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Education, and Lulu is currently working towards her Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

In her spare time, Lulu loves and is passionate about dance and has been dancing for over 10 years. She also loves exploring and trying out new restaurants, cooking, and is a certified pet-lover (both cats and dogs).

Jialu “Lulu” Gao is under the clinical supervision of Jessica Ives, LCPC (#LC2578).