Mental health is often stigmatized in the Asian community, causing many to suffer in silence. However, addressing mental health issues is essential for overall well-being and can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
As an Asian psychotherapist, I am deeply passionate about breaking these stigmas and encouraging open discussions about mental health. Through my work and personal experience, I understand how the intersection of traditional Asian culture and Western societal norms can create identity confusion. This may manifest as conflict with family of origin, lack of sense of belonging, low self-esteem, and more.
My practice is dedicated to offering a safe, supportive, and culturally-sensitive environment where clients can explore their feelings, address their concerns, and work towards personal growth and healing.
My interest in counseling was first awakened by the Nietzsche quote, “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”
Moving from China to the U.S., alone at age 18, I experienced tremendous difficulty with the transition. I began to experience significant social anxiety and felt separated not only from my home country, but also from the truest version of myself. Through therapy and self-reflection, as well as a focus on my “why” for moving, I found my way back to myself and to a more fulfilling life. This experience eventually led to a passion for helping others overcome difficulties and find a sense of purpose in their lives.
I believe a good therapist also works on themselves. Through my own therapy experience, I understand how scary it could be to be vulnerable and step into the unknown. I also achieve a lot of personal growth from being vulnerable. As Brené Brown said, “Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”