The Hyphenated Life: Bridging the
In-Between Spaces of Intersectional Identities

Dr. Han Ren’s Book Out June 16, 2026

For readers of Permission to Come Home, Minor Feelings, and Pleasure Activism, an insightful guide for “hyphenates” seeking to better understand themselves and help others understand them, too.

Dr. Han Ren is a proud Hyphenated human and professional—licensed clinical and school psychologist, speaker, educator, content creator, author, 1.5-generation Chinese-American immigrant, neurodivergent mind, mother, partner, and only child (which explains a lot).

Rooted in anti-oppressive liberation psychology, Dr. Ren works from an interpersonal, culturally humble, and systems-informed framework. She is committed to making mental health accessible and resonant, especially for historically overlooked communities. Through her widely viewed social media content, she translates complex psychological concepts into everyday wisdom with humor and compassion. Her work centers fellow Hyphenates, helping those who live between cultures, identities, and expectations move from the margins toward their own growth edges.

Dr. Ren earned a doctorate in child clinical and school psychology from the University of Texas at Austin, a master of education in special education from the University of Houston, and a bachelor of arts in psychology from the University of Michigan. A lifelong educator, she has served as an adjunct professor at UT Austin and began her career teaching pre-K special education in a Title 1 school as part of Teach for America.

Her work has been featured on the TEDx stage, the Headspace app, NPR, Healthline, and other major media outlets. Whether she’s supporting clients, teaching workshops, or giving keynote talks, Dr. Ren brings a blend of clinical expertise, cultural attunement, humor, and deep commitment to collective healing and community care.

Outside of work, you’ll find Han traveling to explore new food scenes, seeking out sunshine, and dancing (enthusiastically and offbeat) to live music. She lives in Austin, Texas, where she coleads Pivot Psychology Austin, a group private practice dedicated to inclusive and affirming care.

Areas of Expertise

Asian-American and Asian diaspora mental health
Anxiety, perfectionism, high achievers, and children of immigrants/third culture kids
Providing anti-racist and anti-oppressive clinical care
Liberation psychology and decolonizing mental health
Emergent adulthood, attachment trauma, and parenting
Asian American identity in corporate America, including overwork and overachievement
Educating children about race and racism
Making mental health research approachable and accessible for diverse audiences