Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, I am a second-generation Chinese American, eldest daughter of immigrants, and a PK (evangelical pastor’s kid). I know the weight of stories, burdens, and beliefs that can accompany a person’s different identities and experiences.

So much of what can feel heavy in our lives is not only the content of what we carry but the ways we have been taught (or not taught) to be in relationship with our emotions, values, bodies, and more.

Growing up, I often felt that big emotions like shame, intense anxiety, and grief around relational dynamics weighed heavily on me without relief—until I found Internal Family Systems therapy (IFS). I began meeting with my own IFS therapist while in graduate school to become a therapist, unpacking all that rose to the surface during that season of my life. IFS completely transformed the way I understood different parts of myself, responded to internal and external conflicts, and connected to more authentic expressions of myself. I found something in IFS that goes beyond a clinical theory to use with clients. It has taken root in my life as a personal practice. IFS also beautifully aligns with other frameworks that ground my work such as trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and non-pathologizing care. You can read more about this on my “IFS Therapy” page.

Now using IFS, one of my favorite things about supporting clients is the powerful moment when someone is able to (re)connect to parts of themselves that were once pushed away and ignored. These parts are often stuck in the same old beliefs or feel burdened by stories others have told you about yourself. Some of these parts can be attached to identities and cultures that are marginalized or rejected by others.

Together, we can build new relationships with these parts and release these stories and beliefs, which creates more freedom and choice for yourself.

I believe the change people want to see in their lives is rooted in connection. ALL parts of you are welcome in our space together, and I really do mean all of them. My sincere hope is that therapy with me is safe, intentional, and creates deeper connection. This means we move at the speed of your trust and that you have a say in what happens in our time together. While this work can be hard at times, it is ultimately a joyful, life-giving process! If this sounds like something you’re interested in, I’d love to get to know you and see if we’re a good fit.