Counseling Services

I specialize in working with people of color, LGBTQ+ wellness, and relationship issues including family, friends, and peers. 

There are many details and sensitivities that can be overlooked by society at large - including intergenerational pressures, systemic and institutional oppression, conflicting gender roles and expectations, and intersectional identities and tensions. Understanding these nuances, I strive to be open, respectful, and empathic with all peoples regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, class, gender identities, ability, religion, sexual orientations, and relationship beliefs.

Other areas of expertise and interests include, but are not limited to:

  • Clinically significant depression is marked by persistent sadness, a depressed mood, diminished interest in previously enjoyable activities, and other symptoms that interfere with the ability to function in daily life.

  • Most people worry at times about their health, job, money, or family, but people with Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) experience anxiety about these things and more, in a way that is persistent, excessive, and intrusive.

    Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental health issue that involves a dread of social situations including performing or speaking in front of others for fear of being negatively judged. People with SAD are extremely self-conscious and worry about what people think to the point that they often experience physical symptoms. These may include a rapid heart rate, sweating, blushing, nausea, shaking, and lightheadedness.

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition in which people experience a variety of symptoms following exposure to a traumatic event. These may include flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, avoidance, and changes in mood and thinking.

    Complex post traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) is the long-term consequences of prolonged, repeated, early life interpersonal trauma. Symptoms include difficulties with affect and impulse regulation, amnesia or dissociation, a sense of being permanently damaged, inability to trust, re-victimization, somatization, or deep despair.

  • Racial trauma, which is also known as race-based traumatic stress, is the set of consequences that occur when a person of color deals with racism and discrimination. It encapsulates the varied psychological, mental, and emotional harm that is caused by witnessing racism and discrimination and by experiencing it firsthand.

    When people are subjected to racism, discrimination, microaggressions, or other forms of mistreatment or violence because of their racial background, it can lead to trauma.

    Racial trauma may be individual to one person, or an entire community may experience it simultaneously.

  • Intergenerational trauma refers to trauma that is passed from a trauma survivor to their descendants. It can also be referred to as transgenerational or multigenerational trauma.

    People experiencing intergenerational trauma may experience symptoms, reactions, patterns, and emotional and psychological effects from trauma experienced by previous generations (not limited to just parents or grandparents).n

  • Religious trauma syndrome (RTS) is classified as a set of symptoms, ranging in severity, experienced by those who have participated in or left behind authoritarian, dogmatic, and controlling religious groups and belief systems.

    It is not present in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual or the ICD-10 as a diagnosable condition, but is included in “Other Conditions that May Be a Focus of Clinical Attention.”

    Cognitive, affective, functional, and social/cultural issues as well as developmental delays can be symptoms as a result of RTS.

  • Womanhood can be a source of strength and fulfillment, yet women face distinct challenges due to systemic sexism and societal pressures. These varying and diverse experiences can create a significant mental burden, and research demonstrates a higher prevalence of certain mental health conditions among women.

  • Human beings are social by nature. The connections we build with others are critical to social, emotional, and physical health. However, conflict and disappointment are inevitable in any relationship.

    Knowing how to repair and maintain interpersonal relationships can help you build a support system that provides strength as you cope with life’s challenges.

  • Change is an inevitable part of life, but knowing that doesn’t mean dealing with change is easy. It can seem overwhelming or frightening if you don't know what will happen or what to expect. Finding ways to accept and cope can make these transitions smoother and less troubling.

  • Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself (inside and out), encompassing what you think about and value in yourself and how you relate to others. It's also related to how you feel others view, treat, and value you. This is why those in abusive situations or who have experienced trauma (particularly as children) are more likely to suffer from low self-esteem, concurrently and in the future, as a result.

  • Career and existential satisfaction is closely linked to autonomy and creating meaning over one's work and/or life.

    Some people “live to work” while many “work to live.” However, given the pressures related to late stage capitalism, we all need help finding a sense of purpose and empowerment.

  • The way that people cope with loss and death depends on numerous factors, including their personality, their relationship to the person that they lost, their cultural or religious beliefs, their mental health history, and their support system.

  • Anger only becomes a problem when it’s excessively displayed and begins to affect your daily functioning and the way you relate with people. Anger can range in intensity, from a slight annoyance to rage. It can sometimes be excessive or irrational. In these cases, it can be hard to keep the emotion in check and could cause you to behave in ways you wouldn’t otherwise behave. 

  • Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is an enduring pattern of inner experience and behavior characterized by self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and an exaggerated sense of self-importance.

    Five common signs of narcissism include an inflated sense of self, a constant need for attention, self-centeredness, lack of empathy, and preoccupation with power and success.

  • Substance use disorder (SUD) affects a person's brain and behavior, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD.

    Often times, SUD is a response to pain whether it is physical and/or emotional. Exploring your relationship to whichever substance with compassion and curiosity is a step towards healing.

  • Although heteronormativity and monogamy are often culturally dominant, non-monogamous and other alternative relationship paradigms offer rich opportunities for exploring diverse expressions of interpersonal connection.

  • Individuals living with HIV and/or AIDS are unfortunately at a greater risk for mental health issues such as suicide.

    Although there have been great strides towards care and visbility, stigma and isolation can still be commonplace. Finding support is vital.

Counseling for Asian Americans & Pacific Islanders

Model Minority. Saving Face. Filial Piety. Invisibility. Othered.

The Japanese proverb “the nail that sticks out gets hammered” reflects a cultural emphasis on fitting in, whereas the American saying “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” suggests that those who speak up are more likely to be heard and receive attention.

As an Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI), you may find yourself code-switching and navigating the sometimes conflicting values of collectivist and individualist cultures.

  • How can AAPI individuals navigate the conflicting expectations of hard work and deference while also seeking recognition and advancement?

  • What does it mean to be an AAPI when the majority of the country sees me as a monolith?

  • How can I follow my own interests without dishonoring the sacrifices of my family, parents, and ancestors?

  • How can I meaningfully connect to my family, friends, and community other than through “success” and obedience?

  • Why does being an LGBTQ+ AAPI feel so different than my non-BIPOC peers?

If any of these questions resonate with you, know that you aren’t alone. The evolution of my practice has highlighted the significant need for culturally competent counseling services tailored to the AAPI community. I would be honored to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment for you to share your story and facilitate your journey toward wellness and being you.