Full of MindPatterns that repeat
Some feelings, choices, and ways of relating return in different forms. Together, we can notice what feels familiar, explore how these patterns took shape, and understand how they continue to influence your life now.
Accepting new clients
A place to talk,
find your own rhythm.
I’m Joy Zhou, a psychodynamic psychotherapist. This is my private practice.
You may be going through a difficult time, finding yourself caught in familiar struggles, or wanting to understand yourself more deeply. Whatever brings you here, we can begin with what feels most present.
01About
Understanding takes time
What draws me to psychodynamic work is a lasting curiosity about how we come to be who we are.
We each come to understand ourselves in our own way, and in our own time. Some experiences come readily into words. Others take longer before we can begin to say what they mean to us.
I think of therapy as work we do together. We begin with what feels most present to you. What we talk about, what we notice, and where the work leads take shape over time, through the conversations between us.
02How I Work
Looking beneath the surface
Listening for what’s unsaid
What you say, what remains unspoken, moments of hesitation, conflicting feelings, and experiences that are difficult to put into words can all find their way into our conversations. Sometimes, something important begins to emerge in what is harder to say.
What happens between us
What happens between us in therapy is also part of the work. Together, we can pay attention to the feelings and patterns that emerge in our relationship, notice what may feel familiar, and make room for a different experience to take shape.
03Services
Ways we can meet
Individual Therapy
Emotional distress and stress, difficulties in relationships, questions of self and identity, and experiences of trauma or loss, including concerns that have persisted or returned over time.
Couples Therapy
Conflict and distance, trust and attachment, sex and intimacy, as well as experiences of betrayal, separation, trauma, and relationship crises.
Family Therapy
Family conflict, parent–child relationships, intergenerational patterns, and the ways illness, trauma, loss, or major life changes can affect the family as a whole.
04Getting Started
Before our first meeting
1
Get in touch
Tell me briefly what you’d like me to call you, what brings you to therapy, and the best way to reach you. There’s no need to say too much at this stage.
2
A brief conversation
We’ll start with a phone or video call of about 10 minutes. We can talk briefly about what has brought you to therapy at this point in your life, and you’ll have a chance to ask any questions you may have.
3
Our first session
We’ll have more time to talk about what you’re going through and what you’re hoping for from therapy. It’s also an opportunity to experience how I work and to consider whether working together feels right for you.
4
Deciding whether to continue
If we decide to continue, we’ll agree on the frequency of sessions and other practical arrangements. Therapy usually takes place once a week at a regular time.
05FAQ
A few common questions
If there’s anything else you’d like to know, feel free to ask me.
Get in touch →Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share in therapy is confidential, with limited exceptions involving serious concerns about your safety or someone else’s, as well as circumstances where disclosure is required by law or professional ethics. We’ll discuss confidentiality and its limits before we begin working together.
What if I need to reschedule or cancel?
If you need to reschedule or cancel a session, please let me know at least 24 hours in advance. Sessions begin and end at the agreed time, so arriving late will usually mean a shorter session. If something unexpected happens, we can talk about it.
Is there an agreement to sign before we begin?
Yes. Before we begin working together, we’ll review a therapy agreement covering confidentiality, the practical arrangements for therapy, our respective rights and responsibilities, and policies around rescheduling and cancellation. For online therapy, the agreement can be completed by email; for in-person therapy, it can be signed when we meet. Read the Therapy Agreement →
What’s the difference between in-person and online therapy?
In person, we share the same physical space, allowing expressions, posture, silence, and the experience of being together to become part of the work more naturally. Online therapy offers greater flexibility around location while still allowing for sustained, in-depth work. You can choose what works best for your circumstances, and we can also talk this through during our initial conversation.
What if I’m in a crisis?
If you are at immediate risk of harming yourself or someone else, or are experiencing a suicidal crisis, individual therapy is not a substitute for immediate crisis support. Please contact local emergency services or a crisis service, or go to the nearest emergency department. Once the immediate crisis has passed, we can discuss what kind of ongoing support may be appropriate.Crisis support resources →
06The Space
Where we meet
Start with what’s on your mind
You don’t need to have it all figured out. Choose how and when you would like to meet, then tell me briefly what brings you here.