My mission is to help you, and your loved ones restore and enrich your lives to meet its fullest potential. I believe we are all wired for connection and purpose, thus my role is to support you on this journey. I offer individual therapy for adolescents and adults, couples therapy, and family therapy in SW Portland, Oregon.
After 20 years in the rewarding world of education, I earned a Masters in Marriage, Couples and Family Therapy from George Fox University. Prior to that, I earned a BA in English Education from New York University, and a MA in Curriculum and Development from Brandman University.
As a 1.75 generation immigrant, I was raised to believe the false assumptions of seeking mental health services. It wasn't until my early 30s that I sought therapeutic services. Even then, I was hoping for a quick fix. After only three sessions, I told myself I didn't need help, but after a transformational experience several years later, I decided to pursue this new field and passion.
I identify as an cisgendered, heterosexual, able-bodied Christian in an interracial marriage. I can speak conversational Cantonese and make a concerted effort to relearn my native language. My experiences as an immigrant in an interracial marriage while also raising bi-cultural boys have afforded me a lens to understand the impact of racial inequity and social inequities. Specifically, I utilize a social justice lens to explore the impact of various systems of oppression in the way in which we relate to the world and each other.
As a psychotherapist and LMFT, I utilize a strengths based, Emotionally Focused therapy (EFT) approach that takes into account your family structure, culture, and religion/spirituality. I have received extensive training through the EFT externship and CoreSkills, an ongoing training program. EFT helps couples gain insight about their attachment needs in order to deepen their relationship. I am also trained in EMDR, a somatic therapy that is quite effective in addressing trauma.
I enjoy working with a wide range of clients, but my expertise is in working with ethnically diverse couples and individuals that are facing a multitude of life transitions that simply require a supportive clinician to help strengthen skills.