I’m drawn to therapeutic practice because of its power to help people through their most challenging times. I practice psychology with a psychodynamic perspective, which means I help clients look at how past experiences and ideas shaped who they are, and work with clients to reshape thought patterns to better serve who they want to grow into.

I work with a variety of clients – from individuals, to couples working through communication issues, to doing play therapy with kids. In my experience, vulnerability is the key to client success, so I focus on building a rapport with clients and assure them that our time together is their time to work through their needs. I live for the moments when I see clients make breakthroughs in sessions. They discover something valuable about themselves and that unlocks a positive cycle of progress towards their goals.

In my own life, I know what it’s like to navigate a big life and identity transition. I was an athlete for many years as a student, but as I grew older and transitioned out of school, I was faced with that question we all face: Who am I now and who do I want to be? How do I get there? I had to figure out what the next phase of life held for me and I’m here to help clients navigate the phases of their lives.

With so many stereotypical notions about what therapy is in our culture, it can be common for clients to hesitate about starting therapy. But this is what I would say to any client: Do you want to stay where you’re at right now, or would there really be any harm in trying something different to get better? To grow into who you want to be?

Client Focus: Children, Teens, Adults, Couples

Types of Therapy: Psychodynamic, Family Dynamic and Family Systems

Issues: Depression, Anxiety, Life transitions, ADHD

More than just my work: Aside from my work in therapy and coaching student athletes, I love seeking new hot spots for dining and dream about visiting New Zealand on a fabulous cruise one day.

Education: Utah Tech University, B.S. in Psychology

Capella University Master’s in Psychology, Specialization in Child and Adolescent behavior

Currently attending Chicago School of Professional Psychology

I’m drawn to therapeutic practice because of its power to help people through their most challeng... Read More

I approach therapy as a sacred space where clients can bring whatever challenges and feelings they have, and be heard without judgment. So often clients are feeling out of control in their lives and therapy can provide a forum for people to find meaning and regain the sense of control they’re seeking.

I also believe that therapy is like the Japanese art of kintsugi, an art form where melted gold is used to mend broken pottery. Rather than throw away the pottery shards, pieces are remade in a way where they’re given new life and beauty. And that’s how I feel about therapy, because although we may sometimes feel broken, people are resilient and can use their past challenges to rebuild themselves in a stronger, and more beautiful way.

In my therapy sessions with clients, I’ve seen them face the gamut of human emotion and life experiences – from making meaning out of grief, to living with purpose in the face of terminal illness, and seeing couples build communication skills that betters their bond.

As a psychologist, my role – and privilege – is to facilitate insight and awareness, aiding clients in identifying and overcoming emotional barriers hindering their progress. I help people understand themselves better and build a more solid sense of self while also deepening their connection to others.

That’s why at Maple Leaf Counseling we say: We know being a human is hard, but therapy can make the journey easier. We know it can, because we’ve seen it happen.

Client focus: Teens, Adults, Couples

Types of therapy: Differentiation, Family Dynamic and Family Systems

Issues: Depression, Anxiety, Grief Counseling, Couples Therapy, Prenatal & Postpartum Adjustments, Chronic Illness, Life Transitions

More than just my work: In my personal life, I’m a wife, proud mama of three kiddos, and love the sport of volleyball. I played on the varsity team in high school and my skills earned me a full ride scholarship to California Polytechnic University, Pomona and a starting position on their team. I can’t wait to introduce the sport to my kids as they grow older. When I’m not working, I indulge in specialty coffees, travel, and enjoy all types of Japanese food the most!

Education: California Polytechnic University - Pomona, B.A. in Psychology

California School of Professional Psychology, Doctorate of Clinical Psychology

Qualifications and Experience:

15+ years of clinical experience

9 years of private practice, serving the greater San Gabriel Valley and foothill communities in our Arcadia and Claremont offices along with Telehealth therapy

5 years of service at Ronald McDonald House Los Angeles

Former lecturer at USC and California School of Professional Psychology

Keynote Speaker at the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) 23rd Annual Conference

Psychology Today verified

License Number and State PSY27466 California

I approach therapy as a sacred space where clients can bring whatever challenges and feelings the... Read More

When beginning the process of therapy, some people can be overwhelmed and nervous. I aim to provide a safe, inclusive, and welcoming atmosphere for all those in need. Therapy can be a fun and intriguing process while still learning different parts of yourself and becoming the best person you can be. We can talk, play, draw, and/or walk to reach your goals. I want to work with you starting from where you’re at, then walk beside you to get where you want to go.

I utilize an individualistic and integrated approach with focus on various behavioral modalities throughout the therapeutic process. Every person is different and we can work together to find what works best for you. I believe that having a healthy dynamic in creating goals together is imperative for effective treatment. You are the driving force of your life and I am here to help you feel confident in your decision on which ways you turn.

I have experience working in hospitals, residential centers, group homes, and schools providing various levels of mental health support. I also have worked with kiddos diagnosed with ASD as a registered behavioral technician for the past five years. I continuously strive to better myself and my education to provide the best level of care and support to all individuals, families, and couples in their walks of life.

Client Focus: Children, adolescents, families, individuals, couples Types of therapy: CBT, DBT, solution focused, trauma informed, family systems Issues: Anxiety, depression, ADHD, ASD, trauma . More than just my work: I am a proud dog mom of two goofballs- Tex and Rorrie. We love to go camping and take rides on the boat at the lake. I love sports and played softball from age 3 throughout college. I have a love for the arts as well and do multi-medium paintings, film photography, and read many books in my spare time. “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts” - Winston Churchill

Education: Austin College, B.A. in Biology The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, M.A. Counseling Psychology

When beginning the process of therapy, some people can be overwhelmed and nervous. I aim to provi... Read More

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