About me

✿ My Background:

Growing up as an Asian American in a rural town, there was a heavy stigma surrounding mental health, and resources for support were few and far between. I often struggled to navigate the conflicting thoughts and emotions about my sense of self, my upbringing, and the world I was being raised in. It wasn’t easy to make sense of it all, and seeking help didn’t seem like a viable option.

A turning point for me came when I lived abroad for a year. Whether it was due to a lack of resources, limited community support, or the oppressive systems in place, I became acutely aware of the hardships many people face—hardships that felt familiar to my own struggles. That experience radically shifted my perspective, deepening my understanding of the importance of connection and support in navigating life's challenges.

I’ve always believed in the power of spaces where individuals can truly feel heard and seen—where their struggles and celebrations are validated. But I also noticed how rare it is to find that balance, leaving many, including myself, feeling untethered. This realization led me to reach out and heal old wounds I had long tried to mend on my own. Through vulnerability and collective healing, I learned that it truly "takes a village." The village I created for myself became a powerful source of transformation, and for the first time, I felt proud of the safe, nurturing “sunroom” I had built—a place where I could fully be myself.

This journey ultimately inspired me to pursue therapy. I wanted to find a way to uphold my values of advocacy, collaboration, and support, and becoming a therapist felt like the perfect path to do just that. It brings me immense meaning to help others create their own "sunroom"—a space where they can feel safe, understood, and empowered in their journey toward healing and growth.

✿ My Experiences:

I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating challenges like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, cultural assimilation, cultural trauma, life transitions, disordered eating, and body image. I’m especially passionate about supporting individuals from immigrant families and first-generation individuals as they explore their identities in relation to their values, cultural background, and ethnicity. My goal is to create a space where you can gain clarity, build resilience, and develop a stronger connection to who you are.

✿ Therapeutic Philosophy 

I approach therapy from a humanistic perspective, blending my formal training with my personal experiences of struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and cultural identity. These experiences shape the way I connect with and support clients. I also believe it’s essential to continually explore the complexities of intersectionality to better understand the diverse experiences of each individual I work with.

In therapy, I strive to create a "sunroom"—a warm, nurturing space where creativity, curiosity, and collaboration can thrive. Clients can expect to be met with openness, empathy, and a genuine curiosity about their experiences. Sessions are structured to feel conversational and collaborative, balancing moments of lightness, emotional depth, insight, and humor—whatever fits the moment. My goal is to help you feel seen, understood, and empowered as we work together to uncover your path forward.

✿ Certificates

EMDR- Trained