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About Deanna Wong, LMFT
About Deanna Wong, LMFT
Deanna Wong, LMFT

She/Her/Hers

Hi there! I am Deanna, a California Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

I am most passionate about helping people from various cultural backgrounds, young adults, college students, and teens because I believe these populations are often unseen and struggling with depression, anxiety, life transitions, and intergenerational trauma. Asian Americans from immigrant families hits close to home! I believe therapy is for you if you are seeking support and personal growth, feeling lost, burnt out, and alone, or even if you have thought about trying therapy and you are unsure if you need it. I aim to help you improve your life and regain control over your mental health.

 

I grew up around the Los Angeles/San Gabriel Valley area during a time when therapy was not widely known and mental health was stigmatized. As an Asian American woman of immigrant parents, I've gained insight into the systemic barriers and common problems faced by marginalized groups such as limited access to quality care, limited awareness of mental illnesses, loss of identity, perfectionism, harsh inner criticism, imposter syndrome, "feeling behind", etc. I would like to help my clients to lean into their understanding of themselves, their families, and their backgrounds as they navigate through life and each transition.

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Inspired to challenge myself and adapt to different environments, I moved further from home to pursue my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Social Behavior at University of California Irvine, and ultimately completed my Master in Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy at Alliant International University, San Diego. My education, different experiences with people, life transitions, and my personal therapeutic journey have prepared me in providing mental health services. It allowed me to see that many diverse populations from all regions struggle with their mental health, some similar and different experiences as to mine.

 

I have gained valuable insight at various non-profit community mental health agencies, provided school-based therapy for different school districts, collaborated with many amazing mental health clinicians, and have been practicing for 8 years. I have worked with a diverse clientele of all ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, genders, sexualities, religions, and as well as provided services in English and Cantonese. I would like to connect with you to take advantage of therapy with me to process your shared experiences as well as your unique challenges. 

Unique therapy approach

My Approach

My therapeutic style emphasizes genuine interactions, light hearted humor, encouragement, compassion, and collaboration while being open-minded and honest. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to empower you to gain tools, new coping skills, and ability to challenge your inner critic that shows up in everyday situations so you can have a more fulfilling life. I also use other approaches that are grounded in empirical evidence and tailored to your specific needs to help you build insight, access resources, improve self-reflection, and achieve confidence and personal growth.

What to Expect in Therapy

What To Expect

I believe everyone needs a personal space to be fully seen, heard, and validated in order to address life's challenges. I create this by being supportive and non-judgmental while empowering you to explore and process your struggles. I may guide you to deconstruct negative views that originated from your difficult experiences or upbringing. Some sessions will involve us diving in deeper to learn how your negative patterns and self thoughts developed. Other sessions will involve a cathartic release or a good cry. Therapy can seem daunting, but I'm here to figure it out with you.

Professional Background of Deanna Wong, LMFT

Professional Background

Specialties

Depression
Anxiety
Self-Esteem

Life Transitions

Personal Growth

Emotional Stress

Body Image Issues

Family/Relational Issues
Cultural and Diversity Challenges
Historical/Intergenerational Trauma

Certifications

*Individual Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Depression, Anxiety, and Trauma
*Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - Enhanced
*Depression Treatment Quality Improvement (DTQI)
*Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
*Managing and Adaptive Practice (MAP)
*Standard & Teen Triple P Positive Parenting
*Crisis Oriented Recovery (CORS)

Education

M.A. Marital and Family Therapy

Alliant International University

San Diego 

 

B.A. Psychology and Social Behavior

Minor in Educational Studies

University of California Irvine

Irvine

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Not sure where to start? Let's get connected!

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