Linda Nguyen

11/21/2025

Follow up to Therapist Thoughts: Caseload!

11/21/2025

Therapist thoughts: Caseload!

The first clinic I worked at, I saw 35-37 clients a week. This did not include supervision, staff meetings, or administration time.

The second clinic I worked at, I saw 25-29 clients a week. This also did not include supervision, staff meetings, or administration time.

And for both, usually staff meetings were during the lunch hour.

Now in private practice, I see about 15-19 clients. I love this because:
- I am not burnt out
- I have more capacity to show up for clients during session
- I have more of my day to focus on myself as a therapist and for clients outside of sessions (like sending newsletters)
- I feel content and happy

11/21/2025

Scholarships and internships during graduate school!

11/21/2025

When I was getting my master of social workout from Portland State University, the internships that I did were both unpaid. Unfortunately, this is really common for a lot of the students at Portland State University or other universities. Instead, because the internship was considered a class, we had to pay for that credit instead. At the time, Portland State University only had two paid internships, specifically available at the hospital if you were doing the medical social work concentration!

11/20/2025

What Are Somatic Modalities?
Somatic modalities are approaches that focus on the connection between the mind and body. They help clients tune into physical sensations, release stored tension, and process trauma through the body. 

One of my favorite somatic modalities is EMDR, which I offer to clients! EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing. During the session the clinician uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping, or sounds) to help client process traumatic memories and reduce emotional intensity.

11/20/2025

When I work with clients, we often talk about how trauma can show up in the body, especially in the gut.

Trauma can impact gut health in many ways including:

Fight-or-Flight Activation - Keeps the nervous system on high alert, disrupting digestion and gut motility.

Inflammation - Increases inflammation, contributing to bloating, discomfort, and stomach pain.

Gut–Brain Axis Disruption - Impacts the vagus nerve, reducing communication between the brain and gut, affecting both digestion and mood.

Microbiome Imbalance - Shifts healthy gut bacteria, which can lead to IBS, constipation, or diarrhea.

Muscle Tension - Abdominal muscles can hold tension, causing cramps or difficulty fully relaxing.

Heightened Sensitivity - Makes the gut more reactive to foods, stress, and emotional triggers.

Understanding this connection can help you tune into your body, practice mindful movement, and support gut health as part of healing from trauma.

11/20/2025

11/20/2025

Healing often begins by reconnecting with your body. These tips can help you begin processing trauma held in the body.

Gentle movement, grounding exercises, deep breathing, and mindful sensory awareness help release stored tension and bring you back into the present moment.

Practices like yoga, time in nature, self-massage, creative expression, and body scans support your nervous system and rebuild a sense of internal safety.

Creating consistent routines and simple daily rituals can also offer stability as you learn to listen to your body with compassion.

11/19/2025

💔

10/09/2025

I have officially joined the provider network for the Asian Mental Health Collective’s (AMHC) Lotus Therapy Fund! It is importnat for me to remove financial and logistical barriers to mental health services for the Asian community.

With working with the The Lotus Therapy, I will be able to provide Asian identified clients with 8 free sessions of therapy over a three-month period.

For those in need of financial assistance for therapy, please visit the Asian Mental Health Collective’s website for official announcements regarding the next application cycle. Their website is: https://www.asianmhc.org/free-therapy-funds/.

10/06/2025

Why I left a group practice

09/25/2025

I am now accepting Providence Health Plan insurance!