Today we’d like to introduce you to Phuong Tran.
Phuong, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I became interested in human behavior as early as 10 years old. One of my earliest childhood memories was when my younger brother was born with Down’s Syndrome and had a hole in his heart and needed to be transferred to a children’s hospital. I remember the attending nurse offering me some paper, crayons and markers and when she returned to check-in on me; she saw I drew a picture of a Christmas tree and presents. She asked if I wanted to draw something more in relation to my younger brother. I knew from that moment, she was trying to assess my feelings/emotions regarding my younger brother’s surgery and medical conditions.
Growing up as a first generation Asian American in the suburbs of Minnesota that was predominantly Caucasian with significant racism and discrimination influenced my need and desire to understand what my family and I experienced. At the time, I did not understand the impact of immigration and my parent’s own trauma getting passed down generationally to me. The dichotomy of “American” versus Chinese Vietnamese culture and values were everyday arguments in our household. As a child and even into adulthood; I felt I never had a voice. My wants and needs still fell to deaf cultural ears with significant mental, verbal, and emotional abuse occurring.
Working through my own childhood trauma and mental health struggles, I knew I wanted to help others advocate for themselves and I started to pursue my education in psychology and decided to specialize in marriage and family therapy.
While I acknowledge I have had a significant influence and positive impact with clients in Minnesota; I still felt held back due to discriminatory factors. My Vietnamese friends whom moved from Minnesota to Maryland shared favorable racial experiences and respect and encouraged me to consider moving to Maryland. I eventually made the move and it has been an amazing experience and journey. The amount of respect and reach out for support has been what I have been wanting to provide to children/teens, adults/couples and families. It brings me joy to help teach advocating for oneself, communication skills, boundaries and generational trauma healing.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been challenges including discriminatory factors and lack of support from my parents pursing a career as therapist.
I have learned to identify what is in and out of my control and focus on those who are supportive.
We’ve been impressed with Phoenix Rising Counseling and Recovery Services, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have a private practice and I am a licensed clinical professional counselor specializing in marriage and family therapy and addictions. I have been practicing for almost 20 years and have experience from in home therapy with children and families (helping to support IEP and 504 Plans, inpatient hospital (children and adults), and experience working in intensive outpatient treatment centers focusing on mental and chemical health.
It brings me happiness and joy to help others heal, find their voice, teach healthy boundaries and communication, and be part of their recovery journey.
I do take health insurance and offer a sliding scale fee.
How do you define success?
I define success by being present, supportive, and contributing to any teachable moments and insights to anyone I come across.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.phoenixcounseling.pro/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixcounselingpro/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/phuong-tran-elkridge-md/303391
