Michelle Yan

Hi, I’m Michelle. I’m a licensed clinical social worker, with a focus on supporting the Asian American community and anyone navigating the pressure of being the "first" in their family to hit major milestones. Growing up in an immigrant household, I lived those cultural "unspoken rules" and family dynamics firsthand. I know how hard it is to try and honor your roots while also trying to find your own way. It’s a lot to carry, and you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

For me, therapy is all about the relationship. If you’ve spent your life "masking" to meet everyone else's expectations, trust and safety don't just happen overnight. That’s why I keep things real and honest. You’re the expert on your life, not me.

Even if we share a similar background, your story is yours. I don't come into our sessions with a script or a set of assumptions. I’m just genuinely interested in your world and what you’re going through. Whether our experiences match up or are totally different, I’m here to be your advocate and help you build a life that aligns with your values.

I don't believe in "one-size-fits-all" therapy because your background and family dynamics are yours alone. In our sessions, you are the expert. We will focus on what you actually need right now.

I am a supportive listener, but I will also give you a gentle push when you need it. If I see you falling back into those old "people-pleasing" habits or patterns that keep you stuck, I am going to call them out with kindness. I use a mix of DBT, CBT, and ACT to give you real tools for the complex parts of life. This includes things like the constant guilt or the high expectations that have been weighing you down. Whether we are working on managing big emotions or just changing how you talk to yourself, the goal is the same. I want to help you stop living for everyone else and finally start showing up for yourself.

Our first session is really just about getting to know each other and seeing if it feels like a good fit. We’ll talk about what’s going on for you right now and start figuring out a plan that actually makes sense for your life. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out on day one. Most of my clients start to feel a shift within the first month, and from there, we’ll keep working toward those bigger changes you’re looking for