M, 22, University student; depression, anxiety, life-stage transition

“The mental health issues that led me to seek professional help were mainly symptoms of depression and anxiety; a string of unexpected setbacks, life changes, and uncertain short- and long-term futures led to a downward spiral. Most days were lifeless, unmotivated, and lethargic, setbacks and challenges were either met with resignation or anger at the sheer perceived unfairness of my life, and without something to distract it, my mind would inevitably wander to thoughts that were self-disparaging at best, and completely nihilistic at worst. In retrospect, the most vicious part of this was that in some twisted way, I believed I deserved what I was going through; I had tricked myself into thinking my emotional state was some ‘natural result’ of who I was, that the thoughts I was having were completely rational. If the thoughts that I would never be able to do what I love, that I was some faulty product on society’s assembly line, that I had wasted the time I was meant to explore, grow, develop, and find my direction in life were all logical conclusions, why fight them?

If not for therapy, I likely would never have found my way out of this pit. While medication treated my symptoms, therapy addressed the root causes of my issues: faulty beliefs and ways of thinking that systematically dismantled my self-worth. Therapy has greatly improved my self-awareness and granted me the means to be far more objective with myself and identify when my brain was tricking me into rationalising and believing negative thoughts. Much like how people’s voices sound very different to themselves than to others, having someone to provide an alternate perspective and highlight the patterns and areas in my thinking that were limiting my mental health was invaluable. Therapy also provided a much healthier outlet for my feelings than rambling to friends and family, which always came with immense guilt for saddling them with my issues that they were ill-equipped to help me resolve.

In short, I have benefited from therapy at multiple levels: at the surface level, the sessions and the advice received from them are immediately helpful and refreshing. My improved mental state and no longer needing to unjustly burden others with my issues have led to much better interpersonal relationships. At a more fundamental level, they have led to positive changes to my perspectives and ways of thinking, allowing me to enter and react to new situations with a much better mindset, both positioning and granting me the tools for continued growth.

Therapy has since become a regular part of my life, even after having dealt with the issues that caused me to seek help in the first place. Since then, therapy has helped me maintain a healthy, constructive, and balanced outlook through good and bad, such as burnout, existential crises, and moving overseas for university. Furthermore, much of therapy is also forward-looking, raising my attention to potential problems that could arise, allowing me to both prevent them, and respond to them healthily should they occur. I also recently entered my first relationship, and therapy has been incredibly useful for removing much of the guesswork and worries that arise from such a change. Moving forward, I foresee therapy not only as a means for me to continue improving my mental health, but also an invaluable tool to target and improve my flaws.”

“I initially sought therapy for job stress and burnout, but as the sessions progressed, it became clear that there were deeper, underlying areas that needed attention. With time, I unpacked family dynamic issues, identity formation, general anxiety, and self-esteem challenges. I had a tendency to internalise negative feedback and respond from a highly emotional or victim-led place, which therapy helped me understand and shift.

Therapy with Xinyi has been a truly safe and transformative space for me. Her authenticity and grounded presence made it easy to be honest, vulnerable, and unfiltered. I always felt seen and understood, and that sense of safety helped me work through thoughts and patterns I hadn’t even realised I was carrying.

She helped me shift from a reactive, emotionally overwhelmed mindset to a more practical and reflective one. Therapy has helped me reframe how I look at situations, shifting me from a place of emotional overwhelm or self-blame to a more balanced view that holds both facts and feelings. I’ve learned to detach from the need to always be in people's good books or to “get it right” and instead trust in my worth and voice. I’ve also grown to become more aware of my worth, and be more confident in taking up space where I deserve to be. She never forced or pressured me to speak about any theme of my life when I wasn't comfortable and I'm truly appreciative of her gentle nudges. With Xinyi’s support, I now navigate difficult situations with more stability and self-trust, and I’ve learned to take ownership of my growth in a way that feels empowering instead of burdensome.

I’ve also become more intentional and balanced in how I process emotions, how I show up in relationships, and how I hold boundaries, without the guilt I used to carry. I’ve learned to see myself with more clarity and compassion, and I’m looking forward to continuing to step into a version of myself that is more grounded and true to who I want to become.

I’m looking forward to staying intentional about how I grow, especially in how I manage my expectations, take in feedback (both positive and critical), and nurture relationships from a place of self-respect and clarity be it in my career or my personal life.

I want to keep building on the self-awareness I’ve gained as well, to speak about myself with kindness, to hold space for both happiness and discomfort, and to keep choosing progress over perfection. Therapy with Xinyi has laid a foundation I’m deeply grateful for, and I’m excited to keep moving forward with that in mind. Most importantly, I look forward to continuously aligning my actions with my values & identity while not being driven by fear or external noise, but by the grounded self-awareness that therapy has helped me build.”

F, 28, HR Professional; job stress, burnout, anxiety, family dynamics, attachment disorder, professional growth, identity-formation, personal branding

F, 22, University student; depression, suicidal ideations, anxiety, low self-confidence

"Before starting therapy in 2022, I was struggling with mood issues, depression, anxiety, low self-confidence, social anxiety, and ongoing family difficulties. At times, I also experienced suicidal thoughts. My psychiatrist referred me to Xinyi to support my recovery and personal growth.

From our first session, Xinyi created a safe and supportive space where I felt heard. She not only listened but gently challenged my thought patterns, helping me reframe my perspectives and made me feel heard. I also appreciate how she challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, especially in the early days. Back then, I found it almost impossible to initiate conversations in group settings due to my paralysing fear of judgement from others. Through her calm presence, warm approach, and regular monthly challenges, I gradually became more at ease in my interactions with others in university. 

Today, I feel more confident and comfortable in my own skin. My family has noticed a marked improvement in my mood and behaviour ever since my initial sessions and have encouraged me to seek out Xinyi, especially when they noticed me reverting to my old self during a period where I did not meet with Xinyi for a prolonged period. Also, her encouragement and affirmations continue to remind me that what I feel is valid and worth exploring.

I’m truly grateful to have met Xinyi. Her consistent support and guidance have helped me navigate a difficult period in my life. I look forward to continuing this journey in a space where I can express myself freely, without pressure or judgment.”

M, 26, Cambridge and MIT Scholar; anxiety, navigating neurodiversity, stress management, suicidal ideation, confidence, identity formation and motivation

“I saw Xinyi to get some help with coping with anxiety and stress. I've always felt like I was talking to a friend and I genuinely look forward to meeting her. I feel that through her advice and my own reflection of said advice, I've come up with a lot of ways to manage my emotions healthily and regulate my own behaviour. I think that by continuing with Xinyi, it reminds me that I have ways to handle my mental health on my own and that I look forward to feeling unstuck when I am stuck.”