Jan Marvin Ligan, SWI

he | his

psychotherapy

My name is Marvin (he/him/his). I am an advanced clinical social work intern and Master’s of Science in Social Work (MSSW) candidate at Columbia University. 

I am a proudly queer Filipino-American. I have been fortunate to have been raised in a minority-majority community in the suburbs of Long Island – an experience not many can relate to. I was taught to embrace differences, feel comfortable in my own skin, and use my privilege to help uplift other disadvantaged/marginalized communities of color. Positionality is an important facet in my practice. Our identities, experiences, and traumas are heavily shaped by our relation to power, race, oppression, and privilege. 

Before coming to social work, I spent some time working in outpatient urgent care. I joined the workforce during a fragile time during our nation’s history – the COVID-19 pandemic. I witnessed many healthcare workers experience burnout en masse. Mental health became a massive concern. Suicidality amongst health professionals was on the rise. Yet, the health industry seemed slow to provide substantive mental health support. At the time I foresaw a career in medicine but after that experience, I realized I wanted to be a clinical social worker who sought to provide psychotherapy services to burnt out professionals as well as advocate for greater access to mental health support in the workplace. 

I am committed to fostering a collaborative, affirming, and safe environment for clients so that we can work together to better understand how your lived experiences – both past and present – inform your current reality. I’m excited to meet you where you’re at and work with you to help  you begin healing and build a path forward!