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
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
