Huilin

Huilin Lai

Licensed Clinical Social Workers

“I'm the founder and director of Ally Counseling and Therapy. Our practice is safe, culturally sensitive and inclusive for all people.”

About Me

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Manhattan, New York, United States. I help you manage anxiety, ADHD, grief, mood disorders, and cross-cultural stress. I use coaching, mindfulness, CBT, and EMDR to build clear coping skills.

Approach

A practice rooted in respect and inclusivity shapes how we move through the work: sessions are steady, focused, and tailored to what you bring that week. In Manhattan or online, in English or Mandarin, I help you test new skills in-session, practice attention and grounding between meetings, and gently process painful memories when you’re ready. You’ll find clear pacing, collaborative goal-setting, and tools you can use day-to-day—people juggling cross-cultural strain, anxiety, ADHD, or grief often discover this way of working fits their life.
Contact Huilin

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services at Ally Counseling and Therapy focus on cultural adjustment issues, racial identity concerns, trauma-focused treatment, women's issues, parenting struggles, anxiety and depression, the identification and treatment of psychosexual and relationship problems, infidelity, LGBTQIA+ issues and more.

Services Offered:

  • Coaching

    A goal-oriented practice focused on identifying objectives, overcoming obstacles, and taking action, centred on the present and future rather than past difficulties.

  • Trauma Counseling

    Counselling specifically for people affected by traumatic events, focused on processing what happened and reducing symptoms like flashbacks and hypervigilance.

    Learn more about Trauma Counseling
  • Relationship Counseling

    Counselling for couples or partners focused on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and strengthening emotional connection.

  • Mindfulness

    The practice of paying deliberate attention to the present moment without judgement, used to reduce stress and increase awareness of automatic reactions.

    Learn more about Mindfulness
  • CBT

    Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, a structured, evidence-based approach that identifies and changes unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours.

    Learn more about CBT
  • EMDR

    Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing, a therapy that uses guided eye movements to help the brain process and integrate traumatic memories.

    Learn more about EMDR
  • Sex Therapy

    Specialised therapy addressing sexual concerns such as low desire, performance anxiety, pain during sex, or mismatched needs between partners.

    Learn more about Sex Therapy
  • Online Therapy

    Therapy sessions conducted over video call, phone, or secure messaging, using the same professional methods delivered remotely.

    Learn more about Online Therapy

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Communities
  • Groups
  • Individuals
  • Parents

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • ADHD / Attention

    A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent difficulty with attention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity that interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about ADHD / Attention
  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Grief & Loss

    The emotional, physical, and psychological response to the death of a loved one or another significant loss.

    Learn more about Grief & Loss
  • Cross-Cultural

    The psychological challenges of living between two or more cultures, including identity conflicts, acculturation stress, and difficulties with belonging.

  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • LGBTQI+ Support

    The unique psychological experiences of LGBTQI+ individuals, including identity exploration, coming out, discrimination, minority stress, and relationship dynamics.

  • Relationship Issues

    Difficulties in romantic relationships, including communication problems, trust breakdowns, conflict patterns, or uncertainty about the relationship's future.

    Learn more about Relationship Issues
  • Trauma

    The lasting psychological impact of deeply distressing events, such as violence, abuse, accidents, or disasters, that overwhelm a person's ability to cope.

    Learn more about Trauma

Professional Title:

  • Licensed Clinical Social Workers

    A social worker licensed to provide clinical therapy, diagnosis, and treatment for mental health conditions.

Credentials

Registrations

New York State Education Department; Office of the Professions

Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Qualifications

University of Pittsburgh

Service Areas

Ally Counseling and Therapy

In-person & Online

Manhattan

New York, New York

United States