ABOUT ME
Hi, my name’s Michelle.
I am a second-generation Asian-American mental health therapist living in Los Angeles, CA. I cherish walking with clients on their life journey as they discover and become the most unburdened versions of themselves. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (No. 99111), I believe providing a trauma-informed and culturally responsive environment is critically important to doing this brave work.
I have struggled with self-doubt, people-pleasing, and perfectionism in my life and continue to work on keeping those parts of me at bay. Through active reflection, making peace with my inner child, and healing wounds from the past, I’m finding a greater sense of my identity, place, and purpose in the world. My goal is to support you on your journey to understanding yourself, healing from the past, and creating the life you want to live.
Do you struggle with feeling unseen by your family, friends, or partner?
Do you have difficulty identifying and voicing your emotions?
Does perfectionism keep you from finding satisfaction in different parts of your life?
Does self-doubt keep you stagnate in something unfulfilling or prevent you from wanting or striving for more?
Do you often wonder if you’re enough?
Do you worry about the approval of others but wonder what would make you happy?
Do you often find yourself putting yourself second or have trouble asking for what you need?
Do you forget to give yourself credit for what you are accomplishing?
Do you have difficulty speaking up or in meetings or conversations with others?
Does shame make it difficult for you to ask for help?
Have you struggled with navigating dual cultures growing up and finding an identify that’s authentically you?
Are you ever unsure of your place in the BIPOC community or in the greater social justice movement?
If any of those questions resonated with you, we might be a good fit.
Through our work, we may address topics such as family of origin dynamics, intergenerational and historical trauma, boundary setting with ourselves/others, dating/love/ relationships, navigating parenthood, depression, anxiety or issues of self confidence and self-worth, to name a few. I welcome discussion of how systemic inequities and trauma can impact one’s mental health (ie. Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism, etc) and have a special interest in supporting black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC) in working through their racial and ethnic identity.
The therapeutic relationship is a partnership I don’t take lightly. I will listen to you, ask for feedback, and adapt the therapeutic environment to meet your needs. In the course of our work together, we might cry, laugh, celebrate...jump for joy and so on. I will walk with you on your life journey without judgement and will be your champion through the highs and lows.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and International Developmental Studies and a Masters in Social Work (MSW) from UCLA. While my therapeutic approach is tailored to the individual, I draw from systems and psychodynamic theories and I integrate parts work, Brainspotting (BSP), mindfulness, and meditation in my practice. I am also certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and Seeking Safety (SS).
I consider myself an avid dabbler in painting, crafts, and poetry writing. I also enjoy dancing, roller skating, gardening, hiking, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family in my free time.
