Ready to step out of your comfort zone to see who you can be?

Amy Lai Grief Loss Cancer Boundaries Forgiveness People Bloom Counseling Redmond I.png

Clinical interests
Immigrant & cultural identity
Boundary setting
Caregiver burnout
Cancer & other medical illness
Grief & loss
Fluent in Mandarin

Hi! I’m Amy and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I know it’s important to find a counselor that’s a right fit for you. Because people are complex, sometimes it’s hard to tell just by looking at a picture. As you read ahead, let me know if I can be that counselor for you.

Where I’ve been 

I was born in Taiwan and our family moved to Canada when I was eight. As the youngest of three kids, I had to grow up quickly; helping my parents navigate a foreign environment. Having been through the challenges of cross-cultural transitions, I understand the intersecting identities that make people unique.  

Just as I received a scholarship to go to a top business school, my mom got sick and I decided to stay to care for her. That was a turning point in my life to pursue counseling over business or law school. I graduated with a B.A. from the University of British Columbia with a major in Psychology. I went on to get a M.A. in Counseling Psychology at Boston College. My counseling experience includes ABA therapy with children on the spectrum, outpatient behavioral health, inpatient hospital settings with children and youth, children’s hospice, and oncology support for patients and families. While I have a lot of experience working with kids, my private practice is focused on adults. 

I find it worthwhile to mention that I was diagnosed with a rare health condition a few years ago that continues to have an impact on my life. I know personally what it’s like to live with uncertainty, the rollercoaster ride of a medical illness, and its effect on everyday life. These experiences taught me about resilience, gratitude and hope, and the need to take things one day at a time.

When I’m not working 

I’m passionate about volunteering and giving back to the community! I currently help to recruit volunteers for Seattle’s first family-centered pediatric palliative care home for children and their families living with life-threatening illnesses. Volunteer-aside, I love to travel, rock climb and I’ve completed seven half marathons! I have a fear of heights and I don’t enjoy running, but I see the value in taking risks and persevering through hard things. I find that when we move out of our comfort zone, we grow in ways unimaginable.

What about you? Who are you and where have you been? Can I support you as you make some meaningful changes in your life?