This year, NDB welcomed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) Interns Lisa Liu and Autumn Johnson.
Students can visit Liu on Mondays and Thursdays and Johnson on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Welcome Center, located on campus in Room 214.
Before joining NDB, Liu gained valuable experience working with adults and families in various clinical settings. With 10 years of experience in psychological therapy and behavior training, while being here for all students, Liu specializes in providing support for those in the International Student Program as they adjust to a new environment. Her focus is on helping them navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture and educational system by creating a safe space for them to be themselves.
Liu highlights the importance of establishing a secure environment for students to express themselves and address their emotions while also recognizing the need for social and psychological support. She believes that her understanding of the experiences of international students allows her to create this supportive atmosphere.
“You are not alone” emphasizes Liu.
Liu looks forward to further engaging with students by building relationships and providing necessary support.
While Liu focuses on helping international students, Johnson works with all students to help improve their emotional well-being in all aspects of life.
Before interning at NDB, Johnson worked at a non-profit organization where a portion of the students were high school girls. Currently, she is pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University.
Johnson feels that she can help students work through anxiety from attending an all-girls college preparatory school. She will focus on calming these anxieties through the extensive practice of mindfulness and spirituality and focusing on creating happiness and fulfillment within one’s body.
“I believe the more aligned a person can be, the more happy and fulfilled they will be in their lives. So, I work heavily towards helping my clients find alignment within themselves and or their higher power,” said Johnson.
Johnson is excited to continue her work with students and be a part of the support system NDB has created.
Liu and Johnson are committed to helping students navigate the challenges of adapting to new environments and are enthusiastic about their roles in building relationships and providing necessary support. Students are encouraged to visit them in the Welcome Center and take advantage of the resources they offer.
