I am a queer Asian immigrant fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese. As a trauma specialist, I view symptoms as an invitation to explore deeper, underlying wounds through a trauma-informed lens. I understand that trauma encompasses both acts of commission (harmful experiences) and omission (the absence of nurturing experiences).
Whether it's single-event trauma, attachment injuries, or Complex PTSD,
unresolved trauma could result in the following symptoms.
Who I Work With
About Me
I was born in a suburban area of South China, in a family where love was expressed but often inconsistent. My early experiences with poverty and marginalization, coupled with unresolved transgenerational trauma related to emotional neglect and abuse, profoundly shaped my journey. From a young age, I internalized the belief that “I am not enough and need to work harder” in order to create self-worth and a sense of adequacy. This limiting belief system was closely intertwined with self-hatred, manifesting as anxiety, self-doubt, and chronic tension in my body. My then adaptive coping mechanisms—perfectionism and people-pleasing—only served to further alienate me from my authentic self.
My transformative journey began after graduating from college when I engaged with the Haven Institute (www.haven.ca). Founded in the 1960s amidst the Human Potential Movement, the Haven masterfully integrates Eastern wisdom with Western medicine and psychology, offering a unique approach to relational art. This experience illuminated the profound impact of deep, open connections and ignited my passion for becoming a helping professional.
Since earning my Master of Social Work (MSW) in 2016, I have dedicated myself to both refining my professional skills and pursuing personal growth. My personal background informs my therapeutic approach, enabling me to deeply relate to and empathize with clients on their own healing journeys. For more details on my ongoing development, please refer to the “Professional and Personal Development Outline.
Outside of work, I immerse myself in the art of photography, seeking to capture the exquisite beauty of humanity and the natural world through my camera lens. In fact, most of the photos on this website were taken by me. Additionally, I enjoy traveling to different parts of the world to delight my taste buds with exotic foods, expand my horizons with new experiences, and nourish my spirit through cultural exploration.
How I Work
I utilize a variety of treatment modalities to tailor your needs. While these therapeutic approaches provide valuable frameworks, the process is inherently collaborative. We will work together to navigate the treatment path that best suits your unique needs.
Attachment Theory & Psychoanalysis
via this relationship lens to identify and address barriers that may hinder the development of a strong therapeutic rapport
fosters full body-mind dual awareness to heal from the negative beliefs, intense emotions, and debilitating sensations stemming from past traumas
compassionate tools that help individuals navigate their inner experiences, loosen protective mechanisms, and access the wounds that deserve healing.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Internal Family Systems and Ego State Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Polyvagal Theory and Somatic Therapy
incorporate neuroscience to understand the flexibility of the nervous system, guiding body-oriented interventions that enhance your ability to regulate emotions and build confidence.
Cognitive and
insight-based therapy
ancient healing wisdom that fosters the ability to "observe" and cultivate the "dual awareness" essential for trauma recovery.
promote self-reflection, and integrate new perspectives and positive changes into self identity
Education, Licenses and Certifications
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
#96691-California.
EMDR Certified, Consultant
EMDR International Association
Circle of Security Parenting Facilitator
Circle of Security International
Master of Social Work
Florida State University, 2014-2016
Professional and Personal Development Outline
Psychedelics Assisted Therapy Certification program (2024 to 2025) -Integrative Psychiatry Institute
Sensorimotor Psychotherapy Level one -2024
EMDR Preval Trauma Protocol-Sandra Paulsen-2024
Play-based EMDR with Children-Jackie Flynn-2024
Ongoing monthly EMDR consultation with Deborah Korn
A week-long Circle of Security Parenting training -2023
Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification Workshop- Arielle Schwartz, 2023
Psychodynamic Foundations Year 1 & 2 program- SFCP, 2022-2023
Certificate in Somatic Embodiment & Regulation Strategies- Linda Thai, 2022
Group consultation-Victor Yalom, 2022
Internal Family Systems (IFS)-Frank Anderson, 2022
IFS-Informed EMDR- Kendhal Hart, 2022
Ego State Therapy- Robin Shapiro, 2022
EMDR basic training-Rachel Erwin, 2021
Process-Oriented Psychology- David Hatfield. 2020
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and Imago Therapy- Florence Meleo-Meyer, and Harville Hendrix, Omega Institute, 2019
4-day Experiential Psychodrama Workshop-Bessel Van Der Kolk, 2019
Introductory workshop to Somatic Experiencing-Peter Levine, 2019
Celebrated Body Erotic residential workshop-The Body Electric School, 2019
7-day residential Virginia Satire Family Therapy program-Maria Gomori, 2018
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Certificate – 2017
Workshop translator-The Haven Institute, 2011-2014
And hundreds of educational videos on free “YouTube University”