ABOUT RYU

Photo by Rachel Garcia

THERAPIST | INTERNAL ARTS PRACTITIONER

I am a psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I completed my Master’s in Social Welfare at University of California, Berkeley in 2006. Studying gender, sexuality, and marginalized identities in the doctoral program until 2009, I developed an affinity with applied research and critical thinking. This thinking informs my direct practice alleviating suffering and facilitating healing. Over the last fifteen years, I have worked with children, adolescents and adults in a variety of settings including hospitals, public and private schools, community-based health agencies, and home visits.

Prior to providing psychotherapy, I completed extensive coursework in body mechanics/physiology as a martial artist for over 25 years. I am a Certified Taiji and Qigong Instructor from American Chen Taiji Society and Certified Advanced Level Practitioner of Physio-Synthesis™ under Ida Thomas MA. After extended visits to my native Taiwan and private training with Fujian White Crane Master Tseng of Yuan Lin, in 2018 I was invited by Master Tseng to teach its foundational forms. I am committed to cultivating and preserving the ancient arts, honoring the origins of their teachings and sharing their benefits. All body types, abilities and experiences welcome.