Therapists in Ballard, Seattle, WA

My Clients: I regularly work with clients on common issues such as: major life transitions, depression, anxiety, struggles with work-life balance, racial identity, family of origin issues, grief, trauma, and addiction recovery. I am passionate about working with: People of color, Students, people who identify as possessing multiple minority identities, LGBTQIA+, relationship problems, bicultural stress, cultural adjustment, sexual trauma, and issues related to sexual identity and gender. I am also comfortable working with non-heteronormative relationship lifestyles; particularly navigating issues related to open/poly relationships.

I am a bicultural and a bilingual immigrant therapist with a passion for supporting and empowering people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and other marginalized groups, and my personal and professional goals include disrupting the oppression and creating an equitable and safe world for all. I practice under ACT and Person-Centered framework, and value establishing a therapeutic relationship that's based on trust, which is safe and warm to hold your emotions and experiences--I believe in the uniqueness for every client, and am dedicated to view the development of each client which is reflective of your own goals and values.

Likely you are feeling stressed, anxious, burned out, or all three! You are tired of trying to function, perform, or get things right in a fast paced, capitalist culture. You constantly feel like you are not enough but you don't know what "enough" means. Maybe you don't identify as "Type A", but - if you are honest with yourself- you experience sneaky perfectionism and you find it hard to let go. You might be pregnant or becoming a new parent and you are swimming in uncertainty. You are a sensitive soul and the world feels harsh.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist working with adults in individual therapy through a relational and psychodynamic approach. These modalities hold that the past informs the present, often setting the template for unconscious patterns of thought, behavior, and relating to others that impact our current relationships, as well as our ability to be productive and fulfilled. Developing deeper understanding about the nature of our problems within the context of an empathic, collaborative therapeutic relationship can lead to increased intellectual and emotional flexibility, healthier relationships, and richer, more satisfying lives.

I value interpersonal approaches to psychotherapy, using evidenced-based strategies to target specific symptoms. This means that I pay close attention to the relationship I have with my clients and use techniques that have been tested and found to be effective for resolving mental health issues. I am an active therapist and I will openly share my thoughts and recommendations with you throughout our work together. I also adopt a compassionate, non-judgmental view with clients. Together, we can develop new ways for you to cope and help you to resolve the issues that prompted you to seek care.

I take the mysticism out of therapy. We both know that not everything is "about your mother." Figuring out why you are the way you are can be interesting and even enlightening, but it's worthless if you're still experiencing the same emotional pain. You have the ability to make changes in your life. Things don't have to stay the same.

Finding a "good fit" is essential when looking for a therapist. You should feel safe to be your authentic self without feeling judgment. I believe the client/therapist relationship is primary for healing and effective work. Within that relationship, I consider you the expert on your own life. While thoughtfully listening, I will also offer insights, invitations to try something new, and help you in building new skills and finding solutions. People tend to find me warm, accepting, and engaging.