As a licensed clinical social worker, I bring a deep commitment to holistic healing rooted in both modern therapeutic techniques and the cultural practices of Oceania. Drawing from my Pacific Islander heritage, I integrate the art of wayfinding—a tradition of navigating life’s journeys with purpose and intuition—into my practice. This unique approach blends Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a strong emphasis on community care, helping clients navigate personal growth and healing within the context of collective support. With over 15 years of providing culturally responsive mental health services in a variety of clinical settings, I specialize in working with individuals from historically excluded and marginalized communities, including Black and Pacific Islander populations. I am passionate about creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their challenges, strengths, and aspirations with empathy and cultural understanding. My journey through life—as a father, spouse, son, cousin, uncle, friend, neighbor, co-worker, and future ancestor—has gifted me with a rich tapestry of experiences both within and beyond the clinical setting. These roles have deepened my understanding of the human experience, allowing me to create a welcoming space where clients feel seen, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to every session.
We’ll focus on understanding your unique journey and what brought you here. This is a time for us to build trust and explore your goals, strengths, and challenges in a safe, compassionate space. Together, we’ll begin charting a personalized path forward, inspired by the art of wayfinding and grounded in the collective wisdom of community care.
As a mental health provider, my strengths lie in the following: Cultural humility and sensitivity - my background brings a unique, culturally grounded approach to therapy, helping clients feel seen and understood in their cultural contexts; Empathy and compassion - my commitment to fostering collective care and understanding ensures that clients feel safe, supported, and valued throughout their healing journey; Expertise in guiding personal growth and development - my ability to blend evidence-based practices like CBT with holistic, community-oriented care allows me to help clients navigate life's challenges while discovering their inner strength and resilience.
I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with the Pacific Islander tradition of wayfinding, which emphasizes navigating life’s challenges with purpose and clarity. CBT helps individuals understand and reshape thought patterns that influence emotions and behaviors, while wayfinding provides a cultural framework for navigating personal growth, drawing on inner strengths and external resources. I encourage you to bring in your own ancestral/cultural traditions to focus and guide our work.