Therapists in McLean, VA

Finding a therapist you connect with can feel so overwhelming you avoid it. But that is probably why you're here, because there have been things you've been avoiding and you're ready to get some help. Being foster and adoptive parents is way harder than most people understand, especially those who haven't experienced the invasive and arduous process. As a teen or young adult, you might be feeling lost or angry. You might be having a harder time than others figuring out who are you are and where you fit in the world. My style fuses warmth, humor, and directness.

I specialize in providing counseling for racial identity and cultural issues (specifically in first and second Asian Americans/immigrants), navigating significant life transitions, and grief from a cultural perspective. My goal is to help you live a life that aligns with your values and move from a space of surviving to thriving. At the core of my approach is the belief that the therapeutic relationship is the strongest force in inciting growth. A sense of authentic trust and comfort is instrumental to begin doing "the work" and creating lasting change.

Many times we navigate through the world feeling lost, alone, and even scared. We may tell ourselves that "nobody understands me," "nobody loves me," or "people have it much worst than I do, so why do I deserve to be kind to myself." Many of us tell ourselves some sort of variation of these things from time to time. Some of us may tell ourselves these statements on the daily basis. Come join me as we explore your relationship with yourself as well as your relationship with others.

Do you struggle with depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sexuality issues, and relationship issues? Have you ever been hurt your loved ones in any way that violates your right as a person, including infidelity, addiction, and all forms of violence? Have you ever hurt your loved ones in the same ways? I love to walk with your journey to redefine who you are as a wholesome person. I can help you become resilient and embrace yourself and your life in holistic ways. You will experience cutting-edge and holistic counseling approaches to find your answers to your finding your way to becoming a wholesome person again. Let's do this together!

I am a graduate of both Saint Leo University & Regent University. I hold a B.A. in Psychology & an M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy. I use a structural family & CBT approach when working with clients coupled with a calm spirit that helps clients feel accepted and safe. I enjoy helping clients discover their strengths while highlighting how their thoughts and feelings contribute to their daily living & functioning. I am passionate about marriage, at-risk youth, & military communities. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, adolescents, & adults. I believe relational intelligence is the key that unlocks our greatest potential.

No matter what has brought you to therapy, your experience is valid. I believe that even the most unlikeable, confusing, extreme parts of you have a wisdom to be understood, a protectiveness to be thanked, and a vulnerability to be seen and held. In my practice, I will seek to meet you exactly where you are, and together we can tend to the unique challenges in your life. My ultimate goal is for clients to uncover their essential self—to rediscover their own innate wisdom and strength that can face whatever life brings.

Long before the pandemic I have been delivering teletherapy to the Bay Sate after HealinGrace in Harvard Sq moved to NoVA. As a certified EMDR therapist I have developed refined ways to conduct as powerful EMDR sessions over the phone or video as in person. My clients have experienced profound transformations as we identify the root of their issues, process painful memories, develop healthy beliefs, and amplify their strengths. Chronically depressed client started seeing life "in color" and severely anxious client drove cross country. Couples on the brink of divorce renewed their covenant and a divorced couple remarried one another.

The mind and body are connected. Sometimes, our body will tell us something is wrong before we allow ourselves to feel it. I specialize in providing counseling for grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and relationship issues with a focus on this connection. I help individuals and couples heal from difficult and past trauma. I have specialized training in C-PTSD and intergenerational trauma. Above all, I value our therapeutic relationship and your culture. I take time and care in getting to know what's important to you.

Are worries and sadness interfering with your ability to enjoy life? Do family tensions lead to daily conflicts? When stress becomes overwhelming, I will support and guide you to overcome the struggles and improve your mood. The goal of our collaboration is for you to feel confident in facing your challenges. As a therapist, I believe in building upon your strengths to create change, and tailor my treatments to meet your unique needs. My clinical interests include stress, anxiety management, adjustment issues, self-esteem and identity development, and emotional/behavioral control.