Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution-focused, Strengths-based
I'm trained through the lens of a Licensed Professional Counselor and Couple and Family Therapist and have been fully licensed since 2011. This means that I have an orientation to hold both the individual and a system of individuals in mind (such as a couple).
Relationships with ourselves and with others are the hallmark of what clients tend to focus on who work with me. This is in addition to healing from past relational traumas. Populations I've worked with include the first responder and military populations, LGBTQ+, BIPOC communities, couples, families or individuals in transition (i.e. parenthood, career or relocation), artists, academicians in higher education, and emerging adults. I enjoy working with those who feel inner conflict and can't seem to find their identity nor walk in it. This individual might ask how they "got here," and they might feel quite dislocated from the self. It's a place of loneliness sometimes and great pain. He or she might feel self-shame or disappointment.
Our innate goodness, wisdom, and capacity for reaching our selves-at-best are not as far away as we think. Rather, it may take some unburdening, unpacking, and new experiences to touch what we may have forgotten.
My approach to therapy has changed over time and continues to evolve as I learn newer modalities of treatment that include neurobiology, trauma-informed practices, and social justice perspectives.
My therapeutic style is caring, curious, and nonjudgmental. You'll probably notice that I ask you to notice what's happening in your body at certain points in a session. I seek to touch not only what is on the surface, but what may also be trying to emerge in the moment so that we may access core states of our selves. This allows you to learn how to experience yourself more in the moment, and in accessing your internal guide. Additionally, when the timing is right, I also create a space for us to consider other external factors that may weigh us down (such as in our social circles and wider societal structures). I also like to incorporate what I've learned to make psychology data available to the public. This can include psychoeducational on relevant topics that come up in therapy which may allow you to gain more perspective, normalize your experience, and give more understanding to your own life situation.
My commitment to my clients is that I believe lifelong learning in this field is paramount to the success of your work. Please know that I am active in my learning regarding how I can be a better therapist and hold myself accountable. This includes my own personal, physical, spiritual, and professional growth. What I love about my work is that there's a dual impact on both myself and clients' lives as we are both forever changed by our exchanges. I find our work together to be sacred.
BA - Business Administration, Human Resources Management, Loyola Marymount University
MA - Counseling Psychology, University of Mary Hardin-Baylor
she/her
Because I believe that we all need ways to continue growing and healing from our life experiences. I think we are innately good, sacred, and unique - yet we may not have the capacity to live from this space. Since we are beautiful with all of our bare imperfections, then this world can continue to benefit if we have a place that can harness our goodness within. I love having deep conversations with my clients and this brings me meaning as well.
I love the sun, outdoors, nature and enjoying spaces that have good vibes. I love to run and have recently incorporated more strength training for endurance and the prevention of injuries.
I always incorporate a little bit of outdoor time when I can. I struggle myself in trying to make time for this so it's a constant battle to fight for this in my life. In periods when I forget to do this, I notice my own well-being and thinking patterns will shift towards a more negative space. While this is okay too, I think I notice feeling off-balanced. Once I re-engage again, I feel how good this is for my body and my psyche.
The Little Prince - He sees the world differently, from an innocent and curious space. I love the way this book captures this approach to life. I also respect that the book captures the loneliness and finding meaning in things. We all struggle with this and to create this from the stance of a child and it be available for adults and children, I think that's a true skill. It's relatable and a charming read.
That's a good question. I think I'm drawn to Asian American organizations at this point in my life. There are ways that I'm trying to become more politically aware and also culturally engaged. I'm also interested in work that involves cross cultures, inter-racial and solidarity work.
Nature and the outdoors.
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