(he/him)
New to Grow
Are you a young person trying to hold it together while juggling school, work, family stuff, on top of new adulting responsibilities and the world being set on fire? I am a queer 2nd-gen Asian therapist offering space to discuss systems issues like politics, racism, homophobia, and how they impact our mental health. I work from a psychodynamic and relational approach, meaning we collect the pieces of your life story you've taken from past relationships and experiences and examine them, looking for new ways to write your own story. I also integrate skills and strategies to help you manage boundaries and tolerate uncertainty.
I offer a safe, personable, and humorous space to unburden yourself through therapy that past clients have described as gentle purposeful conversation. I also aim to provide a gender- and ND-affirming space, specializing in therapy for LGBTQ teens and young adults with depression. I also work with parent coaching, intergenerational trauma, and BPD. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. Fit is one of the most important factors in what makes therapy effective. I will ask questions to understand your story and goals for therapy, and I welcome curiosity from you about why I ask certain questions or about my approach and experience. I follow your lead with what feels most important to you and am always open to feedback. Typical sessions are about 55 minutes long, but EAP sessions are about 45 minutes long.
Therapy is ultimately a conversation between two people, so I strive to have our sessions feel like any other human-to-human interaction. Many of my clients have shared that sessions with me feel like a gentle conversation with direction, and appreciate my sense of humor. Being able to understand the past experiences we carry allows us to shed them and create our own meaning and new experiences.
Many of my clients are folks who have tried therapy before and find the coping skills/worksheet-approach hasn't worked for them. I work particularly well with folks trying therapy for the first time, LGBTQ teens and young adults with depression, and parents. I also have experience working with folks who experience suicidal ideation, difficulties connecting with others, and folks with BPD. My approach is more exploratory and conversational rather than directive.
Other specialties
I identify as
Attachment-based
I believe early relationships with caregivers and family members are formative in how we relate to others as we grow older. I use this approach to help us understand the lessons you've learned in past experiences and how they interfere with present relationships.
Psychodynamic
Our brain is wired to notice patterns and create associations, sometimes without our full awareness. This approach allows us to be curious and explore roadblocks you may not be consciously aware of.
Relational
A fundamental piece of therapy and humanity, in my opinion, is connection. I believe there is value in understanding how one relates to others, including how one might relate to a therapist, and how that can positively and negatively impact our mental health.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I utilize this method to help folks find actionable steps to improve their day-to-day. This can include building in more positive moments in your life as well as communication strategies, ways to get through difficult times, etc.