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About Imi Lo

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    Imi Lo is a consultant and published author with extensive and international experience in mental health and psychotherapy. She specializes in working with highly sensitive, intense, and gifted individuals; Her books Emotional Sensitivity and Intensity and The Gift of Intensity are available worldwide and in multiple languages.

    Imi Lo has held roles as a mental health supervisor, suicide crisis counselor, psychotherapist, art therapist, and trainer to therapists and coaches. While living in various countries, she worked for the National Health Service (UK), Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders, Samaritan Befrienders, and Mind.

    Imi has two Master’s degrees; one in Mental Health and one in Buddhist Studies. She is trained in Jungian theories, philosophical counseling, mentalization-based treatment, solution-focused coaching, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness-based modalities. She works holistically, combining psychological insights with Eastern and Western philosophies such as Buddhism and Stoicism.

    Imi Lo has received multiple awards and scholarships, including the Australian Government Endeavour Award, the HSBC Social Work Scholarship, and a Postgraduate Scholarship for Buddhist Studies.

    She has appeared in major publications such as Business Insider, The Psychologies Magazine, Marie Claire, Huffpost, The Daily Mail, and The Telegraph. She also publishes regularly in Psychology Today.

     

    More about my professional footprints

    Hi! I am Imi. I work with highly intense, sensitive, and gifted humans.

    I have spent my professional life of over a decade in pursuit of answers to one question: ‘What do people who are emotionally sensitive and intense need?’

    My mental health profession began in 2009 as a suicide counselor. But after more than a decade in this field, I feel compelled to pursue something more spiritual, philosophical, and creative. That’s when I decided to depart from psychotherapy and grow my practice into something not constrained by the medical paradigm, which frequently focuses on what is “wrong” with a person rather than what they need. I do not think that there is anything intrinsically defective about anyone; nonetheless, their neurodivergent characteristic or trauma may cause them to become a misfit in the environment that they are in. Personally, I also began to find more solace in ancient wisdom, such as Stoicism and Buddhism, rather than traditional psychology.

    I have a Master in Mental Health from The School of Medicine at the University of Queensland, Australia; through this training, I have come to understand most mental health diagnoses and how to work with them. Later, I wished to add a spiritual dimension to my work and pursued a Master in Buddhist Studies. I did my final dissertation on the intersection between ancient Stoic Marcus Aurelius’s work and Buddhism’s scriptures. It has enriched my understanding of human suffering and ways to alleviate it. (I do not consider myself a ‘Buddhist’ and do not preach any religion, I just enjoy learning about world philosophies and drawing from the wisdom they offer).

    I was trained in various modalities, such as art therapy, schema therapy, Jungian psychology, solution-focused coaching, personality typologies like the Enneagram, and philosophical counseling. But I no longer practice conventional psychotherapy. Instead, I integrate everything I have learned, including my personal journey and learning in the philosophical and spiritual dimensions, to offer coaching and consultations to individuals and organizations.

    For many years, I have worked with people diagnosed with personality disorders, particularly Borderline Personality Disorder. My aspiration to change how we think about this ‘disorder’ came from repeatedly seeing intense people being misunderstood, marginalized, or described as having ‘personality defects.’ Hearing pejorative labels such as ‘manipulative’ or ‘attention-seeking’, and seeing people who do not fit neatly into diagnostic criteria slip through the cracks of the system frustrated me. My experience in the public health system has inspired me to break away to forge a different path, where I hope to initiate a paradigm shift away from the model of pathologies. This was also when I started devoting myself entirely to understanding how neurodivergent people are misunderstood by society.

    I have various experiences in the mental health field and have trained and supervised trainee therapists and coaches. In my years of living in various countries, I have held positions as a Mental Health Supervisor in Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders, Clinical Practitioner in an NHS Community Mental Health Team, Mentalizing Therapist in a Personality Disorder Treatment team, and Crisis Counsellor with the Samaritan Befrienders Suicide Crisis Intervention Center. I have also served on the Board of Directors for Emergence, an organization that advocates for people with personality disorders.

