Derek Li

Many of the people I work with are the ones everyone else assumes are doing just fine. You're successful, capable, and driven—but underneath the surface, you may be carrying anxiety, burnout, trauma, perfectionism, or ADHD. High-performance people often feel like they're constantly trying to keep up. Whether you're navigating the demands of academia, an intellectually challenging career, or family dynamics, therapy can be a place to slow down, reconnect with yourself, and find a different way forward.

My approach is collaborative, curious, and grounded in evidence-based care. I integrate EMDR, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and neuroscience-informed interventions to help clients better understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, nervous system, and behaviors. Together, we'll identify patterns that no longer serve you, strengthen emotional flexibility, and develop practical tools that support lasting change.

Before becoming a therapist, I studied Applied Physics and Engineering and later conducted doctoral-level research in Computational and Integrative Biology. That background continues to shape my work today. I enjoy helping analytically-minded people make sense of complex internal experiences. I create a space that feels warm, genuine, and free from judgment. I believe healing happens when insight is paired with self-compassion and meaningful action.