Xiaowei Lu, Ph.D.
About Me
I have crossed many bridges in my life:
As a career changer, I returned to psychology after more than a decade in the business world. This transition has allowed me to better integrate practical experience with clinical training, making me more capable of serving diverse client populations.
As a first-generation immigrant, I have navigated the bridge between two distinct cultures, learning to balance the nuances of cultural integration while honoring the rich tapestry of my heritage.
As a mental health practitioner, I am committed to bridging the gaps in mental health support, particularly for immigrants facing unique challenges in foreign lands. My experiences of adaptation, resilience, and transformation serve as invaluable assets in helping others through their struggles and transitions.
My Training and Clinical Experience:
- B.S. in Psychology and M.S. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from Peking University, China
- Ph.D. in Social and Personality Psychology and Cultural Psychology from UC Berkeley
- Doctoral Respecialization under Psy.D. from California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) (Expected)
- Practiced as a Registered Psychological Associate in California (License #: PSB94027123)
- Currently work as clinical psychologist intern at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara site
My Practice Philosophy
In my practice, I emphasize compassion, respect, and integrity. I am dedicated to providing holistic and culturally sensitive care and strive to empower my clients to uncover and utilize their inner strengths.
There are four central pillars in my practice philosophy:
- I believe that the challenges my clients face result from a complex interplay of social, economic, cultural, environmental, physiological, and psychological factors. Therefore, I am committed to providing comprehensive, holistic care.
- I respect and believe in my client's autonomy and agency and strive to nurture these qualities in my clinical work.
- With a deep understanding of the unique challenges diversity can pose—particularly for groups such as immigrants, people of color, and women—I am dedicated to navigating cultural complexities, recognizing the individuality of each person, and delivering culturally sensitive, effective care.
- As the Chinese saying goes, 'Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.' I am committed to helping my clients discover their inner strength and develop the essential skills to promote their mental health.
