About Me

I always knew I wanted to be a helper, personally and professionally. In my earlier high school years, I initially thought of becoming a preschool teacher; I would work with the little ones with big hearts. As I learned more about different kinds of professions, I decided, “Why not take it all the way and become a psychologist? I can still reach people and have the capacity to provide different types of services.” I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology at the University of CA, Irvine and my Doctorate in Psychology at California School of Professional Psychology, now known as Alliant International University, Los Angeles. My beloved mentors there were steeped in the studies of psychoanalysis and the psychodynamic theory, which heavily emphasize the deepest inner meanings and implications of our minds and hearts. These backgrounds have lended itself significantly to the way I conceptualize dynamics and treatment.

I am a Licensed Psychologist and have been working in the mental health field for the past 15 years. I have extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, with specialization in:

• trauma,

• depression,

• anxiety,

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD),

• multicultural issues,

• social anxiety,

• life transitions,

• codependency,

• self-esteem/worth,

• perfectionism,

• interpersonal/social skills,

• leadership skills,

• emotional intelligence,

• and family issues.

Some specific populations I work with include: people in the tech/computer science field, leaders/managers, graduate students, have growth-mindset, high-achievers, and abstract/meta-cognitive/insight-oriented thinkers. As a highly compassionate and empathic therapist, I am able to provide the space you need to process on a deeper level to cultivate self-awareness and insight so that you can fully understand yourself, experiences, their implications in your life and world, with development of genuine self-love and self-care. 

​I am skilled in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including psychodynamic/analytical, cognitive-behavioral, existential, mindfulness, hypnotherapy and humanistic approaches. My training and expertise enables me to assist others in navigating through their internal conflicts and external difficulties that have caused much pain and suffering in their lives. I am passionate about helping others find happiness in themselves, their relationships, their everyday lives, and in their world, and love the work I do.

Together, we will work towards understanding your core issues and core self to develop more than just "coping skills", but to create a new way of experiencing life and optimizing your quality of life. Developing introspection and an in-depth exploration of your thoughts and feelings can be life-changing in the most effective and efficient way because living exists internally first and then manifests secondarily, externally. I believe in the value of challenge for growth and the limitless capacity of the human spirit. Developing and practicing true wisdom is foundational to healing, peace, happiness and fulfillment.

​I highly value the integrity of the therapy space and strive to provide a safe, supportive, confidential, and open environment for you to just BE you. I am skilled in a variety of therapeutic modalities and approach the therapy process with the upmost regard to you as an unique individual and your experiences, and undertake an integrative conceptualization of treatments. Therapy is for everyone - that is, everyone who is ready for growth and attainment of true happiness and health. In the therapy space, I include who I am authentically as a person, and am compassionate, insight-oriented, and incorporate a sense of humor into the work.

Work Experience:

               I have been in the private practice setting since 2013 to present, in both Los Angeles and Orange County. Previous settings have included the hospital, community clinics, schools (Pre-K through 12th grade), and homes.

In my professional history, I have had experience working with:

• program development for mental health services and training for graduate-level students in the psychology program,

• evidence-based practices with certifications,

• provision of mental health services to culturally and ethnically diverse families in lower socioeconomic community, including at-risk/high-risk/special education students,

• crisis management and triage, working with the severe and acute population in the hospital inpatient and outpatient setting,

• behavioral consultation,

• development and implementation of individualized behavioral and cognitive programs for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder,

• specialization with 0-5 population,

• parenting skills,

• parent education classes and parenting groups,

• social skills groups,

• in-service trainings with teachers and paraprofessionals,

• supervision of paraprofessionals working in mental health setting with children,

• certification in State-Approved Domestic Violence training,

• working with underserved adults in homeless population,

• provision in-home psychological assessment and testing for children and families in process of adoption,

• and psychological assessments and report-writing.