May Sun

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

It is hard to summarize my career path into several short paragraphs. A brief overview of my professional identity will be a mental health counselor who can conduct data analysis and research. 

I have been in the Psychology field for nearly 10 years since undergraduate study: BS in Psychology at East China Normal University; MS in Clinical Psychology at University of Sussex; MA in Mental Health Counseling at New York University. My training is multicultural and comprehensive, covering theories, research and applications. I also get to know how mental health systems operate in different countries. I have conducted research on depression and published 2 articles as the first author. As a byproduct of research, I also obtain coding and data analysis skills. Therefore, I have experience as an Educational Research Assistant in an education technology company and analyzed data from the online education platform. 

Although I enjoyed data analysis and research, I realized I wanted to learn more practical skills to directly assist clients with mental health issues. Fixing codes is much easier than fixing human psyche. But human minds are far more complicated and interesting than computers. I am always fascinated by the clients’ intelligence and resilience. Working with clients is a rewarding process. It also facilitates my self-reflection and growth. So here I am, aiming to become a licensed mental health counselor. I gained sufficient experience in working both at a private practice and a community center.  

What should someone know about working with you?

Before starting therapy, there will be a 15-min free phone consultation for all the potential clients to determine whether we are a good fit for each other. This process is a little similar to dating: we talk, ask questions and feel the vibes. If we do not end up working together, it only indicates that we are not suitable for each other; it does 

not indicate that we have any problems. If we eventually decide to work together, Hooray! We can then process the paperwork and schedule our 1st session. 

At the beginning of therapy, the focus will be clients and I getting to know each other, establishing trust and rapport and learning more about the presenting issues. In the later stage, the sessions will focus more on the issues we would like to work on, which might derive from the history and/or the present. I usually cater the therapeutic approaches to each client’s unique needs therefore each client’s session will look different. In general, my communication style is natural, supportive, and non-judgmental. The sessions can be structured or non-structured. This is a collaborative process and we can explore how we can best use the time of therapy. 

Who is your ideal client?

I work with a wide clientele and am open to working with clients from different cultural background and with various mental health issues. Clients who are motivated, consistent and open to different perspectives usually make the most out of therapy. They are curious to know more about themselves, explore the influence of the issues on their work and life, improve mental well-being, and even discuss broader existential topics. Their issues might derive from interpersonal relationships, work environments and other major life events. 

Are there any aspects of your personal self, therapeutic approach, or viewpoints that might be slightly controversial or challenge norms?

The role of the therapist is an assistant: we do not intervene clients’ decisions or life, but we accompany them with their self-growth journey.