Xinzhu Yu, MA, LPC

Therapist
She/Her/Hers

Xinzhu works with individual adults and couples and is passionate about serving marginalized communities through a social justice advocacy lens. Born and raised in China, Xinzhu started living abroad on her own as a teenager and identifies as a “parachute kid.” She understands the complications of establishing one’s cultural identity while struggling to find meaning or belonging. Having lived in multiple countries in her adolescent and adult years, Xinzhu also has deep empathy for individuals who seek to feel settled while going through transitions.

Xinzhu is a graduate of the Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling program at The Family Institute at Northwestern University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Boston University. She has experience working with individuals with different levels of needs in multiple settings, including hospital, school, community center, refugee center, and private practice. Xinzhu has experience in the mental health field in the US, China, the UK, and Canada. She employs strength-based, systemic, and relational approaches in therapy and utilizes an integrative model of psychodynamic, narrative, CBT, ACT, DBT, IFS, the Gottman Method, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care. Xinzhu is trained in ADHD management as well. Xinzhu is particularly interested in cultural identity development, intergenerational trauma, and the challenges of interracial relationships.

Xinzhu believes the therapeutic relationship is essential for healing and values authenticity, warmth, and non-judgment as a therapist. Seeking therapy can be an overwhelming experience, and Xinzhu wants to meet you where you are. Xinzhu looks forward to exploring how systems impact you while promoting healing and empowerment, so you can embrace yourself for who you are and live the life you want to live. Healing is never easy, but you don’t have to be on this journey alone.