I developed a strong curiosity about human emotions and behavioral patterns during my high school years. In undergraduate years, through exchange opportunities, I was fortunate to have the experience of studying and living in five different countries. I have worked with elderly members of the LGBTQ community in San Francisco, conducted psychological assessments with Indian university students in Hyderabad, provided psychological and career coaching for high-functioning autistic young adults at UCSD, and organized groups for the Chinese community in Berlin. Where I have witnessed pain, struggle and suffering, I have also seen courage, resilience and recovery. What I saw and experienced strengthened my belief that psychotherapy and psychology can bring meaningful change to people’s lives. During my graduate studies, I entered the Mental Health Counseling program at Columbia University’s Teachers College and worked at the Counseling Centers of LaGuardia Community College and Fordham University. I have received training in psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Currently, I am a fellow in the Fordham University Psychoanalytic Fellowship program, receiving psychoanalytic supervision twice a week.

In sessions with me, I typically spend the first few sessions getting to know you and gathering important background information. From there, clients can expect a combination of therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to their individual needs. I draw from psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), ACT, and occasionally incorporate elements of positive psychology. Together, we will collaboratively develop a treatment plan and prioritize your goals for therapy. You can expect that the treatment plan will help address your immediate concerns and equip you with lifelong coping strategies. However, sometimes, the root causes of current difficulties may require us to explore past experiences. We will take time to understand where these issues originated and how they have influenced you. Occasionally, I may assign homework, which could include small tasks to practice coping skills or track your emotions or moods. I may also recommend relevant books or resources to further support your growth and understanding.

My favorite clients are those who possess a deep curiosity about themselves and are actively seeking to understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. They often come to therapy with a desire for self-exploration and growth, wanting to unravel the patterns that shape their lives. These clients typically take an active role in their treatment, sharing responsibility for their journey. They recognize that change requires effort, and together, we build a collaborative relationship where both of us work towards achieving their goals. Most of my clients seek growth, authenticity, and a deeper connection with their true selves. They often value self-awareness, and in therapy, they work to understand their patterns, break unhealthy cycles, and discover an intentional way of being.

Therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and I’m not the right therapist for everyone. Not everyone connects with the therapeutic process, and some may not be ready to dive into deep self-exploration. Therapy can be incredibly healing and life-changing for many people, but for others, it may take time, patience, or different approaches before they feel comfortable or start seeing progress. Sometimes, therapy itself may feel uncomfortable, and that’s okay. Healing isn’t always a smooth or straightforward journey. Therapy often requires clients to step out of their comfort zones. It may involve facing difficult emotions or questioning long-held beliefs, which can feel uncomfortable or even painful. There may be times when clients feel frustrated, angry, or resistant to the process. Sometimes, clients need to express anger, even toward me as the therapist, as part of their healing. Expressing these emotions helps release pent-up feelings and brings unconscious issues to the surface. I believe these moments of discomfort can actually be powerful catalysts for growth and change, even if they feel tough at the time. And I am here to create a safe space where we can talk through and work through those feelings together.