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.
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
Doctoral & clinical training
Earned a PhD in clinical psychology and completed specialized clinical training.
Double board certification
Became one of the few clinicians certified in both behavioral sleep and sex medicine.
Founded Mind & Body Garden Psychology
Built a multilingual mental health practice spanning California and New York.
Launched Deep Into Sleep & more
Grew a family of podcasts and YouTube channels in English and Mandarin.
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.