Hello.

I believe that therapy is an intensely personal experience and feel deeply honored to be considered. I write about myself here in the hopes that you get to know me, where I come from, and how these experiences affect my therapy practice .

I grew up in Houston as part of a very large family. They were supportive yet unyielding with their high expectations. Growing up there, I experienced the overt and implied racism and sexism that is all too common for a brown woman in Texas. I felt angry and knew that I wasn’t the only one. My experiences helped me realize that I wanted to help others as they cope with feelings related to marginalization, racism, sexism, and injustice.

I went to college in nearby Austin because of the family pressure to stay close to home, find a husband, and pop out some kids. After some therapy, I realized that without knowing it, I went to college for an MRS degree, a term for when a woman attends college with the intention of finding a potential spouse. The influence that systemic sociocultural norms has on a person still shocks me. It is through this experience that I feel I can help others unpack the influence society/family/friends has on their lives.

I moved to Seattle to get my counseling degree because I felt that it would be a refreshing, diverse place to be. I was culture shocked by the generations and history of Asian Americans on the west coast. I experienced the comfort, safety, and strength brought on by being surrounded and supported by people that are like you. I learned to embrace myself as an AAPI woman. Experiences like this helps me help others as they explore who they are and how they show up.

I’ve been counseling for 10+ years now, and it feels like I was born to do this. I’ve worked in many settings: schools, community mental health, and private practice. No matter where I’m practicing, the ultimate privilege is to help others live the lives they want to live.