(she/her)
New to Grow
I believe that everyone deserves a safe space to reflect, explore, and gain support around their needs and concerns without fear of judgment. Within this space I aim to help you develop the insights, skills, confidence, and courage you need for personal growth and to enact the changes that you desire. I bring an awareness of intersectionality to the therapy space, and acknowledge how experiences of "otherness" can impact our mental health and development. Everyone is welcome in therapy with me, and as a queer woman of color, I aim to provide an especially affirming space for AAPI, QTBIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ clients.
The first one to two therapy sessions include assessment and a kind of trial period for us to figure out if we're a good fit for one another. I ask open-ended questions to get to know and understand you and also get a sense of what approaches you might best respond to. Usually by the third session I've gathered enough information to determine if my knowledge and skills are a good fit to meet your needs as a client, and you'll know whether I'm feeling like the right therapist for you.
My style is exploratory and conversational. Previous clients have noted that I have a gentle approach and I ask questions that help them explore throughout the session at a pace that feels right for them. As I get to know you better I can tailor our sessions to focus on the areas that are most important to you. The mindfulness-based approaches I use help both with relieving immediate symptoms, and with shifting unhelpful patterns to develop new ways of interacting in the present.
I specialize in helping people who struggle with anxiety, trauma, life transitions, and personal growth and identity issues. My approach is most effective when we can collaborate to carefully unpack concerns and problems you identify, and be curious together about how your mind and body react to changes, stressors, or triggers. This process can help to slow down and shift automatic reactions, and diffuse the intensity of thoughts and emotions. We can also deepen your insight into internal struggles and address what's at the heart of any internal barriers to change.
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Trauma and PTSD
Coping Skills
Depression
Insomnia/Sleep Issues
Asian / Asian American
Woman
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
California
Cash - $200 per session
Somatic
I have advanced training in somatic therapy for trauma resolution. I incorporate somatic work with other trauma-informed approaches into therapy for treatment of acute stress and post traumatic stress disorders. I also invite body awareness into sessions focusing on other issues including generalized anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationships, grief and loss, historical and generational trauma.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy is blended throughout my work and is a helpful complement to somatic therapy. CBT helps us notice patterns between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Add present-moment body sensation awareness and we're able to address your therapy needs in a holistic way.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
I weave Internal Family Systems or "parts work" into most sessions. It includes elements of mindfulness, body awareness, and emotional processing that can help with resolving inner conflict, making tough decisions, and deepening your understanding of yourself and your needs.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is another mindfulness-based approach that incorporates cognitive elements but in a different way from CBT. Sometimes we can't change or reframe our thoughts in helpful ways. ACT is very effective in helping us to shift our relationship to our thoughts and feelings, and begin to accept them as they are. We can then focus energy on taking action in ways that improve our lives and prioritize what is truly important to us.