Sai Techawongtham Peterson
“Experience is not what happens to you; it’s what you do with what happens to you.” – Aldous Huxley
She/Her/Hers
Currently in school at Johns Hopkins University – Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Projected Graduation, May 2023
Accepting new clients.
What’s therapy with me like? I focus on college student, people with disabilities, anxiety/ stress, and career counseling utilizing Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and mindfulness.
When you work with me, we’ll look at the big picture of your “problems,” identify what’s already working and what needs to change, and create a plan to work towards your goals. I’m a structured person, but I also believe in creating spaces for flexibility within that structure, so we’ll make any necessary adjustment in our plan as we go. I try to integrate different components from the various therapeutic approaches I utilize by focusing more on small but consistent changes over big ones; accounting for all feelings, thoughts, and behaviors; integrating mindfulness into the treatment when appropriate; and helping you balance both change and acceptance in your journey.
How I’ve kept learning… I love learning new things in a wide range of areas. I do this through reading, watching documentaries and other educational videos on Youtube, talking to people from various backgrounds, and taking a variety of classes both inside and outside of school.
Who do I work with? I prefer working with college students and young adults between ages 18 – 30 as well as people with disabilities.
My impacting identities are… introversion, blindness, bicultural, and Asian.
I feel allied/aware/part of/informed/knowledgeable about… Disability, specifically the blind community (part of), the Asian community (part of), LGBTQ+ (allied), and women (part of).
I am the best fit for a client who… is motivated to change; enjoys thinking and reflecting deeply on their issues and lives; and is willing to try different and perhaps novel solutions/ actions.
I am not a good fit for a client who… is looking for a quick fix to their problems; is not open to change; is not willing or open to exploring or considering different solutions; or wants me to give the answer/ solution to their problems.
What makes me unique? As someone who has lost her sight later in life, I have the experience of having to learn how to do almost everything again, as well as having to fight against the low expectations society has towards individuals with disabilities.
As someone who has lived in both Asian and American culture, I also have a unique perspective of how it’s like to grow up in an Asian culture, how it’s like to live in American culture, as well as how it’s like to sometimes finds oneself stuck in the space in between. As someone who was exposed to both cultures, I also see the benefits of both: change – a more western-oriented value, and acceptance – a more eastern-orientated one. As a result, my counseling work is not as much about choosing one thing over the other, but more about finding the balance between the two.
I also speak Thai and can conduct therapy in that language.
The Practical Stuff
What insurances do I accept? I am currently not in network with any insurances, but I offer therapy for a sliding scale between $30-70, based on what the client can afford.
Do I offer telehealth or in person sessions? During COVID, I prefer telehealth sessions, but am open to in person as well.
Am I taking on new clients? Yes!
The Fun Stuff
Did you know… I play multiple musical instruments including the piano, violin, Thai flute, and ukulele.
Any pets? I have a seven-year-old black Labrador guide dog named Luther. So far, I’m the only person in my country with a guide dog, so if you google guide dog + my country, my name will come up!
How I’ve Kept Learning
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training: Master the Core Skills and Competencies of CBT, PESI, September 2022
- Mindfulness in Therapeutic Practice, Mental Health Academy, October 2022
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy: An Overview, Mental Health Academy, October 2022
- I thought it was just me, Brene Brown, November 2022
- Harm Reduction & Narcan Training, Emily Lamoreaux, 2023
- Essentials of CBT, Beck Institute, February 2023
How to Give me A Buzz
The best way to contact me is…by email at s.techawongtham@honeybwellness.com.
Supervised By: