Ziqiu Yan
The practice of seeing life with wonder
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
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What is a Marriage and Family Therapist?
A Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) is a mental health professional who specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families to help them improve their relationships and mental health. MFTs are trained to understand the complex dynamics that exist within relationships and to provide therapy that helps themselves to understand how their internal system operates so that they can have more fulfillment in life in general, such as resolve conflicts, communicate more effectively, and build stronger relationships. To become a Marriage and Family Therapist, one typically needs to complete a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy or a related field, and obtain a license in their state of practice.
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​When is the right time for me to see a therapist?
There’s no one “right” time to start therapy, or the right time is always NOW—what matters is that you’re curious or open to support.
Many people seek therapy during challenging periods in life—after a major transition, loss, relationship difficulty, or when they feel overwhelmed and realize their current coping tools aren’t enough. Others come not because something is “wrong,” but because they want to understand themselves better, grow, or create a more fulfilling life.
I often compare therapy to how we care for our physical health. Just like we might get an annual check-up or go to the pharmacy when we catch a cold, our mental and emotional well-being deserves the same kind of attention. Yet, due to lingering stigma around psychotherapy, many people wait until they’re in crisis.
Therapy can be both a place of healing and a space for growth. Whether you’re struggling, curious, or simply feeling like something could be better, it’s always a good time to begin.
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I'm not sure how to do therapy.
​That’s absolutely okay. You don’t need to have it all figured out before starting therapy.
​It’s normal to feel unsure or even nervous at the beginning. You don’t need to prepare anything or know exactly what to talk about. My role is to guide the process and create a safe, supportive space where you can show up just as you are. We’ll go at your pace, and over time, you’ll get more comfortable with the process.
​Some clients start by sharing a specific issue, others simply talk about how they’ve been feeling lately. Even if all you can say is, “I don’t know where to start,” that’s more than enough.
​Therapy is not about doing it “right”—it’s about being curious, honest, and open to exploring whatever comes up. Your questions, confusion, and hesitations are all welcome.
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What can I expect from therapy?
​Therapy is a journey of self-discovery. It's a space where you can come to know yourself more deeply—your thoughts, feelings, patterns, strengths, and wounds. Through this process, you begin to build a new, more compassionate and empowered relationship with both your inner world and the world around you.
What is the first session like?
​The first session is a chance for us to get to know each other and begin building a foundation of trust and safety. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance—just come as you are.
​I’ll start by briefly reviewing confidentiality and answering any logistical questions you may have. From there, I’ll invite you to share what brings you to therapy, what you’re hoping for, and anything you feel comfortable sharing about your history, relationships, or current challenges. If you’re not sure where to start, that’s totally okay—let's open the space to see what is alive and what draws you to here and now.
What is your fee? Are fees negotiable?
​The average cost is $220 per 50-minute session for individuals and $250 per 50-minute session for couples. I have some sliding scale spots available based on client income and request. ​