My Approach to Helping
This protective space is intended to support the Filipino, Asian American & Pacific Islander community in connecting with their authentic emotional and spiritual selves.
In my therapy practice, many of my clients come to me with histories of sexual assault, childhood emotional neglect and the intergenerational trauma of living under systems of oppression (Capitalism, White Supremacy and Patriarchy).
My clients experience symptoms of depression, anxiety and have trouble maintaining meaningful honest relationships with others. They tend to have overwhelming feelings of self-doubt, low self worth and may even experience suicidal thoughts or have a history of self harm.
As therapy progresses, my clients are able to tap into the transformational power of their emotions, increase their level of self-awareness and feel more confident when expressing their needs and setting boundaries with loved ones.
More Info About My Practice
HOLISTIC & CULTURAL VALUES
My healing practice is founded in Indigenous Filipino Psychology and Western Transpersonal + Integral modalities that value the mind-body-spirit connection. I utilize interventions inspired by Depth Psychology (shadow work + inner child healing) + Psychodynamic & Attachment Theory (relational and family work) and a commitment to Social Justice (decolonization).
TRAUMA INFORMED
Healing from trauma looks differently for everyone. While talking about how we have been impacted by horrific experiences can be helpful, trauma survivors often lack basic regulation skills and depth of insight to cope with everyday triggers. A trauma informed approach recognizes that establishing safety within the body is key to healing from emotional, physical and spiritual trauma.
CANNABIS FRIENDLY
Cannabis medicine has many benefits for people struggling with depression, anxiety, insomnia and chronic pain. Although cannabis use might not be the best coping strategy for everyone dealing with mental health issues, I am a cannabis-friendly practitioner who can work with you on finding a way to integrate cannabis medicine into your healing practice.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
NAVIGATE FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
Talking to your loved ones about mental health is hard, especially if you come from a culture that does not have an understanding of or trust in the American mental health system. In therapy, you can learn how to set boundaries with family members, translate the language of modern mental health and have hard conversations with your family about intergenerational trauma issues.
BREAK FREE FROM UNHEALTHY ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP PATTERNS
As human beings, we learn how to relate to one another by observation. Many of the unhealthy relationship strategies we learned from our parents can manifest in our adult relationships. In therapy, you can learn how attachment styles impact your ability to relate to your partner, improve communication and avoid repeating cycles of abusive behavior in relationships.
GET TO KNOW YOURSELF ON A SPIRITUAL AND HUMAN LEVEL.
Research shows that individuals who know and understand their individual purpose within the collective design have a higher quality of life. Understanding your core values and knowing your ?Why?? for doing what you do will help to strengthen your mental health needs. In therapy, a spiritual practice of self reflection can deepen your connection to your Inner being and the world around you.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.