Yunling (Lina) Chang, Ph.D.

• Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Texas A&M University
• M.Ed., Educational Psychology, Texas A&M University
• M.S., Psychology, University of Louisiana at Monroe
• B.Ed., Psychology and Counseling, National Taipei University of Education, Taiwan

My theoretical approach, which is fundamentally humanistic, integrates person-centered and interpersonal psychotherapy approaches. I am passionate about helping students to work through their transition of life collaboratively and I believe the transition to college is a critical period for one’s growth. I strive to create a warm and supportive space for students to feel safe to be vulnerable and free to explore themselves. I am committed to empowering students to be congruent with their emotions and be empathetic with themselves. I believe that students are the experts themselves and we walk through the journey together. My motto about life is “practice what you preach”; thus, I also strive to be as open, congruent, and transparent as I can. My professional interests include working with culturally diverse population, international students, trauma (particularly sexual harassment), self-esteem concerns, and high-achieving graduate student.

I feel fortunate to be in the mental health field and have the opportunity to learn and understand different cultures. As an international student myself, my experiences of study abroad and acculturation help me to have a better understanding of cultural transition and diversity. I believe that multicultural awareness, knowledge, and skills are all intertwined and interrelated. I seek to understand individuals’ beliefs, values, and practices within their own cultures. By enhancing understanding of one’s culture and intersectionality, I believe that individuals can be more aware of the cultural impact on their relationships as well as themselves.

In clinical supervision, I strive to build a trusting relationship that values respect, openness, transparency, responsiveness, professionalism, and flexibility. My approach to supervision is similar to my approach to therapy – providing a safe and supportive space for my supervisees, establishing a collaborative relationship, exploring professional and personal strengths and limitations, and engaging in a developmental process together with them. One thing that I value very much in my previous supervisory relationships as a supervisee is the openness and transparency; therefore, I look forward to practicing what I learn and preach and meeting my supervisees where they are in their process. Furthermore, I believe the importance of enhancing cultural awareness and knowledge through being aware of personal values, biases, and assumptions as well as discussing multicultural issues. I think it is critical to these conversations in both the supervisory and therapeutic relationships. I view supervision as a collaborative growing process to exchange professional experiences, learn different perspectives, and provoke critical and deep thoughts with my supervisees. I hope to walk them through their journey and help them grow not only professionally but also personally.