Phuong Thao Nguyen, LSW, (They/Them)

I I am as a first-generation immigrant born in Vietnam and raised in South Seattle, WA. Growing up thrusted into the role of the first often came with a heavy burden. To name a few as the first child of five, first generation immigrant, first to graduate high school and go to college, and first to come out as Queer. These roles of the first came with a mix of certainty and uncertainty that required figuring life out along the way with needed support from outside the family. Seeking support outside of the family was counter to what I was told in my Vietnamese household of “you don’t talk to strangers or outsiders about what is going on in the family, especially around struggles and anything taboo.” I was the first in my family to do something that was different: seeking mental health support, which saved my life. Mental health was and still is considered taboo in the Vietnamese culture. In addition to these being the first roles, growing up biculturally, I navigated the limbo of not quite belonging anywhere and deep desire to find and feel a sense of home.

I graduated from California State University East Bay with a BS in Health Sciences with concentration in Community Health and Masters in Social Work with concentration in Children, Youth, and Families. I was inspired to work in social work and mental health due to my own personal experiences and loved one’s experiences interacting with the mental health care and DCFS system. Before becoming a therapist, I worked for non-profits focused on ending domestic violence and homelessness in direct service and non-direct service roles in California.

My identities: Southeast Asian, Vietnamese, 1st generation immigrant, non-binary, queer, polyamorous & ex-catholic. These identities shaped the way I move in the world while inspiring me to continue being curious & going outside of the box when I work with each unique human in front of me. I work with adults & couples from different walks of life. As a holistic practitioner, I’ve come to understand it’s a different dance for each person when working towards embodying their voice, identities, boundaries & authenticity. I take into consideration your experiences relationally & within systems and how they may impact the relationship to your inner landscape.

My therapeutic approach is non-judgmental, informed-consent, and person-centered and rooted in liberation psychology while drawing upon an intersectional lens to honor each unique human where you are seen, heard, and feel like you matter. I pull from a range of body-based approaches such as Somatic Experiencing (SE), and trauma-informed yoga. I believe in supporting clients to lead as you are the expert of your lived experiences while collaborating and at times challenging you on your reblooming journey.  Areas I have supported clients with: burnout, stress, neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, breakups/divorce, relationship challenges, boundaries, communication, trauma, life transitions, and exploring their gender, sexuality, identities & diverse relationship structures.