Derek Li, M.Phil.Ed

Derek completed his M.Phil.Ed in Professional Counseling at the University of Pennsylvania in 2021. He is in the final stages of the National Certified Counselor (NCC) process, currently practicing under the clinical supervision of Cara for his LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor). Prior to becoming a clinical counselor, he was a doctoral level trainee for computational biology in molecular and cellular developmental machinery. 

Derek has diversified training and research experiences within youth mental health and development, including the Possibility Mentoring Program, the Consortium for Mental Health and Optimal Development, and the Youth LGBTQ+ behavioral and mental health project at the Penn Program on Sexuality, Technology & Action Research (PSTAR) through University of Pennsylvania. 

Derek’s primary therapeutic approach maximizes self-actualization, facilitated by a person-centered orientation and Motivational Interviewing. Derek believes in treating the person as a “whole,” using an eclectic set of evidence-based tools such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and cutting-edge neuroscience-informed interventions. In addition, Derek has obtained an Executive Cognitive Functioning certificate, equipping him with evidence-based strategies to help his clients improve attention, memory & self-regulation. Derek offers a customized treatment approach to each individual, prioritizing their needs and helping them engage in a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life.