Hi, I’m Jenny Lau.
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I am a 2nd-generation Chinese-American female who is passionate about diversity, inclusivity, and self-improvement. I am invested in developing deeply authentic relationships with others and bringing empathy, honesty, and creativity to interactions. I have a knack for seeing different perspectives and gleaning salient insights from situations. I am also skilled at providing a steady safe space for others to truly express themselves and giving a gentle nudge when needed.
Professional Background
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) Associate in the State of Texas, supervised by Tiffany Dang, LPC-S; I earned a M.A. in Professional Counseling with a concentration in Clinical & Mental Health Counseling from Texas State University. I also obtained my M.D. with Distinction in Research at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and spent my intern/PGY-1 year at the Baylor Scott & White Round Rock Family Medicine residency program.
My clinical experience with mental health has illuminated the complex and profound impact of trauma on clients' lives as well as the strength and resilience required throughout the addiction recovery process. I have worked as a Program Therapist at Trauma Recovery Institute in Cedar Park for nearly two years, which has given me invaluable experience in working with clients who have undergone significant trauma and have multiple mental health diagnoses, including dissociative disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD/complex trauma, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders, within a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)/Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) setting. I also completed my internship at the Williamson County Children's Advocacy Center, where I conducted therapy sessions using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents from 3-18 years old who exhibited trauma symptoms from various types of abuse. Regarding my past medical experience, I have worked extensively with a wide variety of patients of all ages in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including child & adolescent psychiatry clinics, foster care clinics, suicide prevention intensive outpatient programs, and adult & adolescent addiction clinics and programs.
Approach
I am passionate about establishing strong therapeutic alliances with individuals and facilitating their journey towards healing and growth through the medium of therapy. Specializations include trauma, adolescents and children over 7 years old, people of color, and healthcare professionals. I utilize an integrative approach using elements from therapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS)/parts work, Trauma Model Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and systems theories. I am highly conscious of the fact that each individual is unique, so I aspire to tailor my approach to each client as much as possible. I am certified in Trauma Model Therapy and am currently working towards certification to become a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional (CCTP). I am eager to learn as much as I can to help my clients, so I will continue furthering my education and learning as many modalities as I can. Ultimately, I experience the therapeutic process as fulfilling and rewarding due to both personal and professional experiences with mental health.
Fun Facts
I’m a native Austinite! I went to Liberal Arts & Science Academy (LASA), the Magnet program at LBJ High School, and the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) for undergrad.
I love reading; my favorite genres are fantasy and sci-fi, but I will read anything that catches my interest. I also love Studio Ghibli movies.
My creative interests include calligraphy, writing, knitting & crocheting amigurumi, and listening to music.
I also have a cat named Hela (see picture)!