Services
About My Clients
Though I work with most issues, I specialize in complex trauma, childhood abuse/neglect, healing from narcissistic/abusive relationships, codependency and relationship problems, substance use disorders, masculinity and men's issues, couples therapy, and Asian American/minority issues such as family conflict, intergenerational trauma, cultural identity & racism.
My Background and Approach
I received my Ph.D. in psychology from Washington State University, where I completed my dissertation on the use of therapy/Buddhist principles to address cultural-related stress. I have worked in a hospital, university counseling centers, a community mental health clinic, and a state penitentiary with a diverse array of individuals doing brief- and long-term individual, couples and group therapy. In terms of my therapeutic style, my approach is to help people develop self-acceptance versus self-loathing, practice self-compassion versus self-criticism, and create a purpose-driven life built around values they care about. In my personal and professional experience, the more we can accept ourselves and our "flaws", the better we are able to make meaningful changes in our lives.
My Personal Beliefs and Interests
I consider myself an advocate for social justice and the principles of multiculturalism. I created and led a person of color support group at a local university to support students who feel marginalized by the dominant culture and neglected by the institution. I also do my best to both own my experiences of oppression as an Asian-American from a lower socioeconomic background while also remaining aware of my privileges as a heterosexual cis-male individual in America. My background in Buddhist philosophy also deeply informs my worldview, as I try to carry the lessons of compassion, mindfulness, open-heartedness, and acceptance into my work as a psychologist.