Member Spotlight

Shiji Yuan, AMFT - CE Networking Events Chair

Where are you in your journey as a mental health professional and what inspired you to become a therapist?

I am an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) and a proud graduate of The Chicago School (Class of 2025). Prior to becoming an AMFT, I worked as a substitute teacher, a private practice receptionist, and an ABA Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Currently, I serve as a clinical therapist at Loma Linda University Medical Center, which is my first post-graduation position. My goal is to become fully licensed within the next two years. Becoming a therapist felt like a true calling for me—my passion was shaped by my own lived experiences and the journey of overcoming personal challenges. Those experiences fueled my desire to give back and support others in our community.

What modalities and areas of practice are you most passionate about, and what kind of clients are you currently most interested in working with?

I am particularly passionate about trauma-informed care and bottom-up somatic processing, including Brainspotting (in which I am Phase 1 trained). I also love working within the public sector. My practice integrates Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Family Systems. As an ethnic minority and LGBTQ+ clinician, I am deeply committed to serving and advocating for marginalized and culturally diverse communities.

How did you learn about LA-CAMFT and what motivated you to join?

I was introduced to LA-CAMFT by my dear friend and former graduate school classmate, Karen Aguila, who currently serves as LA-CAMFT’s Communications Chair. We were in the same cohort at TCS, and her positive experience inspired me to join.

What has been the most valuable part of joining, and how has it impacted your work?

Since joining, LA-CAMFT has provided a warm, welcoming space where my creativity and professional growth could thrive. Serving as the CE-Networking Chair has allowed me to contribute my skills toward the organization's growth. What surprised me most is how genuinely collaborative and supportive this team is; I’ve never felt left to "sink or swim." That safety net has empowered me to soar in my leadership role, expand my professional network, and feel deeply supported as a clinician.

Therapy work can feel isolating at times — how has being part of this group helped with that?

LA-CAMFT has given me a true professional family to consult with, lean on, and build lasting friendships with. Navigating my first year in leadership has shown me the incredible heart of this community. There is an abundance of love, acceptance, and a genuine eagerness to help one another without judgment.

Favorite CEs or events so far?

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed our CE programming this year. Standout workshops included Grazel Garcia’s presentation on ADHD in couples/relationships, as well as the illuminating cultural workshop on Middle Eastern North African (MENA) clients co-presented by Perla Hollow, M.A., LMFT and Susan Abdel-Haq, M.A., LMFT. Beyond CEs, the Leadership Retreats hosted by our president, Jenni Wilson, have been unforgettable moments of real human connection.

What would you say to someone thinking about joining?

I strongly encourage anyone in the mental health field to join LA-CAMFT. LA-CAMFT is vibrant, highly organized, and deeply active due to the dedication of its members. Whether you join to volunteer, step into leadership, or just attend CE events, you will find an enriching community of clinicians around you.

What are you most excited about right now, and what message do you have for members?

I’m thrilled to be pioneering LA-CAMFT’s long-standing goal of creating an on-demand, past-recording library on our website so members can access CEs at their convenience! To our members: thank you for your immense kindness and support. Your collaboration allowed me to balance my duties while transitioning into a new clinical position, and I look forward to building on this incredible culture of care together.

Shiji Yuan, AMFT (he/him) is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. He holds a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and has clinical experience working with transitional-age youth and adults in public behavioral health settings. Shiji practices from a trauma-informed and integrative lens, drawing from CBT, DBT, solution-focused therapy, and Brainspotting. He is a long-time LGBTQ+ advocate and previously served with PFLAG Temecula in outreach and advocacy roles. Shiji is passionate about culturally responsive care, mentorship, and building meaningful connections within the mental health community. Outside of work, he enjoys travel, language learning, and exploring food and culture.

LA-CAMFT invites two members each month to be featured in the Member Spotlight section of Voices - a new member (less than 5 years), alongside a long-time member (5+ years).  Candidates are chosen by current chapter leadership based on their regular participation in and contributions to LA-CAMFT. If you are an LA-CAMFT member and would like to be considered, please reach out to MembershipChair@LACAMFT.org and introduce yourself with the subject line “Member Spotlight Consideration” for more information.