New to Grow
I’m Crystal, a Chinese American therapist who’s passionate about increasing representation and visibility for Asian and POC communities in mental health. I believe therapy works best when it’s built on real connection, collaboration, and cultural understanding. If you come from an immigrant background where mental health can feel stigmatized, I aim to offer a safe, welcoming space where you can explore your identities and show up as your full, authentic self.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll explore your background, cultural experiences, and goals for therapy, while also making space for any questions or hesitations you may have. I take a collaborative approach and will work with you to create a treatment plan that feels thoughtful, culturally responsive, and aligned with what you hope to gain from therapy.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I began working in mental health in 2021 after nearly a decade in startups and corporate roles, and that career shift helps me relate to clients navigating stress, burnout, and life transitions. I was especially drawn to this work after seeing friends and members of my Asian community struggle to find therapists who looked like them or understood their experiences, particularly during a time of increased anti-Asian hate. This background allows me to relate to clients navigating identity, stress, and life transitions with nuance, cultural sensitivity, and compassion.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with individuals from Asian and other POC communities who are navigating identity, family expectations, racial or intergenerational trauma, relationships, anxiety, or self-esteem concerns. You may feel torn between cultures, carry pressure to prove your worth, or struggle with perfectionism and expressing your emotions. Seeking support outside the family might feel uncomfortable or unfamiliar, and past experiences of not belonging may still linger. I offer a warm, supportive space to help you better understand yourself, feel more grounded, and build healthier, more authentic connections.
EMDR
I use EMDR to help clients process and heal from past traumatic or distressing experiences by reducing the emotional intensity of memories and strengthening more adaptive beliefs.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I use CBT to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, build practical coping skills, and create meaningful changes in how they respond to stress and challenges.
Gottman method
I use the Gottman Method with couples to strengthen communication, deepen emotional connection, and support healthier conflict management based on decades of relationship research.
Psychodynamic
I use a psychodynamic approach to explore how past experiences, relational patterns, and unconscious processes influence present-day emotions, behaviors, and relationships.
Racial trauma treatment
I help clients process experiences of racism and identity-based stress, validate their emotional responses, and reconnect with empowerment, self-trust, and safety.