- Mindfulness practices
- CBT and ACT ideas
- Guilt and shame work
About Christopher
Christopher Lum is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in California with 15 years of experience. He works with people facing addictions, grief, depression, major life changes, and compassion fatigue, and he lists guilt and shame among his focus areas.
He grew up between cultures, balancing Chinese family expectations with life in the U.S. That background shaped his interest in AAPI Studies and psychology, and it influences how he sees cultural pressure, perfectionism, and identity concerns in therapy.
Early in his career he volunteered on community health initiatives and supported research into AAPI depression and perfectionism. He has worked with veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and in psychiatric inpatient settings. He currently practices as a medical social worker in emergency and outpatient settings at the VA and Kaiser.
Much of his clinical work has involved geriatric care, end-of-life planning, and supporting people through caregiving and hospice decisions. He also works with drug and alcohol addiction and family of origin issues, and he pays attention to multicultural concerns and isolation.
His clinical approach draws on mindfulness and loving-kindness practices alongside cognitive behavioral ideas and acceptance and commitment concepts. He writes that self-compassion practices helped him soften a harsh inner critic, and he brings personal experience with addiction, depression, social anxiety, and cultural conflicts to his work.
People who are carrying guilt or shame about family, identity, or past actions can expect a clinician who notices cultural context, explores unhelpful self-judgments, and practices techniques aimed at reducing self-blame while addressing practical life stresses.
How therapeutic approaches shape online sessions
He often draws on mindfulness and loving-kindness practices to help people notice and soften harsh self-talk. These practices are short exercises and breathing or attention techniques that can help when guilt or shame feels overwhelming.He also uses cognitive behavioral ideas to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and behavioral patterns. This approach helps people map moments when guilt or perfectionism shows up and try small, manageable experiments to test different responses.
Finding the right mix of techniques is collaborative. The therapist will work with the client to see which practices fit their goals, cultural context, and everyday life. Plans are adjusted as things change rather than fixed from the start.
The biography does not list which session formats are used, so confirm current options before booking. In general, online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, allow a shorter check-in when needed, and avoid travel time. Phone sessions can be useful when a quieter video setup is not possible, while video sessions let people use visual cues during exercises and mindfulness work.
Areas of expertise
Additional focus areas
Experience
15+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does he help with?
He works with addictions, grief, depression, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue, and lists guilt and shame among his additional focus areas.
How would he approach shame or guilt in sessions?
He uses mindfulness, self-compassion practices, and cognitive behavioral ideas to notice self-critical thoughts and reduce unhelpful patterns over time.
What experience does he bring?
He has 15 years of experience, including work with veterans, psychiatric inpatient care, and medical social work in emergency and outpatient settings.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is a California LCSW and practices in California.
Does he work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and he is not accepting international clients.
What session formats does he offer?
The original biography does not list specific session formats; please confirm current session options before booking.
How are sessions paid for and priced?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.