My name is Nghia Le, pronounced like “Knee-uh Lay”. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Illinois. I used he/him pronouns and identify as a Vietnamese American.
Client’s I work with often feel “in-between”, they feel unsure about where they are, where they are going, or even who they are. It is hard for them to feel fully themselves and that can sometimes present as anxiety or depression, constantly worried about the future or struggling to let go of the past.
I have experience working with individuals that come from immigrant families, are immigrants themselves, or in the transracial adoption constellation. This “in-between” feeling in these cases are often tied to their racial or cultural identity and values. It can cause a weak sense of self making them more indecisive in their career, relationships, and life transitions.
As a child of immigrants, I am familiar with the “in-between” feelings that come with developing your identity, particularly racial identity. I understand that finding yourself and your values is not as straightforward when influenced by multiple cultures. I understand that is it even harder to define and set boundaries for this version of yourself with your families when it feels like it conflicts with their values. But, I also have learned it is possible.
I have years of experience working with teens, young adults/adults, and couples through their “in-between” feeling. More specifically, my training and education has had a focus on children and families and has grown to primarily focus on young adults and young professionals. I also have a growing understanding of the special needs of adoptees and their families, particularly those in transracial families, through my years of experience as a counselor and speaker at Catalyst Foundation’s Vietnamese Heritage camps for Vietnamese adoptees.
Outside of work I enjoy going on hikes, eating at new restaurants, binging animes, going to see live music, and trying out new hobbies.