Jiayi Shao

Jiayi “Shao” Shao is a bilingual therapist with an international and multicultural background. She pursued her Masters in Mental Health Counseling at Columbia University. Having grown up in China, she believes in Tao, or the Way — the healing power that emerges as one learns to navigate the continuous flow of life with space and fluidity. She believes that fostering awareness and delving into various feelings, emotions, and sensations can assist individuals in resolving blockages that hinder a sense of freedom, ease, and deeper meaning in life. Passionate about the process of healing, growth, and rediscovery of self, Shao celebrates the courage of each and every individual choosing their own path.

Acknowledging her intersectional identities as a person of color and a queer individual, Shao is passionate about working with the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. She utilizes an eclectic approach to therapy which includes psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems, and EMDR techniques. Her background as a Zen Buddhist and experience in improvisation theatre inspire a uniquely creative use of imagery, somatic work, metaphoric associations, and dream interpretation. She strives to create a warm, empathic, and reflective space that welcomes deeper questions, aiding individuals in reconnecting with their most authentic selves.