Last edited 03/20/2026

Identifies As
She / Her / HersWomanAsian-AmericanHeterosexual
Get To Know Me
What is your style/approach to therapy?
My approach to therapy is collaborative, compassionate, and tailored to you. I see therapy as a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’ve been carrying, without judgment or pressure.
I tend to be both supportive and gently guiding. At times, I’ll simply hold space and help you process your thoughts and emotions. At other times, I may offer reflections, tools, or new perspectives to help you move forward. We’ll work together to find what feels most helpful for you.
I use an integrative approach, which means I draw from different therapy styles depending on your needs. This can include talk therapy, mindfulness and body-based awareness, and approaches like Brainspotting and EMDR to help process deeper emotional experiences that may feel stuck. For some, I may also incorporate creative methods like art therapy when words are hard to find.
I pay close attention to how your past experiences, relationships, and cultural background shape how you see yourself and the world. Together, we can explore patterns such as anxiety, overthinking, or difficulty setting boundaries, and work toward feeling more grounded, clear, and connected.
Above all, I believe therapy should feel like a safe and supportive space where you can show up as you are. My role is to walk alongside you, helping you better understand yourself and build the tools you need to move forward in a way that feels right for you.
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.
Is Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson accepting new clients?
Yes, Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson is accepting new clients for online therapy in California.
Does Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson accept insurance?
No, Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson does not accept insurance.
What types of therapy does Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson offer?
Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson offers therapy for couples, families and individuals.
Does Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson offer in-person appointments?
No, but people in California can book Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson for virtual appointments (teletherapy).
Does Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson offer online therapy?
Yes, Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson offers online therapy via video sessions to people in California.
How quickly can I see Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson?
Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson typically can speak with new clients within 48 hours. You can see their current general office hours and request an appointment on their profile page.
What languages does Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson speak?
Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson conducts therapy sessions in English and Chinese.
Can I book an appointment with Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson online?
Yes, you can easily book an appointment with Yi Ling (Rachel) Benson online using ChoosingTherapy.com’s directory.
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