Hayley Yi, MA

hayley
Pronouns she/her/hers
Job Title
Psychology Intern
Education:
Roosevelt University
Professional Interests:
- Queer identity development (esp. BIPOC students)
- Intersectional identity and the interplay between race, culture, and society
- Examining and challenging systems of oppression
- Intergenerational trauma
- Complex trauma
- Family of origin concerns
- Relationship difficulties
- Anxiety
Approach to Therapy:
I believe relationships are central to our development and well-being, and my therapeutic work emphasizes this belief by centering the relationship between me and my clients alongside the relationships that my clients have with themselves, with their communities, and with the systems they interact with. Previous experiences and ancestral legacies inform how people develop patterns of relating to self and others, and patterns that may have once been protective can become incongruent with one's current sense of self. I strive to create a supportive and collaborative environment where clients feel safe to explore how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are impacted by their unique ecosystem of experiences. To that end, I utilize an integrative approach that draws from interpersonal, multicultural feminist, and psychodynamic theories to tailor treatment to each client's unique needs and treatment goals.
Approach to Wellness:
I believe that wellness is a fluid concept that can look different depending on one's current needs. Practicing self-compassion, or challenging self-judgment on days where loving oneself can feel impossible, helps me identify areas of self-care that need the most attention. While I cherish my alone time and my relationship with self, it's also important for me to share myself openly with my loved ones, to know and be known, and to find healing through community. In my free time, I love to engage deeply with fictional worlds and stories (especially fantasy and sci-fi), typically through anime, video games, film, or TV. I also enjoy expressing my creative side through drawing, world-building, and creating stories (often for my next DND campaign).