Jane Song, Ph.D.

How I decided to be a therapist

My journey as a therapist began with an inspiration drawn from the resilience of children and young people in war-conflicted areas, who found strength and recovery through art expression alongside caring mentors. Reading these stories sparked my commitment to harnessing the transformational potential of creativity, care, and compassion. My own experiences have further reinforced this commitment, as through personal experience, formal education, training and work experience with a diverse group of clients, I've witnessed firsthand how creativity and caring relationships can lead to profound self-discovery, enriched well-being, and fulfilling connections. Now, as a counselor and art therapist, I'm dedicated to facilitating a safe and nurturing space where individuals and families can explore their inner worlds and relationships, express themselves authentically, and embark on a journey of navigating life's challenges, fostering resilience, and cultivating a deeper understanding of self.

How I would like to help clients as a therapist

I prioritize the safety and autonomy of my clients while tailoring therapy to their unique interests, desires, and needs. Collaborating closely with each client, I aim to guide them through the counseling process step by step. This journey involves establishing safety and stability, building essential skills and personal resources, processing past experiences and current challenges, and ultimately integrating newfound insights into a plan for a thriving life beyond therapy. Throughout this process, I honor the client's expertise on their lived experience as much as my own, fostering a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship. I offer a non-judgmental, flexible, and safe space where the decisions and meanings are co-created with the clients through active negotiation.

What my theoretical orientation is as a therapist

In my practice, I believe in the transformative power of safe and caring relational connections and creativity as catalysts for meaningful personal change and growth. Drawing from various therapeutic approaches, including interpersonal psychotherapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), family therapy, dyadic developmental therapy, and solution-focused therapy, I ensure that therapy remains client-centered at its core. When working with children and adolescents, I recognize the importance of involving the entire family in the therapeutic process and I seek insights from the family to better understand the struggles of young people. Furthermore, I advocate strongly for the integration of creative arts and play into counseling across all age groups and developmental stages. Acknowledging creativity and playfulness as inherent resources within every individual, I offer art and play therapy to facilitate self-expression, trauma processing, relaxation, and the cultivation of healthy relationships with oneself and others. Through this integrative approach, I collaborate with clients to foster meaningful and sustainable change, leveraging their unique strengths and resources to lead thriving lives.