Special Interests
Approach
Acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Prolonged exposure (PE), Solution-focused, Strengths-based, Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i), Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Therapy Style
What do you want your life to look like? The answer is different for everyone who comes to see me, but I would say there is a common thread. Everyone wants to suffer less emotional pain. I want to help you roll with emotional pain, suffer less, and focus on increasing actions in your life connected with your deeply held values. This will free you up so you can be available for experiences you are seeking, such as more happiness.
Education
BS - Economics and Information Systems, New York University
PhD - Clinical Psychology, Gordon F. Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies, Adelphi University
License Number and State
CA 31894
Pronouns
she/her
Why did you become a therapist?
Ever since I can remember, I have been fascinated by other peoples' stories, frequently imagining being in others' shoes. Throughout my life, it has been meaningful to me to support and help friends and family who were struggling. I have also been through traumas and depressive periods, and growing through that pain sharpened my compassion.
I attended business school undergrad due to pressures from my parents, and after working in consulting for a bit firmly realized this was not the path for me. I wanted to learn about the wide variety of painful experiences people go through and figure out what helps them recover and thrive. I became a psychologist to realize my values and dreams of helping people and communities build the lives they want. It's an honor to be trusted with my clients' life stories, emotional pain, values, and wishes, and to help them leverage their strengths to make lasting change.
What are your interests outside of work?
Food (making, eating, talking about, looking at), design, reading, travel, crafts, gardening (especially herbs and native plants), learning California flora and fauna
What is one thing you do daily that supports your mental and emotional well-being?
I spend quality time with my husband and toddler daughter.
What is your favorite local restaurant and why?
I love and could eat at Nyum Bai anytime - Cambodian food is a revelation to me, and I always love the flavors of foods from Asian countries. I'm still hoping to find a Chinese restaurant I love locally, so any suggestions are welcome! In the meantime, I content myself with making my own.
How do you recharge?
I need connection to loved ones, my husband and daughter, family, friends. Taking some time for mindfulness helps me acknowledge where I'm at and how to be okay with that, centering me. Getting outside and taking in people-watching or nature is important. Also helpful: spending some time every day reading or vegging out watching TV.
