Meet Liyuan

Liyuan Lyu, B.A.

Northwestern University | Clinical Intern

Professional Bio.

Liyuan is a compassionate and culturally attuned individual who views counseling as an empowering and collaborative process. She believes that meaningful change begins when individuals feel truly seen and understood. Liyuan approaches her work with presence, attentiveness, and genuine curiosity, creating a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions at their own pace.

Liyuan's therapeutic style is grounded in a humanistic foundation while drawing from psychodynamic theory, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), CBT-informed strategies, and trauma-informed care. She supports clients in developing insight into their experiences, strengthening coping skills, and reconnecting with their inner strengths. She is committed to meeting clients where they are and tailoring her approach to each person's unique needs and circumstances.

Liyuan helps clients access and process deeper emotions, and in fostering self-compassion as a foundation for lasting personal growth. She sees her role as offering a steady, authentic presence that holds space with empathy rather than imposing direction, and trusts clients to grow in their own way and time.

Liyuan has provided therapy to clients from diverse backgrounds at the The Family Institute at Northwestern University and is completing her Master’s Degree in Counseling at Northwestern University.

As a bilingual clinician, Liyuan is committed to providing culturally responsive care and is deeply attentive to how language, culture, and identity shape each client's lived experience. She welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and creates a therapeutic environment that is inclusive, affirming, and genuinely supportive.