Meet Linh (she/her/hers): an asian intern therapist in Twin Cities, MN
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
How we might work together
In my work, I most often draw from Narrative and Gestalt therapy approaches. Narrative therapy is grounded in the idea that we are shaped by the stories we inherit, the experiences we have, and the meanings we make of them. Together, we can explore how past experiences, relationships, and cultural messages have influenced the way you see yourself and your life. Gestalt therapy helps bring awareness to the present moment by exploring emotions, patterns, and experiences as they arise in the therapeutic space. I find these approaches helpful because they encourage reflection, self-awareness, and deeper connection to oneself while creating opportunities for healing and growth in the here and now
I believe the mind and body are deeply connected, and I value incorporating somatic and mindfulness-based practices into therapeutic work when they feel supportive for the client. This can include movement-based approaches such as walking therapy, breathwork, grounding exercises, and mindfulness practices that help build awareness of emotions and bodily experiences in the present moment. I approach these practices collaboratively, recognizing that each person has different needs, comfort levels, and cultural relationships to healing. Together, we can explore what feels most meaningful, accessible, and supportive for you within the therapeutic process.
Who I support as an asian intern therapist
As a child of immigrants myself, I often work with those from immigrant or second-generation backgrounds. I am also interested in working with those experiencing life transitions, interpersonal relationship issues, and trauma. Whether someone is navigating change, healing from past experiences, or exploring patterns in relationships, I strive to offer a space that is collaborative and grounded in empathy and curiosity.
A warm welcome from me
I hope that you feel seen! I want to be there as an equal partner in exploration within the therapeutic space, and I hope that you feel reassured that you are not alone in this experience. I deeply value community and connection. Growing up within a collectivist culture shaped my understanding of care, belonging, and healing. I intentionally seek out spaces and relationships where I feel seen, supported, and grounded, and that perspective naturally informs my work as a therapist. I believe healing does not happen in isolation, and I value helping clients explore the people, communities, and practices that help them feel connected and sustained.
What shapes how I show up
As the daughter of immigrant parents, I learned early how to navigate between multiple cultural worlds through honoring my family’s values while adapting to the norms of predominantly White America. Holding these intersecting identities has shaped both my worldview and my therapeutic approach. I understand that people do not experience life through a single lens; culture, family dynamics, race, identity, and lived experiences all interact in meaningful ways. In my work, I strive to create a space grounded in empathy, curiosity, and cultural humility. I approach therapy from a systems-oriented perspective, recognizing that each client’s past, present, and hopes for the future all inform how they move through the world.
In the therapeutic space, as an Asian intern therapist, I value curiosity, humility, and joy. I approach therapy with genuine curiosity and a desire to learn about each client’s lived experiences, relationships, and story. I also encourage clients to bring curiosity into the process, as therapy can be a meaningful space for exploration, reflection, and growth. At the same time, I recognize that I am always learning, and I remain committed to humility and lifelong learning in order to best support those I work with. Finally, I believe joy is a powerful form of resistance and healing, and I hope to help clients cultivate joy and connection in their lives.
A little more about me
Outside of therapy, I love crafting and creative projects. You can often find me scrapbooking, making jewelry, or exploring different hands-on hobbies that help me slow down and recharge. I am also a lifelong fangirl who enjoys movies, television, books, and music, and who finds communities where people can connect over shared interests. These activities support my work as a therapist by helping me stay grounded in creativity, curiosity, and connection.
A Little About How I See Clients: Pause and Connect and Open Path Collective
I'm currently a graduate intern therapist, which means I'm in the final stretch of my training to become a licensed therapist and work closely with an experienced supervisor here at MindBalance Mental Health Care. I know that finding a therapist can already feel like a lot, so I want to be upfront and clear about how I work and what options are available to you.
Because I'm still in training, I only see clients through two low-cost therapy programs. Take a look below and see which one feels like the right fit for where you're at.
Pause and Connect — For College Students and Recent Grads
If you're currently in college, or you graduated sometime in the last 12 months, and you're uninsured, underinsured, or just don't want to use insurance for your mental health care, this option is for you. Pause and Connect was created specifically for students and recent grads navigating this stage of life — because I believe cost shouldn't be the reason you don't get the support you need.
Open Path Collective — For Everyone Else
If it's been more than a year since you graduated, or college isn't part of your story, I'd still love to work with you — through a program called Open Path Collective.
Open Path is a nonprofit that helps connect people who are uninsured or underinsured with therapists at a rate they can actually afford. To join, there's a one-time $65 membership fee that goes straight to Open Path — not to me or this practice. That fee helps them continue this work and remain sustainable as a nonprofit, so more people can access care like this.
Once you become an Open Path member, you'll get a digital membership card, and you will just need to provide that to me as part of your intake paperwork when we set up our first session together.
If this feels like the right next step, I'd be honored to partner alongside you.
I know reaching out for support takes courage, and however you get here, I'm glad you did.
Further Reading and Resources
About the Author
Merrily Young-Hye Sadlovsky (she/her/hers), MSW, LICSW, LCSW, is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and co-owner of MindBalance Mental Health Care, an independent holistic mental health practice serving Minneapolis and individuals across Minnesota. She is an EMDRIA EMDR-Certified Therapist and teaches clinical courses as an adjunct faculty member in an MSW program in Minneapolis. Her work focuses on culturally responsive, trauma-informed therapy supporting adoptees, BIPOC, immigrant, and LGBTQ communities, and college and graduate students navigating anxiety, OCD, trauma, disordered eating, and life transitions.
Educational Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and reflects our perspectives and understanding at the time of writing. It is not intended as medical, mental health, legal, or insurance advice, and should not be relied on as such. Reading this content does not create a therapeutic or professional relationship. For guidance specific to your situation, we encourage you to consult with a qualified professional.
A Note About This Blog
The ideas and experiences behind every post are the writer’s own. AI is used as a writing helper — for brainstorming, grammar, and organizing thoughts — so the content is as clear and readable as possible. Everything is reviewed before publishing, with citations and links added to credit the programs, people, and resources that inspired it. Transparency matters, especially when the topic is mental health. Readers deserve to know how this content is made.