Everyone suffers from mental health issues at some point in their life—whether minor or major—and it’s important to have help from someone you can trust. I aim to establish trust by creating a safe and comfortable environment for you to share your story with me. Regardless of your background, history, appearance, diagnosis, identity, or beliefs, I regard you unconditionally and genuinely care about your well-being. In our sessions, I utilize a therapeutic approach that focuses on the improvement of mental health through 1) a healthy lifestyle, 2) mental calm and clarity, and 3) self-awareness: of both your problematic views and life-directing values. Together we can carefully identify your barriers to mental health, develop clear recovery goals, and help you find ways to implement action plans that align with your values. My role is to accompany and guide you in your path of healing.

As a mental health professional, it’s essential to have my own practice of well-being in order to better help others heal. I have over 15 years of experience practicing mindful living, meditation, and instructing others in mindfulness-based practices, before as a Buddhist monk, and now as a mental health counselor. I specialize in helping people manage their anxiety, depression, cravings, and anger, as well as minimize problematic judgment and rumination. I’m skilled at helping my clients clarify their life direction. I’m bilingual, speaking Mandarin Chinese as well as English, and I have years of counseling experience working with Chinese-American people suffering from chronic & severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and other forms of psychosis. I’ve lived in Chinese cultural environments for years, and in this way, I believe I’m also fluent in the Asian-American cultural overlap.

I became a mental health professional so that I could share with other people the concepts and methods which I myself used to heal my own suffering. I also know that I have the capacity to compassionately listen to and reflect on what others tell me, empowering others to find their own inner wisdom.

I enjoy strength training, walking in nature, playing guitar, and composing music, as well as spending time with family and good friends.

Sitting meditation.

Understanding Our Mind by Thich Nhat Hanh, because it is a book that helped me look more closely at how my mind works on a fundamental level. It sheds light on the core of human suffering and the root of mental health.

Dharma Drum Mountain. Because their focus is on sharing the teachings of Buddhism with people regardless of faith or background, helping people find personal and societal well-being through mindful living.

By sleeping :), or by being silent and engaging in relaxing activities, like walking or just enjoying being in nature. Sometimes a heartfelt conversation with a friend can be rejuvenating.