I welcome patients in my sessions by validating that it can feel scary to open up and get vulnerable, especially with someone you don’t know, but the reward is greater than the risk.

Solution: I really enjoy being a psychologist because I love that I get to know people on such an intimate level and see clients make progress. Beginning therapy can feel daunting, so I emphasize that we can go at whatever pace is most comfortable for you, so sessions unfold in a way that feels natural. I gravitate toward using the cognitive behavioral therapy model because I find it’s effective in working through feelings of depression and anxiety.

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Seniors

Types of Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-centered

Issues: Depression, anxiety, life transitions

More than just my work: When I’m not helping people transform their lives, I’m enjoying spin sessions, indulging in my passion for tacos and guacamole, or hanging with my two big, silly black and white cats, Figgy and Felix.

Education:

California Lutheran University, B.S. in Psychology, Minor in Sociology

California School of Professional Psychology, Doctorate of Clinical Psychology

I welcome patients in my sessions by validating that it can feel scary to open up and get vulnera... Read More

What problem do you strive to overcome?

Problem: Many individuals, particularly young adults, athletes, and those in high-performance environments, struggle to manage the demands of both their personal and professional lives. As pressures from academics, athletics, social expectations, and family responsibilities intensify, these clients often experience heightened stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. This can lead to a sense of being overwhelmed and uncertain about how to proceed, making it difficult for them to take the first step toward therapy. They may question whether therapy will be effective or feel unsure about how to begin addressing their challenges.

Solution: I offer a holistic and individualized therapeutic approach, drawing from my background in performance-based therapy, teaching, and coaching to support clients in both professional and personal settings. With an understanding of the unique challenges high achievers face in competitive environments and the complexities of maintaining healthy relationships, I work with individuals to build emotional resilience, manage stress, and gain clarity in both career and personal life. For families, I focus on improving communication, rebuilding trust, and resolving conflicts while balancing the demands of high-pressure careers and relationships. Additionally, my dual-language proficiency in Mandarin Chinese allows me to provide culturally responsive care to Mandarin-speaking clients, ensuring an inclusive and deeply relevant therapeutic experience for a diverse range of individuals.

Result: I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and empowering therapeutic environment where clients feel supported in their journey. By fostering strong therapeutic relationships, I help clients overcome barriers, build resilience, and achieve their goals with clarity and confidence.

Experience: With over 15 years of coaching experience at the college, travel club, and high school levels, as well as 10 years as a high school teacher, I have a deep understanding of the mental and emotional challenges faced by athletes, students, and high performers. My background as a collegiate athlete and educator allows me to empathize with the pressures of balancing career goals, academic ambitions, and personal growth. I am also well-positioned to support professionals in high-pressure settings and couples navigating the complexities of relationships amid demanding careers. My fluency in Mandarin Chinese further enables me to offer culturally sensitive care to diverse client populations.

Client Focus: Individuals and families Young Adults and adolescents Athletes, high performers, and children (ages 6+) Mandarin-speaking clients seeking therapy in their native language Types of Therapy: CBT & DBT Person- Centered Therapy? Sports Psychology and Performance-Based Therapy Specialties: Anxiety, depression, trauma Performance pressures Parenting challenges Relationship work

More than just my work: “Strength does not come from what you can do. It comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t.” — Rikki Rogers As a former collegiate athlete, I find joy in movement, whether it’s through sports activities or simply being active. When I need to reconnect with myself, I often turn to cooking or traveling, as they remind me of the power of focus and being present. I am a food and boba enthusiast. Always happy to try new spots or share recommendations to my favorite places.

What problem do you strive to overcome? Problem: Many individuals, particularly young adults, at... Read More

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When I help patients in therapy, I really believe that everyone deserves a certain amount of dignity and respect that maybe they’re not getting from home or work and as a therapist and social worker, I can provide that with no judgment. As therapists, we start where the client is, and everyone has a right to live their life as they want, and I want to support that.

I come to Maple Leaf Counseling with a breadth of experience helping patients through PTSD, ADHD, depression, anxiety, trauma and substance abuse issues. This variety of experience informs my practice with patients and I use a variety of techniques and modalities to help clients gain insight into their feelings, behaviors and choices. I’ve seen how personal insight has led patients to a better sense of peace and worked with couples who’ve rebuilt connections and loving feelings with one another. I get a front row seat to personal transformation, how cool is that?

I try to be as relatable as possible to the clients that I work with. As a Korean American, I’m very sensitive and worked with a lot of clients from a lot of different backgrounds. As a social worker, we stress being culturally competent with our approach to practice and I strive to create a space where patients feel welcome and safe to express themselves.

Client focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Couples

Types of therapy: Supportive Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy

Issues: PTSD, ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse

More than just my work: In my personal life, I’m passionate about family: my two children, wife and our small, cute family dog. My original hometown is San Diego, so I cheer for the Padres and Chargers and will never turn down a chance to eat Mexican food.

Education: Stanford, Double major, B.A. in Psychology and Communications

University of California Los Angeles, Master’s of Social Welfare

When I help patients in therapy, I really believe that everyone deserves a certain amount of dign... Read More