My Approach, Values, and Viewpoints

Our relationship is crucial to the work we do together. I work hard and am dedicated to creating a space with you where you can feel comfortable in being yourself, and engaging in the therapy process. I think the best kind of therapy is the kind where it flows and feels as if you are grabbing a coffee with a friend. Get to know me by reading a little bit about me here.

I am collaborative, and lean towards being egalitarian in how I view therapy - I seek to make it as equal as possible between us in the therapy room. I shift between leading and following depending on who I am with, and what we are working through that day. I move with you as we flow together and find a rhythm for us that works. It could look different from meeting to meeting. I work with what you bring to the session, and sometimes will call back to previous themes or topics.

Essentially, I may be a therapist but you are the expert of your life with inner wisdom within yourself. My role is to be there with you and gently guide you, if needed, as you access it, remember it, and amplify it. I am a gentle challenger.You are whole, existing fully in the different contexts (society, cultures, identities, relationships, etc.) that you live in. I focus on growth and strengths, versus seeing you as your problems, or your diagnoses, if you have any.

Focal points of the work that you would be engaging in include going inward - examining your experiences, emotions, insight, curiosity, and self understanding, rather than trying to directly and outrightly “fix”behavior (for individual therapy). I believe change and growth comes from experiencing yourself, and/or your partner differently, rewriting the stories you have of your life and about yourself that no longer fit, an increased understanding of your self, your inner world, and your emotions. My belief in therapy aligns with the idea that he more you understand yourself, you are empowered to make different decisions that bring needed emotional corrective experiences that propel you forward.

My approach is attachment based and rooted in humanistic experiential therapy. I also integrate narrative, emotionally focused therapy (EFT), and internal family systems (IFS) into my work.

Who I Work With

Everyone is welcome to inquire to see if we’d be a good fit. I am also committed towards working with people whose identities intersect Asian, Pacific Islander, Latin American, and neurodivergent experiences.

I tend to work with people who want want to understand themselves better, be more vulnerable, be empowered to make decisions that align with their values, let go and heal from harmful patterns, and improve their relationships. They are forging their own paths and are eager to explore new ways to navigate life.

Approach to Couples Therapy

My approach to Couples Therapy is that we are working to change the current dynamic that you have. There may be some teaching (“I” statements, active listening, and validation, for example) involved. My focus is on us reflecting on and understanding your current patterns, and changing them. I emphasize shifting the way you experience your relationship and your partner and help create the space to do so. This could look like creating new emotional experiences together in and out of the session, such as responding to your partner differently or choosing to be more vulnerable by sharing what you want or need. There is trust in the process to be willing to try something new and different.

Areas of Practice

  • Increase your emotional availability and vulnerability

  • Navigate difficult and/or complex relationships

  • Practice and embrace self compassion, love, and acceptance

  • Engage in identity work

  • Work through attachment issues/concerns

  • Navigate through life transitions

  • Find ways to to manage stress, and practice self care

    This list is not exhaustive. I would love to hear from you, and invite you to contact me for an introductory call to see if we align in your vision for therapy.

My main areas of focus include: relationships, self growth, attachment, and childhood wounds. Here are some of the things that we could work together on in therapy:

  • Understand, shift, deepen, and strengthen personal relationships (familial, friendships, work, romantic)

  • Unpack and work through childhood experiences

  • Foster emotional intimacy and connection with your partner

  • Engage in self exploration. Explore, develop, strengthen your relationship & connection to yourself

  • Increase your self understanding

  • Create and strengthen boundaries to preserve relationships and care for yourself