Zijin Zhang, LPC, M.Phil.Ed., M.S.Ed.
Philadelphia, PA
I grew up in Chengdu, a city known for its grey winter skies, unapologetically bold cuisine, and a certain ease of living, not unlike its famously unbothered pandas. Life there moved at a gentle pace, shaped by tea, conversation, and quiet moments that I did not fully notice at the time. Surrounded by the flatlands of the Sichuan Basin and distant mountains, the city offered a tranquil enclosure that invited observation and reflection.
At sixteen, I moved to the United States and later attended the University of Pittsburgh. I began exploring the natural sciences before an introductory psychology course redirected my path, drawing me to the study of our mind and behavior. I ultimately chose psychology as my major, with minors in French and Japanese. While my French now exists mostly in spirit, and my Japanese is conversational (if asking where the vending machine is counts as conversation), both experiences continue to shape my awareness of culture and human perspective.
Pittsburgh left its mark, once a steel city with long, bitter winters, a gritty character, and a reputation for urban decay. Surviving those winters as an international student required a fair bit of adaptability, and perhaps a small tolerance for misery; in retrospect, it cultivated both endurance and a deeper understanding of navigating change. Around that time, I discovered what truly drew me to psychology: understanding how people think, feel, and respond to life’s challenges. I became especially interested in the relational side of the field, valuing meaningful conversations, the chance to listen deeply, and the opportunity to support others as they worked through their own experiences.
As I was completing my master’s-level counseling program at the University of Pennsylvania, I gained hands-on experience through my practicum at Folk Arts- Cultural Treasures Charter School and McCall Middle School, and my internship at the Center for Autism. Working with students and clients from diverse cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, including many from underserved communities, taught me the importance of patience, presence, and respecting each individual’s journey. I worked with children and adolescents with developmental and mental health challenges, including ASD, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and comorbid conditions, which strengthened my skills in supporting complex needs with empathy, adaptability, and professionalism.
After graduation, I began my first professional role at Thriveworks, where I worked for three and a half years and became fully licensed during my time there. The clients I served were extremely diverse in age, background, and presenting concerns, which enhanced my flexibility and confidence as a clinician. It was at Thriveworks that I began to solidify my therapeutic approach, drawing from both psychodynamic and cognitive‑behavioral frameworks to best meet each person where they are. The structure of the organization also taught me the importance of diligence, consistency, and structured practice management skills that continue to shape the way I work with clients today.
Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy spending time with my plants, occasionally repotting and caring for them with compost I produce from my own worm bin—my preferred organic “shredder.” I also find enjoyment in activities such as playing Cities: Skylines, going for walks, and recently taking up bouldering (with plenty of room for improvement). Coffee and boba are also steady companions in both work and leisure.