Therapeutic Approach

If I had to sum up my approach in three words, they would be: Presence. Compassion. Relationship.

My training in Contemplative Psychotherapy incorporates Buddhist philosophies and practices grounded in a non-pathologizing approach. Two core principles guide my practice—brilliant sanity and maitri.

Brilliant sanity is your innate wisdom, goodness, and wholeness—always accessible, even when it doesn’t feel that way. It is the sun behind the clouds. This goodness can become obscured by clinging to habitual patterns shaped by the systems we live within and the histories we carry. Together, we can bring awareness to these patterns and help you reconnect with your brilliant sanity in session. I see wisdom even in the “neurotic” thoughts or behaviors you may feel ashamed of.

Maitri is unconditional friendliness. My teacher, Karen Kissel Wegela, describes it as “tenderness and gentleness toward our own experience, whatever that experience is.” If you struggle to be accepting of your experience, I will be. Maitri and compassion form the foundation of our work together.

My approach is relational. I pay attention to what arises between us in session as a way to understand the relational dynamics in your life. I focus on the here-and-now—what is happening between us in this moment. I may point out observations in our relationship to open new possibilities for relating to yourself and others.

I practice cultural humility and acknowledge intersectionality and positionality, honoring both your privileged and marginalized identities alongside my own. I explore how systemic factors impact your life and show up in session, and I am passionate about working with BIPOC and LGBTQ+ clients.

BIPOC Mental Health

Potential areas of exploration:

• Racial, cultural and systemic oppression

• Perfectionism and burnout

• Generational and ancestral trauma

• Feelings of guilt, obligation, shame, and grief

• Immigration and acculturation 

• Dealing with judgment from one’s inner critic, family, and culture(s)

• LGBTQ+ challenges

• A desire to live authentically but feeling conflicted by cultural and systemic pressures

• Worry about disappointing loved ones

• Feeling alone in your unique lived experience/identities

• Identity integration related to being multiracial

• Multicultural experiences as first-gen, second-gen, and third culture kids

As a child of immigrants, I grew up feeling alienated in Texas because of my racial and ethnic identities and for straying from traditional Chinese values. These experiences gave me deep empathy for the complexity of Asian American diasporas and all marginalized folks.

Being marginalized often means having to code-switch—between family, community, and the broader culture—which can be exhausting and painful. I understand, and I care about your suffering. I also hold compassion and reverence for our ancestors, who endured persecution, poverty, and displacement while trying to survive and provide for their families. It makes sense that we carry some of their heartbreak with us. Our stress and anxiety are intertwined with theirs, and it can show up in ways that prevent us from living fully and wholly.

I’m here to help you understand your cultural inheritance, release what’s holding you back, and make peace with yourself—so you can move forward with greater ease and contentment.

Transitions & Identity

Are you going through a transition and feeling anxious about change?

Life is in constant flux, and with change comes discomfort. No matter what transitions you’re experiencing, it can feel overwhelming. Change often brings uncertainty and fear about the future. Identity transitions can also feel challenging—whether related to race, culture, age, health, religion, gender, sexuality, career, or relationship status.

If you’re grappling with questions of identity, meaning, or purpose—or exploring other existential concerns—I offer a compassionate, nonjudgmental space to support your self-inquiry.

About Me

I became a psychotherapist out of an insatiable curiosity for the human condition and a sensitivity that allows me to fully experience the vulnerability of being human. I care deeply about people and connection, valuing relationships above all else. Countless hours of therapy and time on my meditation cushion have led me here, and I am eternally grateful to the teachers and therapists who have seen me and reflected back my inner wisdom when I most needed it. I hope to do the same for others.

Therapy can be a spiritual journey—an awakening, a process of conscious awareness and self-discovery. It is a process of undoing, uncovering, and unfolding: undoing constricting conditioning, uncovering what’s present and what has been buried, and unfolding slowly and gently while exploring tender territory. I would be honored to witness and accompany you on your journey.

All Parts Are Welcome

I had a therapist who would say, “That part is welcome here.” She met my anger, sadness, loneliness, and every part of me with genuine warmth. Hearing that phrase made me feel seen, accepted, and relieved, knowing I could show up as I am.

This phrase comes from Internal Family Systems (IFS), a non-pathologizing modality that inspires me deeply. According to Richard Schwartz, the founder of IFS, there are no bad parts—they are all welcome. “All parts are welcome” reflects the essence of who I am and how I work.

Background

I’m originally from Houston and now call Seattle home. I hold an M.A. in Contemplative Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology from Naropa University and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Washington. I’ve spent over eight years working with diverse clients and am a Certified Level 3 IFS therapist with advanced training in Intimacy From the Inside Out (IFIO), an IFS-based couples approach for couples work. Outside of therapy, I love to dance—sometimes gracefully, mostly…creatively.