Ke (Zoe) Zhou

What was your path to becoming a therapist?

Growing up in a culture where mental health was often overlooked, I realized how essential it is to bring understanding and compassion to this area. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Davis, and later completed my Master’s in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness at New York University. During college, I volunteered at a suicide prevention center, where I listened to people in crisis. Seeing friends struggle with mental health challenges further deepened my commitment to this field. These experiences—and the multicultural training I received—taught me the power of empathy, presence, and genuine connection, which continue to guide my work as a therapist today.

What should someone know about working with you?

Working with me means entering a warm, collaborative space where your story and pace are respected. In our first session, we’ll take time to understand what brings you here, your goals, and what support feels most helpful for you. Together, we’ll explore patterns, emotions, and coping strategies with curiosity and compassion. I often integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and person-centered techniques, and may offer reflections or gentle “homework” between sessions to support your growth. I especially enjoy working with clients navigating anxiety, self-criticism, relationship concerns, and cultural or life transitions, helping them reconnect with their inner strength and self-compassion.

Who is your ideal client?

My favorite clients are those who are thoughtful and self-aware, often struggling with anxiety, academic or work stress, or adjusting to a new environment. Many of them say, “I feel overwhelmed and don’t know how to slow down,” or “I want to feel like myself again.” They’re often trying to find balance, confidence, and calm amid high expectations. I work best with clients who are open to reflection and willing to explore their emotions and coping patterns. Together, we create a gentle, safe space to understand what’s underneath the stress and gradually build a sense of stability, self-acceptance, and peace.

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

I believe therapy is not about “fixing” people but about helping them reconnect with who they already are. Many of us grow up learning to hide or silence parts of ourselves to fit in, and therapy offers a space to bring those parts back with compassion. Progress doesn’t always mean constant happiness, sometimes it means learning to sit with discomfort and understanding what it’s trying to tell us. I don’t see therapy as a quick solution, but as a process of self-discovery, where awareness and acceptance gradually lead to change.