Meet Therapist Yang Yang

As a gay Southeast Asian cis male who has navigated many of the same paths you’re walking, I’m committed to providing therapy that is both affirming and deeply connected to the realities of: being a first generation child of parents who migrated to America and LGBTQ+ life. I’ve been where you are, struggling to reconcile my identity within cultural contexts that didn’t always feel welcoming. I know how important it is to have a space where you can explore your feelings, identities, and relationships without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

In our work together, my goal is to create a safe, supportive environment where you can be fully yourself. Whether you’re exploring your sexual or gender identity, dealing with the complexities of coming out, or simply seeking a place to process the challenges of living authentically in a world that doesn’t always make it easy, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Therapy with me isn’t about fitting into someone else’s idea of who you should be—it’s about embracing who you truly are.

We’ll work together to address the specific challenges you’re facing, whether that’s anxiety, self-esteem issues, relationship conflicts, or simply navigating the day-to-day realities of being “othered” by mainstream society. I understand the importance of feeling seen, heard, and validated in your experiences, and I’m here to provide that for you.

If you’ve felt let down by therapy in the past, I want to assure you that it doesn’t have to be that way. You deserve care that recognizes and affirms your identity, and I’m dedicated to offering exactly that. Let’s work together to create the life you envision—one where you feel confident, empowered, and truly at home in who you are.

Why am I a Therapist?

As a child of parents who were refugees fleeing the impacts of the Vietnam War, I saw them struggle to navigate their new lives in the US. I recognized that my parents didn’t have the opportunity or resources to deal with the trauma they endured while trying to escape the war and transitioning to an unknown land. They were in survival mode and didn’t have the time or energy to focus on anything but surviving, sometimes unintentionally passing down their trauma onto future generations.

I set out to be a therapist because I wanted to help minimize the stigma surrounding seeking therapy in the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community. I noticed there was a troubling lack of therapists who had a similar background as me equipped with a strong foundation in cultural competence around issues affecting the Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) communities.

I’ve struggled to find a therapist that embodies these values and traits. So now, as a licensed therapist, I commit to creating an environment that is inclusive, affirming, and safe for my clients, especially those who have been historically excluded and minoritized. While I have an interest in helping my community, my services extend to those who identify as API and/or queer, and to those who may not identify similarly.

My Approach

My approach is to walk alongside my clients as they explore the issues they want to work through. I listen deeply, offer feedback when appropriate, and help you better understand yourself and your experiences. Change happens when we engage with the tough stuff, and I’m here to support you as you work through it.

I integrate advanced therapeutic techniques like Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Culturally Competent Therapy into my work to provide deeper, more effective support. These methods allow us to address the root causes of emotional distress and help you achieve meaningful, lasting change. Each approach honors your unique cultural background and experiences, creating a safe space for healing and empowering you to live more authentically and confidently.

Brainspotting and Internal Family Systems (IFS) are powerful therapeutic approaches that can lead to profound healing and personal growth, particularly within the BIPOC community. See below to learn about how these approaches together create a holistic, inclusive path to profound healing and personal growth.

  • Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying and processing unresolved trauma, emotional pain, and other psychological issues that are stored in the brain and body.

    This technique is particularly effective for clients who have experienced trauma or are dealing with intense emotional challenges, racial trauma or other forms of oppression, allowing for deep emotional release and recovery.

    By helping you access these deeply held emotions, Brainspotting allows us to release and heal from past wounds that might be holding you back. It’s a gentle yet profound approach that can lead to significant breakthroughs, enabling you to move forward with greater clarity and peace.

  • IFS is a transformative approach to therapy that views the mind as a collection of different “parts,” each with its own feelings, behaviors, and roles. These parts often develop as a way to protect us from harm, but they can also lead to internal conflicts or keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns. IFS helps you explore these different parts of yourself, understand their origins, and bring them into harmony.

    Through this process, you can cultivate greater self-compassion, resolve internal conflicts, and achieve a more integrated and balanced sense of self.

    It’s particularly effective for BIPOC individuals who navigate complex identities and cultural expectations, helping you integrate your experiences and build resilience.

  • My culturally aware approach ensures that your identity, background, and experiences are fully recognized and honored throughout the therapeutic process. By incorporating your cultural context into therapy, I create a space where you can feel seen and understood as you work through life’s challenges, leading to more impactful and authentic healing.

My approach is anything but the stereotype of sitting on a couch while the therapist just nods. I believe in active, engaging sessions where we work together to address what’s really going on. I’m here to offer insights, point out patterns or issues that might not be immediately obvious, and give you honest, constructive feedback—always at a pace that feels right for you.

YANG YANG, LCSW, Ed.D.

Background & Credentials

I’m a Licensed Clinical Therapist with a diverse background that has shaped my approach to therapy. I completed my formal training with Kaiser Permanente in Northern California, where I gained invaluable experience in addressing a wide range of mental health issues. My journey into this field has been anything but conventional, and each step along the way has deepened my understanding of the human experience.

Before becoming a therapist, I spent time teaching English abroad in Japan and South Korea. These experiences not only broadened my cultural perspective but also gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges of navigating different identities in new environments. Upon returning to the U.S., I worked with teens in residential drug and alcohol treatment settings, helping them find hope and direction during some of the most challenging times in their lives. My work also extended to student support roles on college campuses in Southern California, where I provided guidance and counseling to young adults facing academic and personal challenges.

In addition to my clinical work, I’ve had the opportunity to present on topics such as identity development among LGBTQ+ and API/Southeast Asian communities. These presentations are a reflection of my passion for supporting individuals who are navigating the complexities of their identities, particularly within marginalized communities.

Academically, I hold a doctorate in education from Cal State LA and a Master of Social Work from Cal State Long Beach. My educational journey began at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, where I completed my undergraduate studies. These academic experiences have provided me with a strong foundation in both theory and practice, allowing me to offer well-rounded, culturally competent care to my clients.