Hi, I'm Gail. I'm a psychotherapist creating a peaceful space for growth and healing in Brooklyn, New York.
As someone who has navigated the complex landscape of cultural identity, I know firsthand what it means to feel caught between worlds. Born and raised in Hong Kong before moving to the United States, my journey has shaped not just who I am, but how I approach therapy. I understand the delicate balance of honoring our roots while forging our own path forward.
My Approach
You won't find me sitting expressionless or nodding in silence. I believe in bringing my full, authentic self into our shared space. Sometimes that means sharing a laugh (yes, even dark humor has its place in healing), and other times it means sitting with difficult emotions together. Every aspect of who you are is welcome here – especially the parts that others might have labeled as "too much" or "not enough."
Think of therapy like tending to a garden – each flower represents a different part of your life. Some are blooming, others might be wilted, and a few might be hiding in the shade. Just as every plant needs different care, we'll work together to understand what nurtures your growth. Below the surface, like roots connecting everything in a garden, we often discover how various aspects of our lives intertwine in ways we hadn't noticed before.
Think of therapy like tending to a garden – each flower represents a different part of your life. Some are blooming, others might be wilted, and a few might be hiding in the shade. Just as every plant needs different care, we'll work together to understand what nurtures your growth. Below the surface, like roots connecting everything in a garden, we often discover how various aspects of our lives intertwine in ways we hadn't noticed before.
My Story
Originally from Hong Kong, I now call Brooklyn, NY, home. Growing up in Asia has shaped who I am in ways I'm still discovering, and it's a huge part of how I approach therapy. I know firsthand what it's like to live in a culture where talking about your feelings isn't encouraged, where there's pressure to stay close to family and care for your elders, to excel in every area of your life, chase academic perfection, or pretend mental health isn't even a thing.
Growing up in international schools and moving to the U.S. for college, I understand the complexities of assimilation—feeling torn between cultures, battling homesickness, and questioning if I was 'Asian enough' or 'American enough.' As a queer, Chinese-American therapist, my own story fuels my commitment to support other Asians and those with intersecting marginalized identities. I wish I had someone back then who just got it.
Our identities deserve celebration, not constraint.
When I'm not in the therapy room, I'm usually on a quest for the perfect espresso, exploring hidden waterfalls, or trying to master the art of identifying edible mushrooms (it's so hard).
Growing up in international schools and moving to the U.S. for college, I understand the complexities of assimilation—feeling torn between cultures, battling homesickness, and questioning if I was 'Asian enough' or 'American enough.' As a queer, Chinese-American therapist, my own story fuels my commitment to support other Asians and those with intersecting marginalized identities. I wish I had someone back then who just got it.
Our identities deserve celebration, not constraint.
When I'm not in the therapy room, I'm usually on a quest for the perfect espresso, exploring hidden waterfalls, or trying to master the art of identifying edible mushrooms (it's so hard).
Professional Credentials
- Mental Health Counselor - Limited Permit (MHC-LP) in New York State
- Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC)
- Member of the American Counseling Association (ACA)
- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwestern University
- BA in Cultural Anthropology and Film Studies, Wesleyan University
- Member of the International Association for Psychoanalytic Self Psychology
Whether or not we've met, I am excited for the journey you're on.
Let's
Connect
I appreciate you sharing your story with me. Taking this step shows real courage and self-care.
I'll get back to you within 24-48 hours to schedule a time to connect. In the meantime, take good care of yourself.
I'll get back to you within 24-48 hours to schedule a time to connect. In the meantime, take good care of yourself.
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-Coming back in a few minutesIf you continue having trouble, you can always email me directly at gailacsmith@gmail.com. I'm looking forward to connecting with you.
You could try:
-Refreshing the page
-Double-checking your internet connection
-Coming back in a few minutesIf you continue having trouble, you can always email me directly at gailacsmith@gmail.com. I'm looking forward to connecting with you.
Contact
gailacsmith@gmail.comBased In
NYC
🔒 Your privacy matters. All inquiries are confidential.