Patrick Yu, AMFT

I practice therapy from the frameworks of social justice, humanism, and cognitive-behavioral therapies.

First and foremost, I approach my clients with humility and respect. I strive to be mindful of my privileges and implicit biases, and how they can skew my perceptions of my clients’ lived experiences. I take a collaborative, empathic, and non-judgmental approach that allows for clients to openly and safely share their experiences and insights.

My goal is to empower clients in gaining control of their lives and becoming comfortable being their genuine selves. I support clients in deepening their understanding of their lived experiences, the meaning of those experiences, and how they have influenced (and continue to influence) the various aspects of their lives.

Along the way, I utilize cognitive-behavioral interventions to help clients identify and clarify specific areas of their lives that they wish to change, as well as develop and cultivate various skills for attaining that change.

Because everybody has different lived experiences and definitions of change, this process will be individualized for each client. But in general, I hope to support all of my clients in making necessary shifts so that they can live in alignment with their values and needs.

I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in attaining positive outcomes. Like with plants, humans require a nurturing environment in order to grow. When people feel safe to explore their thoughts and insights, with confidence that they will be fully heard and validated, growth, healing, and change become possible. It is such an immense honor and privilege for me to be able to provide such a safe space for my clients and to witness as they blossom into their envisioned selves.

We live in a world where compassion and empathy seem to be exceptions rather than the norm, especially for marginalized folks. As a minority living in the US, I am aware of how devastating it is to be misunderstood, judged, and shamed by others, especially by others in positions of power and/or expertise. Because of this, we are taught to put on an act to avoid facing reprimantion and rejection, to the detriment of our mental health. The world can be very harsh and unnurturing for one’s overall well-being, which is why I strive to make my sessions a place that welcomes self-expression, knowing that all parts of you will be understood and accepted. My hope is that clients gradually unlearn internalized shame, become empowered to live as their authentic selves, and recognize that their authentic selves are worthy of love, respect, and dignity.

My work centers on the needs of individuals with intersecting marginalized identities, with a particular interest in BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, unhoused, undocumented, and formerly incarcerated folks. I have experience providing services to children and teens, transitional age youth, and adults within various settings, including homes, schools, and inpatient facilities. In addition to this role, I also work as a social worker at an acute psychiatric hospital, where I provide crisis intervention therapy and case management to adults. Having worked for a number of for-profit organizations, I am happy to be a part of the SF Stress and Anxiety Center, where I can practice therapy without the limitations imposed by large, bureaucratic healthcare corporations. Outside of my work life, I enjoy playing video games, cooking, baking, watching cooking and baking videos, eating, shopping, watching anime, reading manga, and analyzing fictional characters.