about me

hello!

My name is Liana Huang (she/her), and I’m a bilingual, bicultural (Cantonese and English speaking) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW #119082). 

Growing up as the eldest daughter of Chinese immigrants who left their world in the Pearl River Delta to pursue a more abundant life for their descendants in San Francisco, I can relate to and understand the specific struggles of children of immigrants. It’s not easy navigating the unspoken pressure of repaying our parents for the sacrifices they made, the inevitable miscommunication and misunderstandings that arise as families bridge cultures and languages, and the persistent feeling of falling short of expectations. 

With a deep understanding of intergenerational trauma and family of origin attachment wounds, I offer a unique perspective to my clients as a therapist who has personally experienced the challenges of growing up with Asian immigrant parents. You won't have to explain what it's like to navigate cultural differences and complex family dynamics because I get it. I became a therapist because I recognize that cultural humility, while important, does not compare to the insights and empathy gained through lived experience. Together, we can work through your struggles and heal from the wounds of the past to create a brighter future. You're not alone in this journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Specialties

I specialize in working with clients who presented with life transitions, anxiety, depression, ADHD, comparison with others, interpersonal challenges, imposter syndrome, low self-compassion, people pleasing tendencies, perfectionism, shame, trauma, and other difficulties. I’m especially interested in working with eldest daughters, children of immigrants, children of emotionally immature parents, and empaths. 

Modalities

In treatment, I implement and incorporate various modalities including: 

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)

  • somatics therapy

  • cognitive behavioral therapy

  • solution-focused therapy

  • narrative therapy

  • drama therapy

  • motivational interviewing

  • mindfulness techniques

  • expressive arts therapy

  • play therapy

  • dialectical behavioral therapy

Professional Background

  • Occidental College: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Chinese Studies

    University of California, Berkeley: Master of Social Welfare, Child & Family Services Concentration, Pupil Personnel Services Credential

  • Group Practice Therapist, Jeong Therapy

    Behavioral Health Clinician, San Francisco Department of Public Health, Chinatown Child Development Center

    Wellness Services Coordinator, Community Youth Center of San Francisco

    School Social Work Intern, San Francisco Unified School District

    Social Work Intern, Baptist Oi-Kwan Social Services, Hong Kong

  • EMDRIA Approved EMDR Therapy Training through Institute for Creative Mindfulness

    Principles of Drama Therapy through The Center for the Living Arts

    Introduction to Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy through The Asian American Center for Psychoanalysis

    Asian American Racialization through The Asian American Center for Psychoanalysis

    Embodied Transformation by and for Black People, Indigenous People, and People of Color through the Strozzi Institute

    Somatics, Trauma, and Resilience through the Strozzi Institute

  • Member of the API Social Work Council, Northern CA, National Association of Social Workers