Daniel Yu, LCSW

Sometimes people are distressed in a way that they do not understand, or cannot overcome by themselves. They may feel chronically empty or depressed, or gnawed at by anxiety that interferes with their life. Despite their best efforts, or efforts of others in their lives, they are unable to free themselves from their problems. These are the times when it can be helpful to talk to someone who is sensitive and trained to respond to their difficulties. It is a big step to reach out for therapy. I think it is my job to help create a safe, emotionally stable environment where a person can relax enough to be able to take in the therapy that I have to offer. I bring over 20 years of training and experience. I work to show people what is hard for them to see by themselves, and to gain the strength to face thoughts and feelings that have been standing in their way. I believe that insight and understanding from a compassionate listener like me, can help to relieve symptoms such as depression, anxiety, negative self worth, or unresolved pain from the past. Even better, therapy can help an individual to become more of who they are as a person, and create a more meaningful life.

Mental health problems are often multi determined. For some, there may be a biological imbalance or pre-disposition to certain problems. Situations such as job loss, a recent death, or another life transition can also cause distress. However, the vast majority of people that I see suffer from difficulties that stem from feelings and thoughts that they have been unable to manage. Sometimes people don't even think about their feelings or notice certain thoughts because they unconsciously feel that they could not bear them, or that there would be no use in having them. Other times, individuals have not had caregivers in childhood who noticed ,and who could help them with their feelings. These individuals never learned how to handle certain experiences like sadness, feeling at a loss, or anger. Therapy is a talking cure. In speaking about your experience and getting help articulating your struggle, you gain strength to handle your difficulties, as well as an opportunity to take in help, responsiveness, and new ways of relating to your problems from the therapist who is listening to you.