I am a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in a range of concerns such as

depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions,

acculturative stress, and grief. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and provide

services both in English and Korean.

I provide a warm and genuine environment in which my client feels safe and a relationship of trust can be established.

I believe that in a safe and non-judgmental space, clients can gain insight and change occurs.

I am passionate about helping clients not only solve their presenting concerns but also thrive in a meaningful life through growth and hope.

I help clients navigate their needs, values, and goals and provide research-proven interventions to achieve each client’s goals.

In this process, I seek to empower each client and focus on their strengths.

My approach to clinical work is integrative and primarily grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Brief Psychodynamic, and acceptance-based approaches, with social justice and multicultural perspectives.

I provide short and long-term therapy, depending on the client’s needs and goals.

depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, life stressors, Acculturation, life transitions and adjustments, academic and work-related concerns, grief/loss, existential concerns, and traumatic experiences. 

My research interests and experiences focus on how to improve psychological well-being among underserved populations.

More specifically, my research areas include coping with stress, self-concept, culturally relevant coping, acculturation, depression, anxiety, well-being, shame/guilt, and emotion regulation for underrepresented and marginalized groups.

Liw, L., & Ciftci, A. (2020). Acculturative Stress, Culturally Relevant Coping, and Well-Being among East Asian International Students. Poster presented at the 128th Annual American Psychological Association Convention in Washington, D.C.

Liw, L., Ciftci, A., & Kim, T. (2020). Cultural Values, Shame and Guilt, and Expressive Suppression as Predictors of Depression.
Poster presented at the 128th Annual American Psychological Association Convention in Washington, D.C. 

Oh, J., Liw, L., Cho, H. J., & Ma, T. (2020). Content Analysis of Counseling Psychology research for North Korean Refugees. Poster presented at the 128th Annual American Psychological Association Convention in Washington, D.C.

Liw, L., & Ciftci, A. (2017). Experiences of International Graduate Students: Recommendations for Relevant Mental Health Services and Future Research. Poster presented at the 10th Biennial National Multicultural Conference & Summit in Portland, OR.

Liw, L., & Han, S.Y. (2015). Coping as a Mediator and Moderator Between Self-Discrepancies and Psychological Distress. Poster presented at the 123th Annual American Psychological Association Convention in Toronto, Canada.

Liw, L., & Ciftci, A. (2015). Is Emotional Suppression not associated with Negative Affects for Asians? The Role of Shame and Guilt. Poster presented at the 29th Annual Great Lakes Regional Counseling Psychology Conference in Muncie, IN.

Kim, H., Liw, L., Yoon, S., & Hur, H. (2011). Cognitive Dissonance and Importance of the Attitudes. Poster presented at the 9th Biennial Conference of the Asian Association of Social Psychology in Kunming, China.

Kim, H. J., Shin, S., & Liw, L. (2009). Mental health status of Pashtun women in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Paper presented at the 117th Annual American Psychological Association Convention in Toronto, Canada.