Mi Cao, LPC, LPCC, LMHC, ACS, Clinical Director

Mi Cao (she/her) is the clinical director at Joy.

Mrs. Mi Cao is the clinical director of Joy Mental Fitness, which has locations in Jersey City, New Jersey, and Boston, Massachusetts. Mrs. Cao also provides telehealth services to patients throughout New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York. Mi is bilingual, proficient in both English and Chinese Mandarin. 

How I Got Here

My path to becoming a clinician wasn't linear. It began with a leap of faith – venturing abroad as an international student. Navigating a new culture opened my eyes to the vast spectrum of the human experience. This immersion process wasn't always easy, but it sparked a deep curiosity within me. I became fascinated by the resilience and resourcefulness people demonstrate, particularly within BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities, when faced with unfamiliar territory.  Witnessing these experiences ignited a passion for understanding the human experience across backgrounds, and the complexities that shape how we navigate the world. This newfound cultural sensitivity became a cornerstone of my approach to therapy, allowing me to better connect with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds. My fluency in Mandarin Chinese further strengthens my ability to serve the specific needs of Asian communities.

Motherhood as a Profound Chapter

Motherhood has served as another profound chapter in my journey, further enriching my perspective on the human experience. Witnessing the joys and complexities of raising children firsthand has granted me a deeper well of empathy and understanding.  I can connect with clients facing difficulties in their own relationships on a more profound level. Whether they're navigating the ever-evolving dynamics of family life, struggling with parent-child communication, or simply managing stress that impacts their loved ones, my own experiences as a mother allow me to draw parallels and offer genuine support.  This deepened perspective allows me to create a safe space for clients to explore their challenges and develop effective strategies for fostering healthy and fulfilling relationships within their families.

Weaving My Experiences with Expertise

Drawing from the rich tapestry of my experiences as a first-generation immigrant, a mother, and a member of the Asian American community, I weave them together with my extensive clinical expertise.

This experiential understanding informs my therapeutic approach. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) forms the foundation, helping you identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress.  Behavioral interventions are then strategically implemented to develop healthy coping mechanisms and promote positive behavior change.  For instance, we might explore relaxation techniques like deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to manage anxiety, or develop communication skills to navigate difficult relationships.  Mindfulness techniques further enhance your emotional regulation skills by cultivating present-moment awareness.  Additionally, mind-body practices can address the connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical well-being.  By creating a holistic treatment plan tailored to your unique needs, I empower you to cultivate strength, resilience, and a renewed sense of well-being.

Ultimately, my goal is to create a safe and culturally-sensitive space where you feel truly seen and heard.  Whether you identify as BIPOC or simply value an inclusive environment, I offer a space free from judgment where you can explore your challenges, develop effective coping mechanisms, and ultimately find inner peace and fulfillment.  Together, we can embark on a journey towards a healthier, happier you.