My Psychotherapy Approach
Therapy that moves you, AS art and nature Do.
- Tu Hoang, LMFT
I believe therapy isn’t about fitting you into a mold. It’s about meeting you exactly where you are, honoring your story, and creating space for healing that is uniquely yours.
My work centers on helping you experience life in your own authentic way.
In our sessions, we focus on tuning in to what’s happening right now—the feelings, sensations, and insights that arise in the moment. Therapy with me is collaborative, experiential, creative, and playful—designed to help you connect more deeply with yourself, shift patterns, and create meaningful change that lasts beyond our time together.
As an experiential and child-centered play therapist, I believe deeply in the healing power of play. Play is the natural language of children—and even as adults, we carry our inner child within us.
Play isn’t just fun; it’s one of the most powerful ways we learn to interact with the world, express ourselves, and discover our resilience. In play therapy, children are given the freedom to explore, create, and communicate in ways that feel natural and empowering. Play is practice for the real world.
From the GROUND Up
"But once I had brains, and a heart also; so, having tried them both, I should much rather have a heart."
— L. Frank Baum, The Wizard of Oz
Traditional therapy often leans heavily on the mind—analyzing, reasoning, and trying to “think” our way through challenges. While insight is valuable, lasting healing requires more than thought alone.
That’s why my work begins from the ground up and moves through the heart. The body holds wisdom in sensations, emotions, and experiences that words cannot always reach. When we tune in to these deeper layers, healing becomes more grounded, authentic, and transformative.
Just as the Scarecrow discovered, it is the heart that carries the truest guidance. In therapy, we honor both the mind and the body, but we let the heart lead the way toward self-discovery, connection, and change.
Mission
“We journey together through seasons of stillness and growth, tending to the unseen, and welcoming the light.”
My mission is to create a safe and compassionate space where your story can unfold. I listen with curiosity, validate your experiences, and help illuminate the patterns shaped by your past. By bringing awareness to what has been hidden, we uncover new possibilities for healing, clarity, and growth.
Goals
“Illuminating the spaces within, where healing takes root.”
My goal is to help you take meaningful steps forward. For those feeling stuck or uncertain, I provide tools and guidance to move from confusion to clarity, from old patterns to intentional action. I focus on your strengths and the unique path you are creating. Together, we work toward building resilience, cultivating self-trust, and shaping a life aligned with your values.
The Process
TUning In
Before we can move, we must notice. We begin by tuning in with honesty and curiosity to the thoughts, emotions, and beliefs that shape your experience. This is the first light we shine inward.
Empathy
True healing begins with being seen. In every season, whether you are blooming or in a period of quiet, I offer presence, attunement, and care. Empathy lights the way forward when things feel dark.
Alignment
Our work is collaborative. We build a therapeutic relationship grounded in safety, trust, and attuned to your goals. As we align, we create space for insight, self-compassion, and authentic growth.
Movement
Together, we engage in evidence-based methods that support meaningful change. Whether you are in a season of stillness or taking steps toward transformation, our focus remains on progress that honors your rhythm.
You are in Control.
Tu Hoang, LMFT
FOUNDER & LICENSED MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPIST AT ILLUMINATION Family Therapy
Psychotherapy Services
Play Therapy for Children (2-12)
Parenting Consultations
Individual Psychotherapy for Teens and Adults (12+)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TEAM-CBT) - (12+)
Fees: My fees are consistent with rates for Psychotherapists in the Bay Area. Payment is made at the time of session. Please contact me for rates.
Insurance: I am an out-of-network provider. I will provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement.
A superbill is a detailed receipt of your session, including the necessary billing codes and information your insurer typically requires. Many clients are reimbursed for a portion of the cost, depending on their plan.