Neena Xayavong, Intern

Neena is a graduate student in the counseling program at the University of North Dakota, working toward her master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling. She has a background as a long-term care case manager. In that role, she worked extensively with vulnerable adults and children with disabilities, including individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, borderline personality disorder, PTSD, anxiety, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, and traumatic brain injuries.

As part of her graduate training, Neena completed a practicum at a clinic specializing in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), where she gained hands-on experience supporting individuals with emotion regulation difficulties, interpersonal challenges, and complex trauma. Through this experience, she developed a strong foundation in DBT principles, skills training, and evidence-based practices for treating high-risk and emotionally sensitive populations.

Neena emphasizes creating a positive, welcoming, and accepting therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their emotions, experiences, and strengths. She believes in the importance of building trust and providing a non-judgmental space to foster healing and personal growth. Her approach to therapy is collaborative and empathetic, focusing on meeting clients where they are and supporting them as they work toward their goals. In her leisure time, Neena enjoys hiking, painting, trying new foods, watching movies, playing video games, and spending quality time with her loved ones. She brings a sense of curiosity, creativity, and compassion to both her personal and professional life, aiming to create meaningful connections with those she serves.