When people search for a therapist in Irvine, they're usually not just looking for a nice name on an insurance directory. They're looking for someone who understands their unique story including their culture, their family history, and their pace of life. Two years ago, I set out to build exactly that kind of practice. This month, Soul Song Therapy Group is celebrating two years of making a difference.

Where It Started

So many emotions come up when I think about this practice turning two. I am not the same person I was two years ago, and I'm happy to say I love who I am today.

Owning my own business, and creating a place where other therapists feel empowered and excited to see their clients, was something I never could have imagined for myself. I was afraid to dream big. I was afraid to bet on myself.

The truth is, starting Soul Song Therapy Group came out of a moment of survival. Doors were closing, and I had no options left. I embraced the leap while terrified, and decided to show up and do the best I could, day by day. In the beginning, I felt so small; I was just hoping I wouldn't go bankrupt in year one, or that I would break even.

Two Years, By the Numbers

Since founding Soul Song Therapy Group in Irvine in July 2024, we've grown into a practice built on trust and consistency:

2,187 therapy sessions conducted
259 clients served across Orange County
12 team members of clinicians, supervision, billing, and admin all working toward one goal

For anyone searching for a therapist in Irvine who won't leave you on a waitlist for months, these numbers reflect what we've built: a responsive, specialized practice that shows up for the AAPI community, high-achieving individuals, couples, and teens navigating anxiety and intergenerational trauma.

What I've Learned as a Therapist-Owner in Irvine

Two years later, I feel more stable, and a little less like being a business owner is a terrifying rollercoaster.

My promise to our clients, our team, and this community is that I will continue to be curious every day and be a good steward of the opportunity I've been given. Whether you're a current/previous/future client, a community partner, or a fellow therapist, I'm glad our paths have crossed, and my soul truly sings with joy because of it.

This work has filled my cup, and it's made me a better wife and mother too.

Looking for a Therapist in Irvine? Here's What We Offer

If you're exploring therapy for the first time, or looking for a new fit, Soul Song Therapy Group offers:

Individual therapy for anxiety, identity, and high-achieving stress
Couples and family therapy, including support for intergenerational trauma
Specialized care for the AAPI community, with cultural understanding built in, not bolted on
Fast intake response — no months-long waitlist
In-person sessions in Irvine and telehealth available across California
In-network with major insurers, plus sliding-scale cash-pay options

Thank You

Thank you for supporting Soul Song Therapy Group for these past two years. We look forward to continuing in partnership with you toward healthier individuals, families, and communities in Irvine and throughout California.

Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule a free 15 minute consultation, or learn more about our team of Irvine-based therapists.

About the Author:

Yuki Shida, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist in California specializing in trauma, EMDR, and culturally responsive therapy for Asian American adults. She has over 9 years of clinical experience in private practice and community mental health settings.

Finding a Therapist in Irvine Who Gets It: Soul Song Therapy Group's First Two Years