Licensed to practice in California and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in Depression, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
(he/him)
New to Grow
Hi, I'm Vong! I've always been someone who genuinely enjoys connecting with people. I find it meaningful to listen, understand what someone is going through, and help them recognize the strengths they already have. That passion naturally led me to become a therapist, and I feel grateful to walk alongside my clients as they navigate life's challenges and create the changes they're hoping for. Wither you are starting therapy for the first time or returning, it is my goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable, heard, and accepted. I believe that trust and a strong therapeutic relationship are the foundation for meaningful growth, and I strive to build that with every client. We'll work together at a pace that feels right for you while focusing on what matters most in your life. When I'm not in the office, you'll probably find me cooking, exploring hiking trails, or checking out local car shows and enjoying time with family and friends. I look forward to meeting you and supporting you on your journey.
Your first session is an opportunity for us to get to know each other and begin building a strong therapeutic relationship. Whether this is your first experience with therapy or you're returning after some time away, my goal is to help you feel comfortable, welcomed, and supported from the moment we meet. During our first session, we'll spend time talking about what brought you to therapy, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you hope to gain from our work together. I'll ask questions about your personal history, relationships, strengths, and any experiences that may be important in understanding your unique story. This helps me develop a clearer picture of who you are—not just the concerns that brought you to therapy, but also the qualities and resources you already possess. There is no expectation that you share everything during our first meeting. Therapy is a process, and trust takes time to build. We will move at a pace that feels comfortable for you, and you are always welcome to let me know if you need to slow down, ask questions, or revisit a topic later. My role is not to judge or pressure you, but to provide a safe, supportive, and respectful environment where you can speak openly and honestly. I view therapy as a collaborative partnership. While I bring my clinical knowledge and experience, you are the expert on your own life. Together, we'll identify your goals, explore what's getting in the way, and develop strategies that align with your values, strengths, and hopes for the future. Throughout our work together, I'll encourage open communication so we can make sure our sessions continue to meet your needs. By the end of our first session, you'll have a better understanding of how I work, and we'll discuss possible next steps, including goals for therapy and a plan that feels meaningful to you. My hope is that you'll leave feeling heard, understood, and reassured that you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. I'm honored to be part of your journey and look forward to supporting you every step of the way.
One of the greatest strengths I bring to therapy is my ability to build genuine, meaningful connections with people. I believe that feeling seen, heard, and understood is the foundation of meaningful change. My goal is to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where you can be yourself and feel comfortable sharing your thoughts, emotions, and experiences at your own pace. I approach therapy with curiosity, empathy, and respect. Rather than assuming I have all the answers, I see our work as a collaborative partnership. You are the expert on your own life, and my role is to provide guidance, support, and evidence-based tools while helping you discover the strengths and resilience you already possess. Together, we'll explore challenges, identify patterns, and develop practical strategies that align with your values and goals. I also recognize that every person's journey is unique. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy, which is why I strive to tailor each session to your individual needs. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, trauma, or simply feeling stuck, I'll meet you where you are and work alongside you with compassion and understanding. Clients often appreciate that I bring patience, authenticity, and a calm presence to our sessions. I understand that opening up can feel vulnerable, and I never want therapy to feel rushed or pressured. Instead, I focus on creating an environment where trust can develop naturally and where you feel empowered to move toward growth at a pace that feels right for you. Above all, I believe that everyone has the capacity for growth and healing. My commitment is to support you with honesty, encouragement, and compassion while celebrating your progress along the way. It is a privilege to be invited into your story, and I strive to ensure each session leaves you feeling supported, respected, and hopeful about the path ahead.