    I tend to be rather direct with my clients. In my experience, this directness often leads to breakthrough where you can gain new insights. I find that this level of authenticity and openness can create a deep sense of connection and trust between us. I am also a great believer in sharing knowledge with you. Underneath all the techniques, our relationship and genuine feelings between us create changes. I cannot hide behind theories; you will know if I do.

    Ultimately, I want our journey together to be transformative. It’s my hope that you’ll gain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose. While it’s not always easy, I believe that it’s always worth it.

    If you are interested in my journey and what got me here, I wrote about some of my personal histories and struggles. I also spoke about my childhood experience and journey in some of the following interviews:

     

    • A deep and raw conversation with the brilliant Adam Williams from Humanitou. The take-home message is we ought to grieve who we’re not and embrace who we really are.
    • And here is a video about the work.

    I look forward to being with you!

    Imi

     

    Experience

    • Mental Health Supervisor- Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders
    • Clinical Supervisor- Mind
    • Psychotherapist/ Mentalisation Therapist– NHS Personality Disorder Team
    • Trainer and Module Leader – Beeleaf Institute of Contemporary Psychotherapy
    • Social Worker/ Clinical Practitioner- NHS Personality Disorder Community Team
    • Non-Executive Director- Emergence Plus (Personality disorders service-user-led organization)
    • Honorary Psychotherapist- London Friend (LGBT Charity)
    • Wellbeing Centre Officer– Mind, Richmond Royal Hospital
    • Mental Health Mentor- Randstad Student Support, UK
    • Healthcare Assistant- NHS Eating Disorder Inpatient Unit
    • Suicide Counsellor – Samaritans Suicide Crisis Intervention Centre, HK
    • Placement Art Therapist – Tennyson Special Education School, Australia
    • Placement Art Therapist and Counselling Practitioner- Centacare Family Services, Australia
    • Taipei Psychiatric Hospital Drug & Alcohol Unit, Taiwan

    Teaching Experience

    I have delivered training workshops for trainee therapists seeking accreditation with the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). Some of the modules I have taught include Human Development, Psychopathology, Attachment theories, and Personality Disorders, and Suicide Crisis management. With students’ consent, the following are testimonials for the workshops I have delivered:

    Imi has an incredible wealth of knowledge and talent in her subject areas, and she shared it with us in a totally accessible way that felt inclusive & respectful at all times. Her humility compassion & warmth blended with her expertise and professionalism throughout. It was a thoroughly enjoyable & informative learning experience… — Lesley C., Lead family support worker at London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

     Insightful, brilliantly delivered, flowing with compassion and understanding, giving us time to digest this complex area of therapy. Thank you so much Imi. — Ed L., Director & Principal Coach at BlueTouchPaper Consulting

    Consultation and Projects

    • Mental Health Consulting- TrueMind+Body Wellness Centre
    • Workshop on Schema Coaching- Henley Business School, University of Reading
    • Founder/ Host- Eggshell Collective BPD Social Group in Central London
    • Panel Member- ‘Absolute Truth Talks,’ hosted by Philharmonia Orchestra and House of Absolute, London

    Reviews, References and Testimonials

    Throughout the years, I have the honor of working with many wonderful people. Here are some kind words and professional references from clients, supervisors, and colleagues.

    Reviews, Testimonials and Kind Words

    Education

    • Master of Mental Health (Distinction); Awarded the Dean’s Commendations for High Achievement; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Australia
    • Master of Buddhist Studies (Distinction);   Tung Lin Kok Yuen Postgraduate Scholarship; The University of Hong Kong, HK
    • Postgraduate Certificate in Psychological Studies; Metanoia Institute, Middlesex University, UK
    • Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology; University of Derby, UK
    • Bachelor of Social Science- Social Work; First Class Honour. Completed with multiple scholarships; The Chinese University of Hong Kong, HK
    • Yale Summer Art Program; Distinction; University of Yale

    Professional and Academic Awards

    • Tung Lin Kok Yuen Postgraduate Scholarship for Buddhist Studies, 2020
    • Dean’s Commendation for High Achievements- University of Queensland, 2011
    • Endeavour Award (International), 2010 – Australian Government
    • Dean’s List Recipient, School of Social Work, 2009, CUHK
    • HSBC Social Work Scholarship, CUHK
    • Social Work Departmental Prize, CUHK
    • Class Scholarship, CUHK

