Manifesto and Areas of Focus

I aim to provide a non-judgmental, open-minded and compassionate space where people can come to better understand themselves, improve their relationships with others and heal their pain

I am an attachment-based, relational, psychodynamic therapist who believes the relationship between client and therapist is central to the therapy being effective, impactful and lasting

I aim to help you make meaningful connections about your past, family of origin, early life experiences, primary relationships and dominant culture

I seek to identify and better understand your unconscious defenses and drives, as well as any maladaptive or self-harming thoughts and behaviors you may have developed as a coping strategy to numb or soothe your pain

I hold a soft spot in my hearts for all who have experienced a sense of otherness or not belonging

I believe therapy can help you find the feelings, honest words or language and understanding that’s necessary to hold more than one story, feeling or experience at the same time

I believe that systems of oppression, including certain theories and models of psychology must be challenged, questioned, de-colonialized and “queered up”

I am an advocate for mental health and believe mental health is not to be simply pathologized, but rather carefully investigated and held with compassion, care and curiosity

I believe it takes courage to to be honest and vulnerable and especially to reach out for help 

I believe we grow and heal in relationships with safe others (in some cases, this may include your therapist)

I believe we can change our relationship to our pain and suffering

I believe some of the ways we we come to understand and heal our trauma is through a process of inquiry, patience, and gentle compassion with the help of a trauma-informed therapist

I believe meaningful change occurs when we deconstruct our narratives, thoughts and beliefs and identify their origins

I believe our values, norms and internal narratives are socially and culturally constructed and, if left unexamined, may lead us toward an inauthentic life experience 

I believe the relationship between therapist and client should be viewed as a collaborative one

I believe healing is a process and takes time and yet anyone can experience healing, insight and/or change when committed to this process

I believe no one is here to be “fixed”, but rather to be known, heard, seen, felt and understood

I believe that how you feel matters

I support many organizations related to diversity, equality and inclusion. Here are a few: Black Lives Matter, Equality California, National Alliance on Mental Health, National Center for Transgender Equality, Everyone In L.A., AAPI Equity Alliance