01/03

nancy denq, LMft

As a Taiwanese-American and bilingual mandarin-speaking licensed marriage and family therapist, Brainspotting, and EMDR practitioner, and registered art therapist based in Pasadena, California, I bring over 6 years of experience working in both community mental health and private practice settings, supporting individuals and couples navigating complex trauma, relationship challenges, depression, and anxiety.

I currently focus my clinical work with those of you who are navigating the emotional weight of growing up in unpredictable or unsafe environments. You might resonate with many of my clients who took on adult roles and responsibilities as children, did not feel “seen,” or felt like they had to push down their feelings to make room for other people’s emotions. You may identify as highly sensitive, struggle with self-doubt or burnout, or experience a general lack of interest in things, and aren’t sure why. You may struggle to feel believed about your childhood wounds, especially if your trauma was minimized or dismissed. If you identify with any of these experiences, you’ve come to the right place.

My approach invites you to a slower, gentler, and long-term approach to healing that incorporates practical tools, such as how to manage guilt when setting boundaries and how to navigate conflict in relationships without freezing up. My goal is to help witness the invisible pain you’ve carried alone so that you feel seen and more at home in your body, your relationships, and your life.

I also specialize in working with couples who genuinely want to grow together but find themselves stuck in the same patterns. I create a judgment-free zone where we honor how these patterns once protected you while gently practicing new ways to communicate and connect. I have a deep compassion for avoidant partners who’ve learned to protect themselves by shutting down or withdrawing. Together, we’ll use body-awareness tools to help you stay present when emotions arise so that you can better connect with your partner. For couples considering separation, I offer discernment counseling to help you make thoughtful and informed decisions about the future of your relationship.

My lived experience as the eldest daughter of Taiwanese immigrants, shaped by life in both Taiwan and Los Angeles, gives me a deep understanding of bicultural identity. Growing up Christian and later moving toward a more agnostic path, I’ve come to see how immigration trauma, spirituality, and mental health weave together to shape who we are. As an INFP, I bring intuition, warmth, and a love for relational depth to my work. I'm here when you're ready to take that first step. Reach out today to get started.