    Certificates and Diploma

    • Certificate in the Principles of the Theory and Practice of Supervision – Metanoia Institute, London UK
    • Certificate in Jungian Studies  – C.G. Jung Centre
    • Oxford Executive Leadership Program – University of Oxford, UK
    • Solutions Focused Coaching Fundamentals (67 hours)- Solutions Academy (ICF Accredited Program), Germany.
    • Advanced Diploma in Contemporary Psychotherapy – Beeleaf Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, UK
    • Certificate in Logic-Based Therapy (a form of Philosophical Counselling) – The Logic-Based Therapy & Consultation Institute/ National Philosophical Counseling Association
    • Mentalization-based Therapy (Advanced) Training  – Anna Freud Centre, University College London (UCL), UK
    • Using the Enneagram in Psychological Assessment and Practice  – Union Institute & University
    • Psychosynthesis Foundation- The Institute of Psychosynthesis, UK
    • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) Clinical Training Retreat – Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre, UK
    • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Practicum – Openground Australia

    Additional Training

    • EMDR Training- EMDR Europe
    • Psychological First Aid- Médecins Sans Frontières
    • Psychosocial Support for Migrants- IOM
    • Intensive Mentalisation Training – British Association for Art Therapists, UK
    • Diversity and Inclusion -King’s College London, UK
    • Language and Global Identities – King’s College London, UK
    • LGBT Counselling and Transgender Awareness Training  – London Friend, UK
    • Principles and Practice of Ericksonian Hypno-Psychotherapy – Beeleaf Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, UK
    • Applying Enneagram in Coaching and Counselling  – InnerSpace HK
    • Psycho-Educational Approach to Art Therapy   – British Association for Art Therapists, UK
    • Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner – Beeleaf Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, UK
    • Working Successfully with Addictions – Beeleaf Institute for Contemporary Psychotherapy, UK
    • Heart-mind with Mindfulness: Clinical Applications of Mindfulness  – Mindfulness Centre, Australia

    Publications

    Books

    Academic Journals

    • “A heuristic and art-based inquiry: The experience of combining mindfulness practice and art-making”; Published in The Australian and New Zealand Art Therapy Journal 2011 (Volume 6)
    • “An LBT Session with a Client Going Through a Breakup”— Published in the International Journal of Philosophical Practice, Vol 6, No.1, Spring 2020

    Everything else

    Expertise

    Giftedness

    Coaching gifted adults to address common challenges such as underachievement, perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, social isolation, loneliness, overexcitabilities, career boredom and diversification, and relationship struggles.

    High Sensitivity and Empath Psychology

    Specialized guidance for highly sensitive and empathic individuals seeking their place in the world. The coaching process addresses sensory integration issues, challenges like misophonia, managing relationship misunderstandings, emotional reactivity, and porous energetic boundaries.

    Trauma-informed Coaching

    Knowledge and experiences in Complex Trauma (PTSD), Parentification Trauma, Narcissistic Abuse, Splitting, Structural Dissociation, and Personality Disorders (Cluster B and C), including Borderline Personality Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder. (Although I was trained in specialized forms of psychotherapies such as EMDR and Mentalization-based Treatment, I no longer offer these or practice as a mental health therapist)

    Cross-cultural Experiences

    Coaching and consultations for those navigating cross-cultural experiences, whether first or second-generation immigrants or the children of immigrants. Addressing issues surrounding transgenerational trauma, cultural dissonance, cross-cultural challenges, and ancestral trauma.

    Existential and Mid-life Crisis

    Coaching individuals experiencing significant life transitions, such as mid-life, quarter-life, and existential crises. The work is informed by philosophies such as Stoicism and Buddhism, Jungian theories, and archetypal symbolism.

    Interviews and Media Consultations

    Exclusive Interviews

    Media Consultations and Mentions

    Podcast/ Youtube Interviews

    Radio Interviews

    • – Talk Radio Europe Live Interview, about the value of sensitivity in today’s world. March 2018

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    Thank you for being here, and I look forward to meeting you!

    Imi Lo