Hello! My name is May, and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in California. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UCLA and my Master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach. I work with individuals navigating concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, identity exploration, grief and loss, trauma, stress, and life transitions. Through our work together, clients often share that they gain greater self-awareness, develop stronger coping skills, and feel more confident in managing their emotions. Therapy can support meaningful shifts in perspective, build resilience, and empower you to move through life’s challenges with greater clarity, balance, and self-compassion.
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
In our first session, we’ll take time to get to know each other and make sure you feel comfortable. There’s no pressure to have everything figured out. You’ll have space to share what’s been weighing on you and what you’re hoping to get out of therapy. I’ll help guide the conversation and ask questions to better understand your experiences. Together, we’ll begin to identify your goals and create a plan that feels supportive and realistic for you. This plan will act as a flexible guide for our work together as we focus on building insight, developing helpful tools, and working toward positive changes that align with what matters most to you.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I believe that meaningful change begins with a genuine therapeutic relationship, and building that connection is something I deeply prioritize in my work. My style is warm, interactive, and direct, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, and never judged. I take a collaborative approach to therapy, focusing on each client’s strengths and helping them develop greater awareness of their unique experiences and patterns. Together, we work toward creating new, value-aligned behaviors that feel authentic and sustainable, with the goal of fostering meaningful and lasting change.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I enjoy working with motivated young adults and adults who are ready to make positive changes in their lives, even if they’re not quite sure where to begin. I believe therapy is a space to slow down, gain clarity, and reconnect with yourself. My approach focuses on exploring the connections between physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being to support overall mental health and personal growth. I especially enjoy working with individuals from mixed cultural backgrounds or those who are first-generation, and I deeply value the insight, resilience, and lived experiences they bring into the therapeutic space. I may not be the best fit for clients requiring a higher level of care, individuals with severe mental illness, or those diagnosed with personality disorders. Specialized expertise and a more intensive therapeutic environment might be more suitable for their needs. It's essential for these clients to seek professionals with specific training and resources to address their unique challenges and provide the comprehensive support required for their well-being.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I've utilized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals increase psychological flexibility by accepting thoughts and feelings while committing to values-based actions. Through experiential exercises, I've guided clients to identify values, defuse from unhelpful thoughts, and take committed steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
In my practice of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I've worked collaboratively with clients to identify and challenge negative thought patterns, helping them gain insight into how thoughts influence emotions and behaviors. Utilizing evidence-based strategies, I've assisted individuals in developing coping skills, setting realistic goals, and fostering positive behavioral changes to improve overall mental well-being.
Motivational Interviewing
A big part of my therapeutic work is helping clients take steps towards the life they want to create for themselves. I've utilized Motivational Interviewing (MI) techniques to facilitate open and non-judgmental conversations, exploring and strengthening clients intrinsic motivation for positive change. By employing reflective listening and asking open-ended questions, I've helped clients clarify their goals, address ambivalence, and move towards sustainable behavior change in areas such as health, relationships, or personal development.