Hello! My name is Qiang Xie (Pron. “Ch-aw-n Sh-ay”), and I am a fourth-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (advisor: Dr. Simon Goldberg). I am trained as a scientist-practitioner in the Counseling Psychology Ph.D. program. Before starting my Ph.D. training in 2021, I got my bachelor's degree in Engineering at Wuhan University and my master's degree in Psychology at Beijing Normal University.

As a psychological scientist in training, I have a profound interest in investigating the mechanisms of meditation-based interventions (MBIs), as well as enhancing the effectiveness of MBIs through the study of mechanisms. I am also fascinated by the development, optimization, and implementation of technology-delivered interventions, such as ecological momentary and just-in-time adaptive interventions. Through such research endeavors, I aspire to expand access to affordable, low-burden, and personalized mental health care for marginalized populations (e.g., international students, people of color) who often face barriers to accessing traditional psychotherapy. I am currently a graduate research assistant at the Center for Healthy Minds and Psychotherapy and Contemplative Science Lab, where my work revolves around these specific research interests. In 2023, I also held a graduate research assistant position at the Implementation Science and Engineering Lab. I have led research projects centered around my research interests and published scientific articles in leading peer-reviewed journals, such as npj Digital Medicine, Behaviour Research and Therapy, Mindfulness, Current Psychiatry Reports, and JMIR Mental Health.

As a clinician in training, I receive extensive and rigorous clinical training in my doctoral program. I served as a clinician at the Counseling Psychology Training Clinic from September 2022 to May 2023. I completed my foundational clinical practicum at the University Health Services from September 2023 to May 2024. I am currently undertaking my advanced clinical practicum in health psychology/behavioral medicine at the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine. In my advanced practicum, I support patients navigating physical health challenges (e.g., long COVID), working on lifestyle changes (e.g., improving nutrition and physical activity), managing psychosomatic concerns (e.g., chronic pain and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures), and improving common mental health symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, and suicidality). My clinical approaches are deeply connected with and inspired by my research. In my clinical work, I am interested in using third-wave cognitive-behavioral approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my friends. I am a fan of hiking, traveling, photography, tennis, and movies. I am also passionate about disseminating scientific findings to the general public through op-eds. My article on informal meditation practices, published in Psychology Today, has garnered 48,000 views as of September 6th, 2024, and has been featured as a Meditation Essential Read on the platform. Check it out here!

This website will be updated continuously. Feel free to visit this website at any time to get the latest updates. Please reach out to me if you are interested in hearing more about my work or collaborating.