Are you an Asian American struggling with thoughts of not being good enough, feeling like you aren’t where you 'should be,' having difficulty recognizing your accomplishments, or feeling unseen and unheard? You’re not alone. The AAPI community is facing higher rates of anxiety, depression, stress, and burnout than ever before. Cultural pressures often make it harder to seek support and navigate mental health. It can feel especially tough when it seems like the deck is stacked against you. But despite it all, you aren’t broken or weak. You are strong and valued for feeling what you’re feeling and for taking the step toward change.
What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?
First and foremost you can expect a safe, welcoming, empathetic and nonjudgmental environment where you are able to be yourself. In this space we can explore specific challenges you may be facing, and what goals you may have while in therapy, and anything in-between. Together we will collaborate on how best to approach therapy and create a rough plan/outline on how best to utilize our time together. If we're going on a road trip think of our first session as us mapping out our route, and our future sessions as us going on this journey together!
Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.
If you’re looking for a culturally sensitive, nonjudgmental, and chill therapist who cracks the occasional joke during sessions, then I'm you're guy. I help clients build insight, dig deeper, and foster a belief in their abilities. Though I am the professional, there are no power dynamics here—I see you as an equal. I've been told my sessions feel like having a conversation with a friend. We’ll laugh, process emotions, and maybe even cry. Whatever comes our way, though, I’ve got you.
Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.
I work with members of the AAPI community who are exploring their identity, navigating trauma, and working through anxiety, depression, and burnout. I also support those seeking to understand how their Asian upbringing and lived experiences have shaped who they are. I provide a safe, affirming, and supportive space where we can explore, learn, and work through life’s challenges together.
About Randy Mekdara
Identifies as
Specializes in
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Appointments
VirtualMy treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Our mind is a unique thing. At times it helps us achieve goals once thought unobtainable and at others it has us questioning our own thoughts and actions (did I turn off the oven, am I good enough, do they like me?). I've utilized CBT with dozens of clients to aid them in challenging and reframing those not so helpful thoughts to assist them in reducing anxiety, depression, and stress. After all we spend the most times with ourselves so wouldn't it be great if our inner dialogue was a little nicer?
Person-centered (Rogerian)
No one knows your story more than you. It is unique to you, and as your therapist I am honored to be invited to its telling. The work we do will be catered to your specific story and needs. My role is not to direct, but to facilitate and support your journey to self-discovery and healing.
Multicultural
In my work I emphasize the importance of culture and its impact on shaping your lived experiences. We all experience emotions, but how do those emotions look when framed through the lenses of our culture? Have certain stereotypes (Model Minority, Machismo, etc.) impacted your ability to feel and express specific emotions? Lets find out together.