Services

PARENT CONSULTATION AND GUIDANCE

“But feelings can’t be ignored, no matter how unjust or ungrateful they seem.” – Anne Frank

“Feelings are much like waves, we can’t stop them from coming, but we can choose which one to surf.” – Jonathan Martensson

I provide consultation and guidance to parents who are struggling with their young child’s (age 1-10) emotion regulation challenges, sometimes due to ADHD, anxiety, sensory sensitivities, strong-willed temperament or autism. Children with big intense feelings have a more difficult time feeling and tolerating their feelings because it feels very stressful for them inside their body, they often do not want to have those feelings which can sometimes make them feel worse. They can often take longer to recover and return to baseline because the feelings are so big and intense, and consequently, need more time to subside. Children with big feelings often are more emotional, and might seem as if they are “crying about many little things all the time” throughout the day, and the parent sometimes wonders “why they haven’t outgrown this by now”. They often have challenges with not getting their way, not feeling in control, therefore, unexpected or sudden changes in their routine or not getting their expectations met might tend to set off a big, emotional episode that can affect the entire family. Does this sound all too familiar? Your concerns and struggles are happening in many other households, and I have helped many parents understand their child better and find different approaches and responses to their child that has helped improve their relationship with their child and bring more peace to the home.

Individual therapy with tweens and Teens

”What day is it?” asked Pooh. “It’s today.” squeaked Piglet. “My favorite day”, said Pooh’.

Pre-adolescence and adolescence are arguably the most tumultuous, stressful times in a child’s life.  As hormones make changes to their bodies, emotions are also more in flux and intensified, and can feel unpredictable and confusing. Thoughts such as “I don’t belong” or “What is the purpose of my life?”, “Everyone seems to be better than me” or “No one understands” start to swirl around like a storm in their minds, and can often cause a lot of mood swings that not only bring down the mood of the tween/teen, but also cause stress for the rest of the family who cares so much for them. Sometimes there can be worry or anxious thoughts such as "They are going to think I am weird" or "No one is going to like me" or "I am going to fail" that repeat in their minds that prevent them from being around their peers or doing as well as they want in school.  Other times there can be unhealthy urges to do things such as cut on themselves, stress eat or restrict eating, or try substances when they want to distract from feelings that make them feel bad or are too painful. I can help the tween/teen to not feel so alone, feel understood, let go of worries and not let anxiety or depression bully them around. I can help them connect to what matters to them most, find their voice and direction, and live a life with purpose based on their value-driven choices, not what others or society has obligated or dictated them to do. 

Parent and Family Therapy

“We have more possibilities available in each moment than we realize.” — Thich Nhat Hanh

Because the first bonds we develop in our lives are so influential in how we develop attachments with others and relate to ourselves, repairing rifts in the parent-child relationship can be the one of the most important things that people can do for themselves.  It can help develop the capacity for forgiveness, compassion and acceptance for oneself and others. I strive to help parents be more in tune with what kind of parent they want to be, make mindful choices in order to better respond to their child’s needs in the moment, and help the parent and child feel more connected. I aim to help family members cultivate a respectful, intimate, and collaborative relationship with one another.

iNDIVIDUAL THERAPY WITH ADULTS

‘Surrender to what is. Let go of what was. Have faith in what will be’ — Sonia Recotti

I help adult clients to have a more mindful way of connecting with those who are most important to them and what matters to them most, to ultimately help them live meaningful, gratifying lives, despite all of the pain and fears that they have been struggling with. Whether it is depression, anxiety, anger, fear, sorrow, or grief that has been a barrier for them, I am here to help clients build the strength and courage to help them live well and be their true selves.

ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) evaluation

I provide ADHD evaluations to current patients, new patients, or patients referred by their own therapist or primary care physician to inform/clarify their own current clinical treatment, who may be considering medications or need to show documentation to the school to request accommodations. Evaluations are provided to elementary school, middle school, high school and college students, as well as, adults. The fee is based on an hourly assessment rate. The number of hours included in the evaluation fee varies depending on the complexity of the data and how much detail is included in the report summary.

supervision of post-doctoral residents

I also offer supervision of post-doctoral residents in their clinical and psychodiagnostic (intelligence, mood, personality functioning) assessment work. I have special interest in providing didactic training in and supervising the Rorschach.

Areas of Interest

  • Asian and Pacific Islander and diversity issues

  • Anti-racism/Decolonization

  • Immigration and acculturation

  • Parenting young children

  • ADHD and academic problems, and ADHD evaluation

  • Gender identity issues

  • Anger

  • Anxiety and OCD

  • Social anxiety

  • Grief

  • Depression

  • Adoption

  • Identity development

  • Spirituality and religion