Science, with a human touch.

I'm Dr. Yishan Xu — a clinical psychologist who has spent my career at the intersection of two of the most intimate parts of being human: how we rest, and how we connect.

Dr. Yishan Xu

From the therapy room to the microphone

For as long as I can remember, I've been fascinated by what happens beneath the surface — the quiet worries that keep us awake, the unspoken needs that shape how we love. As a clinical psychologist, I've had the privilege of sitting with people in their most vulnerable moments, and helping them find their way back to rest and connection.

I'm one of the few practitioners in the country double board-certified in both behavioral sleep medicine and behavioral sex medicine. These two fields might seem worlds apart, but in my clinical work I kept seeing how deeply they're linked — how stress steals our sleep, how exhaustion dampens intimacy, and how shame keeps people from asking for help with either.

That conviction led me to found Mind & Body Garden Psychology, a multilingual mental health practice where a whole team of clinicians offers care in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Spanish. And it's the same spirit I bring to my podcasts, YouTube channels, courses, and my published book — meeting people where they are, with science they can trust and warmth they can feel.

I believe everyone is unique, and that we all carry our own potential and our own needs. My job isn't to judge what grows there — it's to help you tend it.

Education & certifications

Rigorous clinical training underpins everything I share publicly.

PhD, Clinical Psychology

Doctoral training in clinical psychology and research.

Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Licensed to provide psychological care across multiple states.

Board-Certified · Behavioral Sleep Medicine

Diplomate in Behavioral Sleep Medicine (DBSM).

Board-Certified · Behavioral Sex Medicine

Specialized certification in behavioral sexual health.

How I work

Three principles guide my clinical practice and everything I create.

Non-judgmental

A safe space for the topics that feel hardest to talk about.

Evidence-based

Grounded in clinical research and proven methods like CBT-I.

Strength-focused

Building on what's already working within you.

A path in psychology

Ph.D.

Doctoral & clinical training

Earned a PhD in clinical psychology and completed specialized clinical training.

Board

Double board certification

Became one of the few clinicians certified in both behavioral sleep and sex medicine.

Founder

Founded Mind & Body Garden Psychology

Built a multilingual mental health practice spanning California and New York.

Podcast

Launched Deep Into Sleep & more

Grew a family of podcasts and YouTube channels in English and Mandarin.

Author

Writing Hotpot Sex

A book on intimacy, communication, and connection.

In practice & on stage

Photos from the clinic, recording studio, and speaking engagements.

Want to know more?

Listen to a podcast episode, read a blog article, browse my courses, or connect with my practice.