My role in your therapeutic experience is for you and all your parts to feel seen, heard, understood, and valued. I track and align with your needs to help you get relief from the overwhelm and find new options and possibility in life.
My approach to therapy is to be authentically present with you through times of struggle and times of ease. I offer security and confidence in our relationship and the IFS model to help you access your inner resources. I also believe in having lightness and humor in our work together because there can be joy in therapy too.
I am a Level 2 Internal Family Systems therapist. This means I have attended two intensive and experiential trainings equalling over 150 hours of training with the IFS Institute's lead trainers in addition to using the model since 2021. I plan to be a Certified IFS Therapist by Summer of 2025.
As a bi-racial therapist (Caucasian and Filipina) who has worked with diverse populations in urban and rural areas, I act as a cultural bridge that can hold the experiences of people who have many identities. I grew up in San Francisco and attended San Francisco State University and University of San Francisco. I am based on Maui, Hawaii and continue to feel a deep connection to both states and call both of them "home". I am licensed in California and Hawaii and can provide online therapy to residents in those states.
When I'm not in sessions, I enjoy exploring the world with loved ones, enjoying cuisines and cultures, running, strength training, being present with my two human kids and, of course, going to my own personal IFS therapy sessions. In addition to geeking out on IFS and psychology, I love watching RuPaul's Drag Race, ordering take-out, starting books but not finishing them, word jumbles, and singing karaoke.
The Nautilus
The nautilus is an ancient sea creature with sacred geometry in its chambered shell. In order to survive, it outgrows an old chamber to fit into the next one. It can feel constrictive and painful to move through the chamber but it must transition to live. I use the nautilus as a symbol of what can feel difficult to move through can also bring transformation, growth, and expansion.