As humans, we desire connection. Much of our behavior that keeps us disconnected from others and ourselves is driven by unconscious patterns developed as coping mechanisms in response to trauma. By doing the work to deepen awareness about why we do what we do, we can realize choice, which can yield deeper love, connection, and peace within and with others.
Ivy Kwong, LMFT, is a psychotherapist specializing in relationships, love and intimacy, trauma and codependency, and AAPI mental health.
For over seventeen years, she has had the honor of walking alongside hundreds of individuals on their journeys of healing in relationship with themselves and with others. She has a private telehealth practice where she sees individual clients for therapy in CA and WA and coaching worldwide.
Ivy is the author of "Healing Codependency: A 100-Day Journey Toward Acceptance and Recovery," an evidence-based guide to support individuals on their journey of restoring their sense of self. She is also the author of "The Little Girl, The Ocean, and The Moon," a children's book for both young and grown-up children on the importance of remembering and honoring your childhood dreams.
She speaks with companies, organizations, and ERG's on mental health, gratitude, and AAPI wellness. Some organizations that have hired her to speak include Spotify, Facebook, Hinge, Starbucks, WellCare, International Student Conferences, and SELF Magazine.
Ivy has been quoted in major online and print publications, including The New York Times, and has been interviewed for many podcasts, including Navigating Relationships and Codependency with Mark Groves, Recovering From Codependency with Shaun Galanos, Healing Your Relationship With Your Parents with Jessica Nguyen, Codependency, Inner Child Healing & Intergenerational Trauma with Eryn Johnson, and Conscious Relationships After Trauma and Unhealthy Patterns with Sade Jovanne.
Ivy received her bachelor's degree in psychology from Smith College and her master's degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Southern California.
Verywell Mind, a Dotdash Meredith Brand, is an award-winning, trusted, and compassionate online resource that provides the guidance you need to improve your mental health and find balance. We take a human approach to health and wellness, and reach more than 150 million readers annually. Verywell Mind content is fact checked and reviewed by our Review Board for accuracy and integrity. Learn more about us and our editorial process.