Today we’d like to introduce you to Sisi Yu.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a first-generation Chinese American who immigrated to the US from Shanghai, China, when I was 10. My mother had come ahead to establish herself, and later brought me to join her. On my mom’s side, I came from a lineage of high-achieving females in the medical field in China. My maternal grandmother was one of the first females to go to college and become a pediatrician and a neurologist. My aunt was an obstetric nurse, and my mom was a pharmacist in China.
Growing up, it was expected that I would also earn a medical degree, and that was the direction that I was working towards, until 3rd year of my undergraduate studies. I realized that my passion lies in understanding and supporting others on a deeper emotional level and in witnessing their growth over time. This was something that I felt the medical model, with its brief and limited patient interactions, could not fully offer.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Due to the stigma of mental illness and the Chinese cultural beliefs, I faced much resistance and disapproval from my family in the beginning of my journey of becoming a psychologist. On my mother’s side, especially, there was a strong expectation that I would “become a doctor.” I often had to remind them that a doctor of the mind is a doctor too, and that there are many ways to help others within the healthcare field. Eventually, they came to accept and support my career choice.
Getting my doctorate and becoming a licensed psychologist was far from easy. It took 10+ years of higher education, training, and persistence to get here.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TrueYu Psychology, Inc.?
I founded TrueYu Psychology in 2022. The name “TrueYu” is not only a reflection of my last name “Yu,” but also reflects my commitment to building genuine connections with my clients. I believe that real change begins when people feel safe, seen, and understood as they are. I strive to help my clients embrace their truest selves and build lives that feel authentic and fulfilling.
I specialize in working with teens and adults who are struggling with addiction, substance misuse, anxiety, depression, and major life transitions. My work with addiction recovery is highly individualized, whether their goal is sobriety maintenance, moderation, or reduction, I use science-based, harm-reduction strategies to meet clients where they are in their path to recovery. Together, we collaborate on setting goals that feel meaningful and sustainable, empowering them to create change at their own pace rather than feeling pressured into a one-size-fits-all approach.
As a bilingual Mandarin speaker, I have a unique perspective on the challenges that come with balancing cultures. I work with many clients who are navigating acculturation stress, intergenerational conflict, and cultural stigma around mental health. I help them find their voice and build healthier relationships without losing their identity.
Clients often describe me as warm, collaborative, and direct. I don’t just focus on symptom reduction, but help clients uncover patterns, strengthen resilience, and move toward a life that aligns with their values. At the same time, I am not afraid to be direct when it’s needed, I offer honest feedback and gentle challenges to help clients break through stuck patterns and see situations from new perspectives.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along my journey is the value of building a strong and compassionate relationship with yourself first. When we pause to truly listen to our own thoughts and feelings, we begin to understand our behavior, what we need, and how we can change.
I believe that this inner relationship is the foundation for everything else. When you learn to hear, accept, and care for yourself, you naturally start showing up differently in your relationships with others. You develop healthier boundaries, more empathy, and a deeper sense of connection. This is why in my work, I emphasize helping clients repair and strengthen their relationship with themselves.
Pricing:
- Individual therapy per session: $225
- In-network with Aetna
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trueyupsychology.com
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sisi-yu-san-diego-ca/1061817
