Licensed to practice in California and accepts 14 insurances. Specializes in Child or Adolescent, LGBTQ, Peer Relationships and 8 more.
(he/him)
You've tried therapy before but found that coping skills and worksheets aren't cutting it. I am a queer 2nd-gen Asian therapist taking a deeper approach. Together, 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 welcome discussion of issues like racism, homophobia, sexism, and how they affect us. My clients are able to make sense of their patterns and discover their own solutions through a space we craft with humor, compassion, and the occasional meme. Most of my experience has been with children and teens at Kaiser Permanente over the last 6 years, including the combination of depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, and conflictual family dynamics. I have also worked in research settings with folks experiencing psychosis and college-aged students. At present, I am providing crisis evaluations at a local non-profit in SF in addition to this practice.
I work from a psychodynamic and attachment-based approach while integrating DBT and CBT when folks need more of a push. 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, 2nd-gen immigrants, and BPD. The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other. I'll take the time to hear your story and learn about your needs and hopes. Our sessions follow your lead with what feels most important to you. I also invite feedback at any time to tailor our sessions to you. On a practical note, typical sessions are about 55 minutes long. I allow about 10 minutes if you are running late, but anything more than that or cancellations within 48 hours of the appointment are charged a $200 no-show rate.
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. My clients share coming away from sessions feeling heard, feeling like the complexity of their experiences is held and understood, and bringing a sense of non-judgement towards themselves.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This method helps us examine your current social supports and what areas we can strengthen. There are also concrete skills to better understand how to communicate your needs and get the support you deserve.