ABOUT

Felicia Li

中英双语心理咨询师
Bilingual Therapist
Expressive Arts Therapist

Throughout my 20 years in the field of clinical social work, I have learned that healing can come in many forms. It is not a linear path, and there is no “one size fits all” approach. As someone who is continually on the path of introspection and personal growth, I bring significant experience with the approaches that I offer my clients. This allows for authentic engagement with my client’s process, a holistic repertoire of modalities, and the ability to choose the most appropriate skill, practice, or question that resonates with them, in the moment.

I have chosen to specialize in Expressive Arts Therapy because of the way it helps people unearth emotions, thoughts, and memories beyond talking. It engages a part of the self that feels stuck through creative, process-oriented art practices - even if you’re not artistic. It is especially helpful for people who have a difficult time articulating their emotions and experiences and are interested in discovering deeper insights within themselves.

I have experience working in community mental health, residential treatment, university counseling, and private group practice. I have a special interest in working with multicultural college students, university faculty, and their families. I am able to provide therapy in Mandarin.

Education & Certifications

  • Master of Social Work, Washington University in St. Louis

  • Bachelor of Social Work, National University of Singapore

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois

  • Intermodal Expressive Arts Certification Level 1 & 2 (200 hours)

  • Clinical Practicum in Expressive Arts

  • Certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

"Put down the weight of your aloneness and ease into the conversation. All the birds and creatures of the world are unutterably themselves. Everything is waiting for you."

— David Whyte

Following Our Own Rhythm

Paying attention to nature can offer great gifts and insights. The cicada is an example of one who waits patiently in the ground for 17 years before emerging. In a very special way, I feel connected to the cicada because it has taken me about 17 years to come full circle with my calling as an expressive arts therapist.

After I became a social worker in Singapore in 2004, I worked with youth in an after-school program using music and art to engage them. Vandalism and graffiti were redirected to art exploration about their teenage identity. Years later after coming to the United States to further my studies, I came back to Expressive Arts Therapy and now feel like I am fulfilling a destiny - emerging from the ground in my own way, like the cicada.

I also regard the cicada as a powerful message for my clients to follow their own timing and rhythm within their lives. I hold respectful space for them to emerge in their own way and at their own pace.