My ideal clients are individuals who are ready to better understand themselves and are open to exploring meaningful change, even if they're unsure where to begin. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship challenges, grief, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the demands of everyday life. Some may be seeking therapy for the first time, while others are returning after previous experiences. I enjoy working with clients who value collaboration and are willing to engage in the therapeutic process at a pace that feels right for them. You don't need to have everything figured out or know exactly what you want to say. Curiosity, honesty, and a willingness to show up are more important than having all the answers. Whether your goal is to improve your emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, develop healthier coping strategies, or gain a deeper understanding of yourself, I'm committed to meeting you where you are. Together, we'll create a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you can build resilience, discover your strengths, and move toward the life you envision for yourself.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an approach that focuses on helping clients develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to be present with difficult thoughts and emotions while still moving toward what matters most in their lives. In my practice, I use ACT to help clients explore their values, understand the thoughts and feelings that may be holding them back, and develop healthier ways of responding to life's challenges. Rather than focusing on eliminating uncomfortable emotions, ACT helps us learn how to make space for those experiences while choosing actions that align with your goals and the person you want to become. Through ACT, we may work on building mindfulness, increasing self-awareness, challenging unhelpful patterns, and developing skills to navigate stress, anxiety, life transitions, and emotional difficulties. I believe that difficult thoughts and feelings are a natural part of being human, and therapy can help you develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself while creating meaningful change. My role is to support you in identifying what truly matters to you and help you take steps toward a more fulfilling and values-driven life. Together, we’ll focus not only on managing challenges but also on building resilience, confidence, and a greater sense of purpose.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an approach that focuses on the connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. In my practice, I use CBT to help clients better understand how their thoughts and interpretations of experiences can influence how they feel and respond to situations. Together, we will explore patterns of thinking that may be contributing to stress, anxiety, low mood, self-doubt, or feeling stuck. The goal is not to judge or eliminate your thoughts, but to develop greater awareness and learn how to respond to challenges in ways that are more helpful and aligned with your goals. Through CBT, we may work on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns, developing healthier perspectives, building coping strategies, and practicing new skills that can support you outside of therapy. I believe that awareness is the first step toward change, and CBT provides practical tools to help you better navigate difficult emotions and situations. My approach to CBT is collaborative and tailored to each individual. We will work together to identify what is most meaningful for you and develop strategies that fit your needs, strengths, and personal experiences. My hope is that through this process, you can build greater confidence, resilience, and a stronger sense of control in your life.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an approach that focuses on helping clients build skills to better understand and manage emotions, navigate relationships, and respond to life’s challenges in healthier ways. DBT is based on the idea that we can accept ourselves as we are while also working toward meaningful growth and change. In my practice, I use DBT-informed strategies to help clients develop greater emotional awareness, improve coping skills, and build confidence in handling difficult moments. Together, we may explore ways to manage intense emotions, reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, strengthen communication, and create healthier patterns in relationships. Some of the core areas we may focus on include mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. These skills can help you become more present, better understand your emotional experiences, and respond to situations with greater intention rather than feeling controlled by strong emotions. I approach DBT from a collaborative and compassionate perspective. My goal is to provide a supportive space where you can learn practical tools while also feeling accepted and understood. Together, we will identify the skills that are most helpful for your unique needs and work toward building a life that feels more balanced, meaningful, and aligned with your goals.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a collaborative, person-centered approach that helps clients explore their own reasons for change and build confidence in taking meaningful steps forward. I use this approach to support clients in identifying what matters most to them while recognizing that change is a personal process that happens at an individual pace. In my practice, Motivational Interviewing helps create a space where you can openly explore your thoughts, feelings, and goals without feeling pressured or judged. Together, we may look at areas of your life where you feel uncertain, stuck, or conflicted, while exploring your values, strengths, and the motivation you already have within you. Rather than telling you what changes you should make, I believe in working alongside you to discover what feels meaningful and realistic. Through reflective listening, thoughtful questions, and collaborative conversations, we can help clarify your goals and identify steps that align with the life you want to create. I often incorporate Motivational Interviewing when clients are facing transitions, developing new habits, managing stress, improving relationships, or working through barriers that make change feel difficult. My goal is to help you feel empowered, supported, and confident in your ability to make choices that reflect your values and personal growth.
The Humanistic approach is based on the belief that every person has the capacity for growth, healing, and creating meaningful change when provided with a supportive and accepting environment. In my practice, I use a Humanistic approach by focusing on understanding you as a whole person—your experiences, values, strengths, emotions, and the unique story that has shaped who you are. I believe that a strong therapeutic relationship built on trust, empathy, and genuine connection is essential to meaningful progress. My role is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable being your authentic self and exploring your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Through this approach, we will work together to increase self-awareness, develop greater self-compassion, and recognize the strengths and resources you already have within you. Rather than viewing challenges as weaknesses, we can explore them as opportunities for understanding, growth, and transformation. I see therapy as a collaborative journey where you are the expert on your own life. My goal is to walk alongside you with curiosity, acceptance, and support while helping you gain clarity, build confidence, and move toward a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with who you are.