Pacific Islander Therapists in Chula Vista, CA

HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN THE STRONG ONE AND FEEL THE PRESSURE TO KEEP SMILING WHEN THINGS ARE AWFUL? DO YOU CHOOSE TO STRUGGLE IN SILENCE BECAUSE YOU BELIEVE THAT TALKING ABOUT YOUR PROBLEMS IS A BURDEN TO OTHERS? ARE YOU TIRED OF THE SAME UNCOMFORTABLE OR EXCRUCIATING PATTERNS REPLAYING IN YOUR LIFE, CAUSING DISRUPTION IN YOUR RELATIONSHIPS? Do you love too hard? Unsure of where you belong; emotionally, culturally, racially, sexually? Are you experiencing betrayal? Feeling embarrassed. Stuck? As a 1st generation FIlipinx American with lived experience in multicultural relationships in Western society, I can help. Experience matters.

I believe our lived experiences and hopes for the future provide us with insights to help understand our pain, joy, struggles, triumphs, and deepest questions. The late poet and essayist Audre Lorde reminds us that "our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge." Using an intersectional, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed framework, I embark on a collaborative journey with clients who want to reflect on their experiences and unpack symptoms related to anxiety, depression, and trauma that may impact their relationships and daily lives.

When you look in the mirror, do you find yourself asking, “Am I enough?” Do you have this nagging suspicion that something is deeply wrong? Has it started to affect your relationships, your work, your overall sense of peace? It’s likely that you’ve had experiences that no matter what you do, you just can’t seem to forget. These experiences shape your reality, fuel your anxieties, leaving you on edge and burnt out. What would it feel to like to let go of the pain you’ve carried for so long? Imagine what life would be like if you had the emotional space and clarity to be the best you.

Do you feel like you go through the motions of your life, but lack a sense of satisfaction? Are you doing things that don't help you? Do you want to feel closer to those around you? Do you want a greater sense of control? Most of us don't choose to be unhappy or live in pain, but we need help to overcome the obstacles in life. In order to make life changes, you need someone to help identify the problem, develop a plan, and implement decisions. I can help you to use your strengths to overcome your personal challenges.

You're not sure if psychotherapy works for you, and see what's out there. Welcome! I respect your courageous step. When was the last time someone listened to you with full attention, without judgement? Imagine you express yourself freely and you feel you are heard. Together we can make such a place. Whether you feel down, anxious, lonely or angry, I go on a journey with you and navigate you to explore a healthier path to grow. In session, my clients tend to talk 90% of the time and I help them reframe and change their narrative that makes more sense to them.

Individuals raised by immigrant parents have all experienced the cultural and generational gaps growing up. These conflicts can range from daily misunderstandings to complex intergenerational trauma. As a Korean-American, I specialize in supporting young adults and families understand how these conflicts impact their lives and provide a safe space of healing to overcome these difficulties. People who experience these conflicts can sometimes develop issues separating themselves from their inner critic, trusting themselves, feeling stuck in a vicious cycle, a lack of purpose and identity, and a sense of emptiness about the future.

As a psychologist, I am compassionate, experienced, and down to earth. I enjoy working with adults and children, and I am committed to understanding my clients and helping you reach your goals. I believe that change is possible with patience and effort. The path to transformation is a commitment that must be made collaboratively by both of us. If you are or your child is experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or behavioral problems it may be time to seek psychological help. Feel free to call me and I'll give you my professional opinion on your next steps.

I specialize in working with clients who are facing anxiety, depression, and trauma/PTSD, along with those working through significant transitions in their relationships, careers, and health. As a client-centered and strength-based therapist, I believe that you are ultimately the expert on yourself and it is my role to help guide you back to living the life you want to live.

I am a Korean-English bilingual clinical psychologist that focuses on meeting each individual's unique needs in a culturally sensitive manner. I support children, adolescents, and adults by offering a therapeutic and compassionate environment. My experiences including supervised and coordinated the delivery of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and conducting evaluations at UCSD to assess for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders. I have experience working in a school environment to address school challenges, including adjustment, learning disabilities, and ADHD.

You feel stuck, like something is wrong and you are not enough. You’re struggling, and you want things to be better, but you don’t know how to get there. You think to yourself you should be able to handle this, and you shouldn’t be feeling this way. You don’t know how to put it into words, or you don’t feel like there’s anyone you can talk to about it with. You want to feel understood, and be listened to without worry of being judged.

Life can present us with many difficult challenges and transitions. I enjoy assisting my clients in improving their relationships, adjusting to life's changes and transitions, and improving stress management abilities. I provide a safe environment in which people can explore options and work towards self-empowerment, growth and resolution of their issues. I use a combination of solution-focused approaches to help people attain their personal goals and resolve trauma.

Hello there, I'm Susan! I have been in the mental health industry for over 25 years. I have worked with individuals with mild to moderate, to severe mental health challenges. I approach psychotherapy with sensitivity and patience and will always have my client's best interest in mind. I have extensive experience working with clients with Relationship Issues, Job Stress, General Stress, Parenting Stress, Couple Therapy, Communication, Anxiety, Depression, Cultural Struggles, Guilt or Shame, Aging, Anger Management, Coping Skills, Grief, and Bipolar.