Last edited 03/20/2026

Headshot of Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson

She / Her / Hers

Accepting New Clients
Online in California
Headshot of Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Slide
Identifies As
She / Her / HersWomanAsian-AmericanHeterosexual
Get To Know Me
Location
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Specialties
Specializes in
AnxietyWork StressRelationship IssuesSelf-EsteemStress
General Expertise
DepressionAnxietyCareersWork StressRelationship IssuesLoss/GriefSelf-EsteemSocial AnxietyAcademic challengesAttachment issuesChild mental healthCollege & graduate student issuesCommunication issuesParenting issuesPeak performancePerformance anxietyStep-family/Blended Family IssuesStressCouples
Treatment Approaches
Mindfulness PracticesEye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)Art TherapyPerson-Centered TherapyInternal Family Systems TherapyNarrative TherapyCreative Art TherapySandplay TherapyPlay TherapySomatic TherapyBrainspottingDialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Motivational InterviewingMindfulness-Based Cognitive TherapyAttachment-Based TherapySolution-Focused Brief TherapyInterpersonal PsychotherapyMarriage and Family TherapyMusic TherapyThe Gottman Method
Clientele
Types of Therapy
Family TherapyCouples CounselingIndividual Therapy
Serves Ages
ParentsYoung Adults (18-24)Adults (25-65)
Languages
EnglishChinese
Professional Background
LicensureCalifornia, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, 150952
Training/CertificationsCertified Brainspotting TherapistEMDR trainedChild-Centered Play Therapy CertificateGottman Method Couples TherapySexual Harassment and Abusive Conduct PreventionQPR Gatekeeper Certificate
Education
national university, Master of Arts, Counseling - Marriage and Family Therapy, 2022 — Honor Society Member of Psi Chi, The International Honor Society in Psychology
Work HistoryMy work as a therapist has been shaped by supporting individuals and families from many different walks of life. I’ve had the privilege of working with students, adults, and families navigating stress, anxiety, life transitions, grief, and relationship challenges. Through these experiences, I’ve developed a strong focus on helping people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by expectations, whether from family, culture, or life circumstances. A meaningful part of my work has been supporting individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, including immigrants, first-generation students, and those balancing multiple identities. These experiences have deepened my understanding of how culture, family dynamics, and unspoken expectations can impact mental health, self-worth, and relationships. I’ve also spent time working closely with individuals navigating loss and major life changes, including grief and shifts in identity. This has shaped my approach to be gentle, patient, and attuned to each person’s pace. I understand that healing isn’t about rushing forward, but about creating space to process and make sense of what you’ve been through. In my work, I’ve seen how anxiety often shows up not just as worry, but as overthinking, pressure to “hold it all together,” or difficulty setting boundaries. Supporting clients through these patterns has helped me develop practical, compassionate ways to work through guilt, build healthier relationships, and feel more grounded. I also integrate creative and body-based approaches, such as art therapy and mindfulness, for those who find it hard to put their experiences into words. These approaches can help access deeper emotions and support healing in a different way. Overall, my experience has taught me that therapy is not one-size-fits-all. I focus on creating a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to explore what matters to you, at your own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
It’s not uncommon to have questions before starting therapy. Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson, LMFT, has answered a few of the questions they receive most often from new clients.
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