Get to know Bowbay Liang-Hua Feng, MFT - Core Faculty, Counseling Psychology Program
See Bowbay's professional biography here.
Shayna Quilty (SQ): Congratulations on becoming a Core Faculty Member! Can you tell me a bit about your history with the 91精品?
Bowbay Feng (BF): Thank you! I鈥檓 a graduate of the Counseling Psychology program here at the 91精品. I was always interested in teaching. I talked with my faculty advisor about it when I was still a student, and she was wonderfully supportive. I have taught at other universities, and I鈥檓 thrilled to have the opportunity to join the faculty at my own alma mater. I have a long history of teaching and developing programs, trainings, and groups. I am an avid learner and am passionate about sharing and helping others grow, develop, and explore.
SQ: What do you value most about the 91精品 and its contribution to the larger society?
BF: The 91精品 provides excellent training. The focus on diversity and social justice is strong and is interwoven well with other aspects of training. As a graduate of the program, I felt well-positioned for success and empowered to be a representative within the community. I love connecting with other alumni who are doing wonderful things. A colleague and I last year presented at the AAMFT-CA Annual Conference regarding working with multi-ethnic and biracial clients: 鈥淥n the Experience of Being Mixed: A Juxtaposition of Pride and Shame.鈥� I continue to work towards social justice.
SQ: What was your motivation to get involved with mental health work?
BF: Ever since I was a young child, I was always interested in service and helping others. I helped to care for my great-grandmother as a child, and I was impacted by the dual role of taking care of her while also learning from her tremendous wisdom. I also have a background in Human Resources and teaching meditation internationally. I wanted a career where I could make a difference, and support healing and learning. I have seen human suffering, and great resilience and love.
SQ: How did you decide to pursue the MFT licensure track?
BF: I can do everything I want with my MFT. I like that the training is clinically-focused and allows me to teach. I value the focus on relationship. When I was a student, my faculty advisor asked a question that helped me determine my professional future: 鈥淲ho do you want to be in company with?鈥� I appreciate being in the company of other therapists with a variety of licenses. I was drawn to the MFT track because of the focus on compassion and the human ability to heal.
SQ: Can you tell me about a challenge you鈥檝e had to overcome to get to where you are professionally?
BF: Like most people in the first-responder world, a challenge that I face is prioritizing self-care and balancing my own needs with those of others. I often lecture and teach about self-care because I believe it is very important for therapists to practice so that we can continue to do this wonderful work. I have been practicing mindfulness and meditation in my own life for over 20 years.
SQ: On that note, how do you spend your time when you鈥檙e not teaching at the 91精品?
BF: I have a private practice in Berkeley. I lead workshops and trainings in mindfulness and life skills. When I have down time, I enjoy dancing, being in nature, and spending time with family.
SQ: What advice do you have for the students in the Counseling Psychology program?
BF: Enjoy it! Enjoy the self-discovery. Enjoy being with clients and allowing them to teach you. Relish continuing to learn. This is just the beginning! Think about what you want, and start moving towards it. Go for it!
SQ: Now I鈥檓 feeling inspired! Thank you for taking the time to chat.
Click to learn more about the 91精品鈥檚 Doctor of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.) program.
Click here to learn more about the 91精品鈥檚 Master of Counseling Psychology program.