About Dr. Mandy Lu (she/her/她)
WA Licensed Psychologist PY. 61016305
I double-majored in Psychology and Chemistry in college. An internship at a residential treatment center helped me recognize my appreciation for building relationships with people from all walks of life. After graduating from my alma mater in North Carolina, I packed up my belongings and moved straight onto my Clinical Psychology program in the Midwest.
I spent my formative years in various parts of China and the U.S. Growing up straddling different cultures and languages helped me gain appreciation for the complexity of human experiences given our unique collection of identities and the environments we are in. How we understand and conduct ourselves in relationships with the self and others retains consistency through the complexity of life. Relationships are often a source of suffering. Yet, attentive and nurturing relationships offer the key to sustaining satisfaction and wellness - rooted in the integration of all parts of your experiences and who you are.
I aspire to guide and support people in reaching this integration and authentic living in their lives.
My Approach
Much of my training and experiences are devoted to examining relationship patterns and attachment styles. We can learn a lot about ourselves by getting to know the structure that guides our behaviors. I will work closely with you to get to know you - your history, values, family and friends, cultural backgrounds. We'll work toward your goals with you in the driver seat. As your co-pilot, I do not hold the answers to exactly how to get to your destination. But rather be a perceptive listener who asks good questions to clarify your feelings/intentions and unearth your existing insights/resources to plot the course that is yours.
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To enhance this process, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based self-compassion. My approach is trauma-informed, queer/trans-affirming, and neurodivergence-informed. I'm particularly well-suited to work with adults (18+) with concerns related to:
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Mood disorders (e.g. depression, anxiety, Bipolar)
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Eating disorders, body image
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Identity exploration
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People-pleasing tendencies
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Family/relationship conflict
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Gender/sexuality (LGBTQIA)
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Perfectionism
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Life transitions
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Work/caregiver burnout
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Neurodivergence
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I am also experienced in supporting those with a history of OCD, substance use disorders, trauma, and significant grief.
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What I have valued the most about therapy work with my clients has been the strength and resilience that always manage to shine through hardship and heartbreaks. It is an truly an honor to bear witness to the way people lean into this deeply challenging and rewarding process. I have learned so much from my clients over the years. I hope to have the opportunity to be part of your process toward strength and authenticity.
