I work with individual clients using an empathetic and warm approach. Here are some populations and concerns that I often work with.
Asian Americans
In my experience working with Asian Americans, I often see themes of shame, perfectionism, “people pleasing,” high-performance, burnout, and inter-generational conflict. I especially notice expectations on performance are particularly strong among those who grew up in the SF Bay Area.
Here are some examples of what I’m used to hearing from clients:
“My parents had high expectations of me throughout school and it’s hard for me to let go of them even though I’m now an adult.”
“I want to have better boundaries with my parents and say no to them, but I feel like I owe them because of everything they’ve done for me.”
“I keep telling myself I’m stupid whenever I make mistakes.”
Gay and Queer identity development/concerns
As a queer-affirming therapist, I aim to provide queer clients a welcoming space to openly process experiences of being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your gender/sexuality or looking for support in navigating what it means to be queer, I’ll meet you where you are. I have experience working with gay men and asexual folks, as well as writing letters of support for trans folks seeking gender-affirming procedures.
I often work with these questions and musings:
"I’m gay, but I’m introverted and prefer nights indoors. How am I supposed to meet other gay people?”
"I’m not really ‘out and proud’ or ‘flamboyant.’ Am I weird for that? It feels like I’m not being gay ‘correctly.’ ”
Anxiety
Anxiety is a helpful emotion that alerts us to threats and prepares us to act. However, the anxiety that brings people in therapy tends to be too helpful for our daily lives. Instead of helping us achieve safety, it can cause us to feel unsafe in everyday situations. My role is not to help you get rid of your anxiety: if that were truly possible, I believe you would have figured it out by now! Instead, I hope to help you change your relationship with anxiety by practicing nonjudgment and acceptance toward it.
“I can tell myself to think logically but it doesn’t change how nervous I am.”