LCSW, 8 years of experience
Life's pressures can leave you feeling like you're constantly running on a treadmill—anxious, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the person you want to be. If you're a young adult trying to navigate career, relationships, and your own sense of self, it’s easy to feel like you're falling short, even when you're doing your best. My name is Devin, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My own story as a mixed-race, genderqueer femme of Mexican and Laos ancestry isn't just a biography line—it's the lens through which I understand the world. It’s taught me how our identities, families, and communities shape our lives, often in complicated ways. I offer virtual therapy to young adults in California who are ready to explore these layers and find a more grounded, resilient path forward.
My practice is a dedicated space for young adults, and I have a particular passion for working with: -Children of immigrants, people of the global majority, & queer folks who are navigating cultural expectations and their own authentic selves. -Anyone feeling the weight of anxiety, perfectionism, or that persistent "imposter syndrome."
Therapy with me is a collaboration. I won't just sit back and nod silently. We'll talk about what's happening in your life right now, and we'll also gently explore your past to understand the "why" behind your patterns. You might find us connecting feelings in your body to thoughts in your mind, or discussing how systems of culture and power impact your daily stress. Progress isn't about never feeling anxious again. It's about the day you notice the anxiety coming and can say, "I see you, and I've got this." It's about setting a boundary that once felt impossible, or finally feeling a sense of pride and ownership over your unique identity.
Being honest about fit is crucial for supportive healing work. My approach is relational and exploratory, which means it works best when you're ready to be an active participant. I may not be the right fit for you if: -You are seeking a formal assessment for legal or disability purposes. -You are experiencing active, high-risk crises that require more intensive support than weekly therapy can provide. -Your primary goal is to work with a therapist who specializes in modalities I don't frequently use, such as ERP for OCD or DBT for self-harm.
I've integrated somatic experiencing techniques into my practice since 2021 to help community members access the bravery and empowerment they have and need. Most clients find somatic therapy is helpful to process stuck emotions, expand knowledge of their emotional and physical worlds, and integrate more authentic and generative somatic practices into their lives.
Mindfulness is a meditation skill as well as therapy approach that encourages non-judgmental awareness of one's emotions, thoughts, and bodily experiences. This approach can often support clients in cultivating acceptance and flexibility in the face of ever-changing life experiences and transitions.
I utilize this goal-oriented approach to support clients in cultivating motivation to change, improve self-confidence, and develop resolve in facing various life's conflicts.
I utilize a trauma informed lens with all clients due to the mindfulness I hold that we all may have experienced various levels of trauma at any time in our lives. Trauma may affect us at a familial, relational, systemic, or other level and practicing awareness allows us to process, integrate, and overcome these experiences that often hold us back from our healing.