Gardenia L. Yao

I approach mental health care through both treatment and prevention, supporting individuals living with mental health disorders as well as those addressing stressors before they develop into more significant challenges. To support my clients and deepening insight and identifying/implementing strategies to alleviate or eliminate mental health disorders and distress, I use open and close and questions, mindfulness strategies to help regulate mood, reframing of irrational thoughts, challenging questions to shift them out of impulsivity and affirmation to build compassion.

 

My interest in working with teens and adults --especially first and second generation Americans and gender minorities-- on identifying triggers, balancing cultural identity and individuality, developing emotional language, building strategies to manage distress, and implementing skills to effectively cope with stress. I conduct culturally sensitive, evidence-based assessments to aid in diagnosing conditions such as major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorder, ADHD, and more.

My clients often face challenges such as persistent worry, sadness, mood changes, relationship difficulties, life transitions, grief and loss, and unmet relational needs. Together, we explore how various systems—family, societal, religious, and others—shape thought patterns, emotions, beliefs, and behaviors. Through this lens, we work toward a deeper understanding of how these influences affect mental health and overall well-being.

Using evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), person-centered therapy, mindfulness practices, positive psychology, and narrative therapy, I collaborate with clients to conceptualize their experiences, develop treatment plans, and implement meaningful interventions. My approach is supportive and systemic, meeting clients where they are and guiding them toward growth through validation, empowerment, and gentle challenges.

In our work together, we’ll examine how past experiences have shaped coping mechanisms that may no longer serve you. We’ll focus on self-compassion, address irrational thoughts and beliefs, and replace unhelpful patterns with those better aligned to your present and future goals. Through goal setting and intentional interventions, you’ll develop new coping strategies and experience a reduction in symptoms, leading to improved well-being and the ability to thrive in various aspects of life.

Our collaboration will involve exploring, understanding, and reshaping thought and behavior patterns, helping clients replace unproductive habits with adaptive ones that foster resilience and growth. Ultimately, we aim for an increased sense of well-being and the capacity to function effectively in relationships, situations, and settings. I am dedicated to creating a safe, collaborative, and thoughtful environment where healing and progress can flourish.

My Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling training at UMass Global University has provided me with the foundational knowledge to provide mental health services to children and adults under the supervision of Tiffany Bufort Odom, LPC, LCPC