Shirley Juan Ley, PsyD
Clinical Psychologist
Community Engagement Director
(Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)
In-Network Insurance
- Premera / Lifewise
- Most BCBS Plans
- Lyra Health
- First Choice Health Network
- Kaiser PPO
- Eligible for Out-Of-Network reimbursements
Contact information
-
shirley@interconnectionshealing.com
(preferred method of contact) - (206) 659-5945 ext. 28
A Bit About Me
Thank you for taking time to see me in a way I need to be seen. I hope I get the privilege of being in shared space with you.
I am proud to be the daughter of my father, Juan Ley, who was born in Chiapas, Mexico, and my mother, Wai-Lin Ley, who was born in Hong Kong. They immigrated and settled in what is now Vancouver, BC, Canada, on the unceded traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. With my maternal grandmother being illiterate and my mother having completed only the sixth grade, I am the first-generation in my family to attain higher education.
Growing up as a child of working-class immigrant parents with English as our second language presented numerous challenges in adapting to Western social norms. Navigating a country often shadowed by xenophobia, my parents’ limited means led to a cautious approach in forming connections beyond our close-knit circle. Early years were marked by a struggle to build relationships, influenced by cautionary tales and external challenges that negatively impacted my sense of belonging and self-esteem. The lack of representation of my collectivistic cultural values in society had contributed to feelings of shame and a diminished cultural identity.
However, as I entered my thirties, I began to undergo a transformative journey of self-discovery. In this process, I unearthed a profound strength within myself that had long lain dormant. As I came to understand that embracing my cultural heritage was more than just empowering myself—it was about strengthening bonds with others—I felt compelled to fully embrace my first-generation identity. One of the most vivid examples of this journey was when I brought together a group of amazing women of Color to create an informal advisory board. This community of inspiring individuals continually fuels my motivation to contribute to a more just and equitable world. Their wisdom, guidance, and shared experiences remind me of the strength that comes from cultivating strong community bonds and working collectively towards positive change.
In addition, recently, I’ve embarked on a journey to reconnect with the profound bond my ancestors had with the land. Delving into nature’s embrace, I’ve discovered a profound sense of kinship and solace amidst the earth’s timeless rhythms. This rekindling serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring wisdom and resilience woven through the tapestry of all living beings across generations.
I deeply respect and appreciate your invitation to join you on your journey towards a life filled with greater hope and vitality. The work of healing involves engaging in community in a way that promotes transformation, expansiveness, and generational growth.
As a woman of Color and a clinician dedicated to justice, my passion lies in working with individuals who have endured trauma rooted in racialized and oppressive experiences. Taking a systemic approach to healing, I recognize the profound impact of broader structural forces on your life. At an individual level, it is of utmost importance for me to acknowledge and validate the sacrifices and suffering you have endured. I strive to support your relational needs, affirm your inherent worth and potential, assist you in rediscovering your identities, and help you reclaim the joy of fun, play, and pleasure.
Moreover, I understand that the effects of imperialism and settler colonialism extend beyond the individual, influencing your ancestral and generational development. Together, we will embark on an exploration of these influences and their significance in your healing journey.
For those who seek to involve their communities in the healing process, I am here to offer support. Together, we will co-create safe and inclusive spaces where communal witnessing, grieving, and storytelling can take place. We will work on reclaiming dignity and identifying areas of resilience and strength within your community. By fostering an environment that nurtures collective healing and growth, we will embark on a transformative journey together.
I specialize in relationally-focused integrative psychotherapy, drawing on psychodynamic and humanistic perspectives. To ensure that our work is grounded in genuine and authentic human connection, it is vital for me to understand what it means to be present with you. Consistently and predictably showing up for you forms the foundation of our exploration into how other significant relationships in your life have influenced your growth.
We will create a space where you can express what has been suppressed or silenced due to societal factors such as White supremacy, politics, school, religion, family, and more, which have deemed it unacceptable for you to bring your whole self to the table. We will delve into the significance, importance, and meaning of your emotions. Areas where you may have closed off possibilities (such as believing “It is what it is and can’t be changed”) will be examined within their historical context. This will allow us to fully appreciate the adaptive measures you have taken to protect yourself during times of distress and threat. Together, we will explore new ways of being by tapping into the infinite sources of wisdom derived from your bodily sensations, ancestral heritage, and connection to the land and ecology.
Interconnections Healing Center (IHC) stands out as a supportive space where I discovered the value of my ancestral history in my healing work. This clinic, dedicated to combating threats to human sovereignty posed by White supremacy, serves as a supportive space where marginalized peoples can explore the value of their ancestral history. The repercussions of centuries of European colonization perpetuate power hoarding and hyper-individualism, eroding cultures rooted in relationality and mutuality. This system leaves individuals feeling dehumanized and obstructs their capacity to thrive in various aspects of life.
At IHC, our expertise lies in understanding various oppressive systems, such as White supremacy, settler colonialism, capitalism, patriarchy, cisgenderism, and heterosexism, and in cultivating inclusive communities. We prioritize approachability, authenticity, and genuine interest in individual needs. Embracing a strengths-based approach, we navigate differences collaboratively. Our stance is culturally affirming, anti-oppressive, and anti-racist, involving ongoing self-examination of privilege and power dynamics. In our healing work, we actively resist replicating oppressive systems and instead support individuals in reconnecting with ancestral knowledge for self-healing.
Using these collective strengths, we support organizations, companies, and institutions in the journey to divest from White supremacy and other related forms of structural and systemic hegemony. This creates space to explore alternative ways of living in alignment with the cultures of the global majority. With a specialization in group and organizational dynamics, we assist in cultivating cultures that promote relational thriving and legacy building. Please visit our Organizational Programming and Consulting page to gain a better understanding of the areas in which we can support your organization.
Adler University, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology (2018)
University of Toronto – Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE), Toronto, ON, Canada
Master of Education (MEd) in Counseling Psychology (2012)
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology (2007)
BIPOC Executive Search, Toronto
ON, Canada
Partner
Pacific University
Portland, OR
Staff Psychologist and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Outreach Coordinator
Willamette University
Salem, OR
Psychologist Resident and Liaison for Diversity and Inclusion
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA
Psychology Intern
ClearPoint Counseling Services
Vancouver, BC, Canada
Director
Clinical Training
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion; anti-oppressive practice; structural competence and radical justice
- Community psychology
- College population
- Behavioral health
- Chronic pain management
Areas of Expertise
- People of Color/Culture/Global Majority Mental Health
- Racial & Intergenerational Trauma
- Intersectionality of Identities
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Family of Origin Concerns
- Relationship Concerns
- Loneliness & Disconnection
- Workplace Wellness; Organizational Design
- Training, Mentoring & Supervision with Master’s and Doctoral Level Psychology Students
- Consultation with Mental Health Clinicians, Healers & Politicized Workers
- Coaching BIPOC Executive and C-suite Professionals
I adhere to the ethical code as established by the American Psychological Association, and the professional standards as described in the Washington State Psychology Licensing Laws (RCW 18.83, 18.130, and WAC 308-122). If you have any concerns about the treatment you receive, please feel free to discuss them with me. If I fail to respond to your satisfaction, you have the right to register a complaint with the Department of Health, Washington State Examining Board of Psychology, PO Box 47868, Olympia, WA 98504, (253) 753-2147. You may also register a complaint to the Ethics Committee of the Washington State Psychological Association at (206) 363-9772.