Meet Our Therapists: Ariel Zheng

Hi, I’m Ariel, and I’m so glad you’re here. I am a registered marriage and family therapy intern in Florida and a doctoral candidate in marriage and family therapy at Florida State University. I know beginning therapy can take courage, and my hope is to make this process feel as safe and approachable as possible. I hope this post can help you get to know me and my work more.

Who I Am 

I earned a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. Two years ago, I moved from Austin to Tallahassee to pursue my doctorate in marriage and family therapy at FSU. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds. My clinical work has always centered around one simple but powerful belief: our relationships with significant others matter deeply. Alongside my clinical work, I am actively engaged in research focused on couple relationships, which allows me to bring evidence-based insights into the therapy room.

My Approach to Therapy 

As a marriage and family therapist, I take a systemic and culturally attuned approach, which means I consider not only your individual experiences but also how your relationships, identities, and larger systems shape your well-being. To meet my clients’ unique needs, I practice Integrative Systemic Therapy, drawing from Narrative Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems Model, and expressive arts. I strive to create a space that feels supportive and warm, where you don’t have to navigate the challenges alone. In our work together, we will identify patterns that keep you feeling stuck and develop new ways of relating that foster closeness, resilience, and growth. 

Who I Work With 

I am passionate about working with couples who may be struggling with conflict, communication breakdowns, external stressors, or the pain of broken trust in their relationships. I also enjoy working with individual clients navigating challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, life transitions, or identity issues that can feel overwhelming or isolating. Additionally, I am experienced in supporting parents and families who want to strengthen communication and build healthier, more supportive patterns at home.

At the heart of my work is the belief that healing happens in relationships, whether with yourself, your partner, or your family. My role is to provide a safe, compassionate space where meaningful change and stronger connections can take root.

Outside of the Office 

Outside of my work as a therapist and researcher, I enjoy creative and grounding activities that help me stay balanced. I love pottery, where the process of shaping clay keeps me present and mindful. I also find joy in cooking and sharing peaceful moments with my cat. These simple joys remind me of the importance of slowing down in life.

What to Expect When You Reach Out 

When you reach out, I’ll respond within 24–48 hours to answer any questions you might have and to share my availability. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can connect and see if I’m the right fit for your needs. From there, I’ll get you scheduled and walk you through the client portal to complete intake paperwork before your intake session.

Let’s Talk 

Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my approach. Whether you’re looking to better connect with yourself, strengthen your relationships, or find healthier ways to navigate life’s challenges, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Please feel free to reach me at ariel@bloomandhealtherapy.com. I look forward to connecting with you.

Warmly,

Yunzhi “Ariel” Zheng