MEET YING
Ying is a Certified Nutritionist and Registered Mental Health Counselor with expertise in the integration of medical nutrition therapy with the psychology of self-nourishment.  She specializes in the following areas:

  • Weight Management
  • Behavioral Change
  • Lifestyle Integration
  • Gastrointestinal Issues
  • Immune Health
  • Metabolic Conditions (Heart Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension...)
  • Allergies & Sensitivities
  • Chronic Stress & Fatigue
  • Depression & Anxiety
  • Emotional overeating / Disordered Eating
  • Addictions Recovery / Relapse Prevention
  • Chronic Conditions

Ying is passionate about harnessing the wisdom of both modern Western science and traditional Eastern medicine to facilitate the natural healing process that lives within each and every one of us.  Respecting food as the most natural, most powerful, and least invasive form of medicine for mind and body, Ying delights in helping clients to gain wisdom into their own unique nourishment needs and healing process, and to align their behaviors with their wellness vision.  Her goal is to not only help clients get well, but also empower them to create happy, fulfilling lives that support lifelong balance.  In her personal life, Ying is an avid ultimate frisbee player, and a lover of jogging, nature, cooking, writing, and mindfulness meditation.

Ying earned her Master of Science in Nutrition and Clinical Health Psychology from Bastyr University, Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Amherst College, and Certification in Holistic Health Counseling from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.  Proud to be on the cutting edge of Integrative Medicine, Ying was among the first four graduates in the country to ever earn a Masters Degree that combines Nutrition with Clinical Health Psychology.  Ying is also an approved Nourishment Consultant and Cleanse Facilitator trained under Halé Sofia Schatz, international nutrition educator and author of If the Buddha Came to Dinner: How to Feed the Body to Nourish the Spirit. 

Ying has extensive experience working with diverse populations in her private practice, as well as at Asian Counseling & Referral Service, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, Lifelong AIDS Alliance, and YWCA.  In additional to counseling clients individually and in groups, she provides trainings to Mental Health and Chemical Dependency Professionals in King and Pierce County.



Testimonials:

"I began working with Ying 3 months ago because I knew how to eat well but just wasn't doing it for myself and the consequences were no longer okay with me...Ying has been exactly what I needed to make great choices for myself... She is amazing at striking the balance between being a compassionate, non-judgmental listener and being a space of accountability...In my first month with Ying I was able to just let go, and with a sense of ease (which was SO NOT my experience before working with her) I have simply chosen a new and satisfying way of eating, and when I stray from these choices I just come back to them without all the struggle...I love how Ying listens, feeds back what she is hearing me say and then either asks me to consider some new way of viewing the situation, creates a space for me to get present and see what is really under it, and/or supports me to create new actions.  I ultimately feel heard and am able to hear myself through her coaching and listening."  – Christie R.

"It has been a wonderfully empowering experience of learning, motivation, and tools to make changes in attitudes, food choices, and eating.  Actually experiencing myself changing patterns and attitudes feels very good. This is just what I needed, and I can draw on this structure for years to come." – Evelyn S.

"When I asked my doctor for a nutritionist referral she gave me Ying's name [and] I signed up for a six month program. Her guidance, conversations (online and off) and suggestions have lead me to be a person who now craves fresh vegetables and is willing to try a variety of vegetables when entering the grocery store. Everything that I have learned in this program has changed my life forever." – L.L.

"Excellent!  It definitely exceeded my expectations.  I certainly would call it a gift of life I gave to myself." – Jill S.

"I loved this program!  I gained self-confidence and self-discipline." – Lori L.

“This was an awesome experience. The Cleanse opened my eyes to a new way to view food and health. I don’t think I’ll ever look at it the same and I hope to carry the Cleanse with me on in life.” – Samantha F.

“I really learned a lot from the Cleanse that I will always remember. I was surprised at how good I felt emotionally and physically. I would like to do this every year!” – Molly P.

"I did a 7-day facilitated group cleanse with Ying and it was awesome. I was kinda nervous about the whole idea of a cleanse - i had heard all the horror stories of fasting and extreme bowel movements. This cleanse was totally different - you actually get to *eat*, primarily organic local foods, and mostly fruits and vegetables with proteins and grains as "condiments." After the cleanse my body felt clean and whole.  Ying really made a difference with her thoughtful, genuine approach. I can't recommend her highly enough."  – Natala M.


Ying Yu, MS, CN, CHHC