Meet Dr. Shuyi Liu
Hello! I’m Dr. Shuyi Liu, a licensed psychologist based in the Bay Area, California (License #34912). I earned my PhD in Counseling Psychology from Iowa State University, along with an M.A. and M.Ed. in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, where I had the privilege of training with leaders in multicultural psychology. My journey began in China, where I lived and studied for 22 years.
Since completing my graduate studies, I have gained extensive experience in various clinical settings, including university counseling centers and community mental health organizations. My areas of expertise include the treatment of depression, anxiety, perfectionism, stress management, identity development, trauma, and multicultural identity concerns, particularly focusing on immigrant, Asian/Asian American, and BIPOC mental health. I am also skilled in addressing complex trauma, perinatal mental health, and ADHD-related challenges.
In addition to my clinical practice, I am an assistant professor in the Psychology Department at San Francisco State University, where I teach, conduct research, and supervise master’s students in the clinical psychology program. My courses include the Psychology of the Family, Introduction to Clinical Psychology, and Clinical Psychology Practicum. Since 2018, I have been supervising both master’s and doctoral students, fostering the next generation of psychologists. My research interests focus on Asian/Asian American mental health, coping with minority stress, and counselor/therapist education, and I have published 11 peer-reviewed articles on these topics, which has greatly enriched my clinical work.
In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, hiking, watching stand-up comedy, and exploring the city.
Educational Background and Credentials
- California License #PSY 34912 as a Counseling Psychologist
- Pre-doctoral Internship (APA-accredited) at UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services
- PhD in Counseling Psychology (APA-accredited) at Iowa State University
- MEd and MA in Psychological Counseling at Columbia University
- BA in English and Economics at Tsinghua University
ADHD-Certified Clinical Services Provider (ADHD-CCSP)
Training in Treatment of Trauma:
- Certificate for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy Basic Training
- 7-month Certificate Program in Traumatic Stress Studies by Trauma Research Foundation
- Certificate of Treating Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
- Certificate of Boundary Setting Strategies: How Your Clients Can Reclaim Emotional Autonomy
- Certificate of DSM-5 Differential Diagnosis for Clients with Trauma: Four Steps to Accurate Diagnosis
Training in Perinatal Mental Health
- Training in Perinatal Mood Disorders: Components of Care Course
- Certificate of Advanced Perinatal Psychotherapy
- Training in Reproductive Trauma: Essential Tools for Infertility, Pregnancy Loss, Birth Trauma, and Perinatal Mental Health Disorders
- I am currently pursuing Certification in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International
Types of Therapy I Use
My clinical work is trauma-informed and multiculturally responsive. In terms of specific treatment modalities, I have an integrative evidence-based and relational approach to therapy, which include but not limited to the following:
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- EMDR
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Internal Family Systems Therapy
- Interpersonal Process Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Relational Cultural Therapy
How I Work
I find great fulfillment in working with high-achieving professionals, dedicated caregivers, and those who excel in demanding roles yet struggle with perfectionism, impostor syndrome, feelings of invisibility due to parts of their identities, burnout, and the challenge of balancing their personal and professional lives. As a psychologist, I take the time to explain how various factors like mood and trauma influence your experience, empowering you to learn and grow. I see myself as collaborative, curious, and engaging during our sessions. I enjoy sharing laughter with my clients and strive to balance encouragement with gentle challenges. My goal is to truly understand you, help you process your experiences, and support you in living your life to the fullest.
In our sessions, I aim to help you make meaningful connections and create actionable changes—so you can release what isn’t serving you and reinforce what is. We might address current challenges, or I may guide you in exploring significant past experiences or traumas that continue to impact you, helping you to move forward. We can also work on developing healthier responses to intense emotions and self-criticism, as well as increasing your awareness of your body’s signals and instincts. I often assist individuals in understanding their reactions within personal and professional relationships, guiding them towards practical steps aligned with their goals and values.
Since beginning my master’s program at Columbia University in 2012, I have been providing psychotherapy to individuals, families, and groups. It’s my privilege to have supported numerous clients through their personal journeys, emphasizing a tailored approach to therapy that respects each individual’s unique experiences.
I genuinely believe in the transformative power of being seen and how it allows individuals to become their best selves. Through trauma-informed therapy, I strive to create a safe and judgment-free environment for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. My goal is to empower them to restore the sense of safety, reach their personal aspirations, and build resilience.
It is essential to receive psychological care and services that are grounded in research and evidence. As a professor and researcher, I focus on coping with minority stress, self-compassion, and clinical supervision, having published 11 peer-reviewed articles on these topics. This research directly informs my therapeutic approach, enabling me to implement effective, tailored strategies for my clients.
Being able to express yourself in your own language is essential for the healing journey. I am proficient in both Mandarin Chinese and English and am happy to provide services in either language.