About

 

Feel more confident being you, in your decisions and in the many roles of your life!

 

What I Support

Client’s I work with often feel “in-between” or lost, they feel unsure about where they are, where they are going, or even who they are. This can be caused by a conflict in values from different external sources or from not feeling like they fit into specific “boxes” in their identity (race, gender, sexuality, etc.) It is hard for them to feel fully themselves and makes them more indecisive in their career, relationships, and life transitions. I support clients through these stuck or hopeless feelings.

I also support clients that have had their world view shaped by traumatic experiences directly and intergenerational trauma.

Who I Support

I work with all adults (18+). However, I have specialized training and focused experience with the following populations:

  • Immigrants and Children of Immigrants

  • Members of the Adoption Constellation

    • Adopted people and members of the biological and adoptive family

  • Men of Color

 

How I Support

I use a varied/adaptive approach to therapy, with a focus on mindfulness, building self-awareness, and exploring how your thoughts affect your mood and emotions (a.k.a. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). I also use EMDR when clients feel stuck or need a different approach to treatment.

As a social worker I keep a social justice view and consider how systems may impact your mental health, values, and how you see yourself.

In my practice, I am committed to offering space for you to learn more about yourself and how you show up in the many roles in your life so you can be more yourself in all parts of your life. I will meet you where you are at with how you see your struggles. We understand it together and work to formulate a plan that will work for you.

 

Who I am

My name is Nghia Le, pronounced like “Knee-uh Lay”. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois (#149.022590) and California (#117562). I used he/him pronouns and identify as a Vietnamese American.

As a child of immigrants, I am familiar with the “in-between” feelings that come with developing your identity, particularly racial identity. I understand that finding yourself and your values is not as straightforward when influenced by multiple cultures. I understand that is it even harder to define and set boundaries for this version of yourself with your families when it feels like it conflicts with cultural values. But, I also have learned it is possible.

I have years of experience working with teens and young adults/adults through their "in-between" feeling. More specifically, my training and education had a focus on children and families and grew into a focus on young adults and young professionals. I also have a growing understanding of the special needs of adoptees and their families, particularly those in transracial families, through my years of experience as a counselor and speaker at Catalyst Foundation’s Vietnamese Heritage camps for Vietnamese adoptees.

Outside of work I enjoy all things outdoors, eating at new restaurants, taking photos, going to see live music, and trying out new hobbies.

Education and Awards

Master of Social Worker, California State University - Long Beach

BS, Biology, University of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Graduate School Honors

Los Angeles Department of Children & Family Service Stipend Program - 2015

Clinical Training

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT)

David Kessler: Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief

Cook County Court Approved 40hr-Mediation Training

Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Training for Children and Adolescents

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Seeking Safety

Managing and Adapting Practice

Speaking Engagements

Rest & Reflect, May 2021, Virtual Keynote Presentation

Reframing and Rethinking Emotional Support, March 2021, Community Conversation

Fact or Fiction: Exploring Our Imposter Syndrome, July 2020, Virtual Workshop

Exploring the Grief and Loss in Adoption, July 2019, Catalyst Culture Camp

Transracial Adoptions and Racial Identity Development, April 2019, Village Well

Blind Bubble: Discussing Privilege, July 2018, Catalyst Culture Camp

Big Boys Don’t Cry: Mental Health and the Patriarchy, July 2017, UNAVSA-14 Conference

Is This Racist?: Everyday Microaggressions, July 2015, Catalyst Culture Camp

Allyship for Adoptive Parents, July 2015, Catalyst Culture Camp