Therapist Spotlight: Lulu Liao

Lulu Liao

Licensed Therapist M.S., LPC Associate, at The Grove Counseling & Wellness Center.

Meet our newest therapist – Lulu Liao. Lulu is passionate about helping her clients connect with their full potential and truest selves.

We’re excited to have Lulu Liao as a part of our clinical team here at The Grove Counseling & Wellness Center. Lulu Liao, M.S., LPC Associate joins The Grove this year, and has many specialized skills—including MBSR Training, Psychotherapeutic Yoga, Reiki Master, and Somatic Experiencing. Her areas of focus include trauma, abuse, addiction, relationships, grief & loss, anxiety, and stress management.

Here’s our recent conversation with Lulu:

Where did you study? 

I obtained my undergraduate degree from The University of Maryland and graduated summa cum laude (whoop whoop!). I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University.

What are you passionate about lately?

I am passionate about teaching people mindfulness skills and how to utilize breath and body work to bring more peace, joy, and serenity into their lives. So many times our minds are ruminating about the past or preoccupied with the future. When we can learn to stay with what is actually happening right now in the present, and cultivate some loving awareness to what arises, there is actually great peace and power. I am also a yoga instructor (with training in many different styles including psychotherapeutic yoga) and am a Reiki Master so I very much enjoy bringing movement and energy work into all that I do. Ultimately, I am passionate about helping others find their passions and unleash their full potential!

What are you currently reading?

In addition to the 14 browser tabs I may have open at any given point, (haha) I enjoy books about spirituality, self-help/self-improvement, mind-body-soul integration, yoga, relationships, and books on various therapy techniques. What can I say? I love my job and what I do. I am also re-reading A Course In Miracles, which can be pretty dense, but new things seem to jump out at me every time I read it.

What are you currently listening to?

I listen to all genres of music depending how I’m feeling or how I want to feel. I have a background in classical piano and trumpet (jazz) so those genres are always soothing to me.  Sound and music is so healing! At the same time, silence is also a wonderful sound :)

Why do you love being a therapist?

It truly inspires me to hear people’s stories, as everyone has a story of resiliency in their own way. It is a true blessing for me to journey alongside clients as they grow, feel empowered, and find meaning in their life. Having experienced my own pains of addiction, trauma/abuse, and grief/loss, I know how grateful I am to have had people hold space for me and meet me with love, kindness, and compassion. My hope is that I am able to do the same for my clients as we co-create a safe and collaborative space for healing. One human sitting intimately and compassionately with another is one of the most beautiful things ever. In addition, therapy can be fun and creative and there WILL be times when we may be belly laughing—those are some of the best moments!

Do you have fur babies, and who are they?

Yes, I have a mixed-breed rescue dog named Sadie. She seems more human than dog really and is quite a good listener and therapist herself. She is the best house dog and wonderful with my children. But socially? Not so much and I have learned my lesson in taking her to the dog park.  

Share a fun fact about yourself / What’s your deep dark secret?

I almost always eat Cheetos, chips, popcorn, and just about any snack food with chopsticks.  Saves me from washing residue off my hands afterwards. :) It’s practical!

About The Grove Counseling

Our mission at The Grove Counseling & Wellness Center is to offer affordable and conveniently located treatment in a serene setting with evening and weekend sessions offered. Our therapists see individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents utilizing a variety of therapy approaches and specialties. We believe in the inherent wisdom in all of us that is capable of healing and moving forward in our lives no matter where we start. Our therapists meet our clients where they are and assist them on their journey into living their most abundant, coherent, energized, and embodied lives.