About me

Hi there!

I am Hsuan Hsuan (Shin Shin) Dai (She/Her)

Bio

I am a bicultural and bilingual (Mandarin and English) therapist/person of color. I was born and raised in Taiwan and immigrated to the U.S. with my family when I was 15 years old. My experience with life transitions, personal development and relationships, along with cultural and global stigmatization against seeking mental health support, has shaped my motivation within the field of counseling. Over the course of adjustment and acculturation as Asian American immigrant, I developed a strong awareness of my social identities, and how difficult it was to navigate the different social norms and expectations I was weaving between cultures and living in oppressive systems that tells me I am not enough for being who I am. Through my own healing journey, I have learned that talk therapy has given me the most support in turning inward, gaining awareness, developing healthy coping strategies and finding my voice. I am passionate about supporting each client in creating a fulfilling life by developing awareness, nurturing and accepting all parts of you, embracing self-compassion, finding your voice, and achieving your goals. I look forward to sharing what I’ve learned through education and training to help anyone who’s experiencing suffering and ready to break free to live their best live.

My Approach I provide therapy from an integrative, culturally sensitive and social justice framework. I use client centered, compassion based, and trauma informed approach, which means that I apply knowledge and techniques from multiple schools of psychology and other disciplines to help each client meet their goals. I strive to empower my clients to turn inward and listen to their intuition.

I do not believe in “one size fits all” therapy. I strive to understand my clients from a comprehensive point of view that is sensitive to our unique identities, backgrounds, and experiences. As Asian American immigrant, I am sensitive to multicultural issues and enjoy working with diverse populations. I believe that cultural trauma and stressors can play a role in our mental health. I support and understand the unique struggles of different life transitions and am committed to providing culturally sensitive and diversity-affirmative services. I believe the relationship between client and therapist plays a large role in what makes therapy work. It is important to me that you feel fully seen and heard. My style is warm, compassionate, and straightforward. I will give you my full attention, deep listening, genuine care, encouragement, and support. I will approach you with authenticity, curiosity, and honest reflection.

Common modalities I use:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
  • Interpersonal Processing
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic

Area of focus

  • Managing and befriending uncomfortable emotions: anxiety, depression
  • Dealing with stress, grief and loss
  • Resolving relationship issues and creating meaningful connections
  • Unlearning perfectionism and developing self compassion
  • Preventing burnout and creating a balanced life
  • Moving through and releasing past traumas
  • Exploring purpose, meaning and spiritual beliefs
  • Maintaining self in a systemically oppressive world

All are welcome. I especially enjoy working with women, POC, LGBTQA+, second generations Americans, and immigrants.

Education and Licensing

I have over 8 years of experience in the helping profession. I received my masters in mental health counseling from Lewis and Clark College (Portland, OR). I am currently a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LH60904645) in Seattle, WA.