Dr. Ru Chi Yang earned a Ph. D. from Ganon University (Pennsylvania, US) and an M.S. in Counseling Psychology from State University of New York, Albany. She also holds a B.S. in Nursing from Taiwan. Dr. Yang is a licensed psychologist and US registered play therapist-supervisor. She is also a Taiwan-licensed nurse. Dr. Yang has more than ten years of experience as a psychologist, primarily with children and adolescents who present with learning difficulties, ADHD, ODD, disruptive behaviors, negative attention-seeking behaviors, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, difficulty expressing thoughts/feelings, adjustment issues, grief, parental divorce/separation, low frustration tolerance, anger problems, parenting issues, parent-child relationship problems, trauma, poor decision-making skills, non-compliance behaviors, social skill deficits, relational issues, autism spectrum disorder, and limited coping skills. Dr. Yang provides individual, group, family, and vocational counseling; comprehensive psychological assessments (i.e. cognitive, academic, attention, executive function skills, social, emotional, personality, adaptive, developmental, & behavioral functioning); and crisis intervention/risk assessment. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral therapy approaches. She also incorporates child-centered play therapy, cognitive behavioral play therapy, filial therapy, and child parent relationship therapy intervention in treatment. Dr. Yang is a member of the Association for Play Therapy (APT) and graduated from the APT Leadership Academy in 2012. She has served on several APT committees and task forces. She has also previously supervised graduate level clinicians. Dr. Yang speaks both English and Mandarin.
How long have you been in China?
I arrived in Beijing in 2014.
Why did you choose to work at LIH Olivia’s Place?
My long term professional goal is to contribute my professional knowledge and skills to Chinese children and adolescents and their families. As a Chinese psychologist, I can make a bigger impact on the lives of others, the development of the field of psychology, and the training of professionals in China. LIH Olivia’s Place provides me with the opportunities to achieve my dream.
Why did you choose your field?
I enjoy being with people and I believe that it’s challenging and satisfying to work with diverse populations. Also, I think that psychologists not only help their clients with their psychological problems, but also facilitate their own growth and self-understanding during their professional development.
What are some of the most rewarding experiences you have had in your chose profession?
My most rewarding experiences are when clients and their family members inform me of improvements since receiving therapy, express their appreciation regarding my professional help, and tell me about the impact on the quality of their lives because of treatment. The joy and satisfaction from the difference that I have made in treatment to improve a client’s quality of life is challenging to describe in words.
What’s your favorite thing about living in China and working at LIH Olivia’s Place?
My favorite part of living in China is the opportunity to travel in China, meet different people, and gain cultural experiences to enrich my personal growth. Additionally, my favorite part of working at LIH Olivia’s Place is the support, helpfulness, and friendliness among colleagues from different disciplines in order to overcome challenges to make a difference in the quality of care for children and adolescents and their families in China.
What would you like to be doing in 5 years’ time?
I hope that I can obtain a deeper understanding of the development of psychology in China, contribute in educating the public about the role of a psychologist and psychological services, offer clinical services to more local Chinese children and adolescents and their families, make professional connections with Chinese psychologists, and provide clinical supervision to train Chinese professionals.