About
Feel more confident being you, in your decisions and in the many roles of your life!
Who I Help
Client’s I work with often feel “in-between”, they feel unsure about where they are, where they are going, or even who they are. It is hard for them to feel fully themselves and that can sometimes present as anxiety or depression, constantly worried about the future or struggling to let go of the past.
I have specific training and experience working with individuals that come from immigrant families, are immigrants themselves, or in the adoption constellation. This “in-between” feeling in these cases are often tied to their racial or cultural identity and values. It can cause a weak sense of self making them more indecisive in their career, relationships, and life transitions.
How I Help
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 and Dialectical Behavior Therapy). I also use EMDR when clients feel stuck or need a different approach to treatment. I 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. Also, as a social worker I keep a social justice view and consider how systems may impact your mental health.
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.
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). 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 going on hikes, eating at new restaurants, binging animes, 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
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