Immigration/Acculturation

I come from a unique background of spending my early childhood in South Korea and navigating the issues of adapting to a new culture after immigrating to the United States. I'm also passionate about raising awareness about the importance of therapy and destigmatizing mental illness in Asian American communities.

In addition to providing therapy, I also conduct Immigration Psychological Evaluations to assist individuals and families in their immigration process. If your attorney suggested that you obtain a report from an immigration evaluation therapist, you’ve come to the right professional. I have worked with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and I’m experienced in conducting psychological assessments.

I'm an immigrant from Greece and the Middle East who is now naturalized in the United States. As someone who identifies as racially ambiguous, I'm passionate about serving immigrant communities and addressing cross-cultural dynamics. I know firsthand how branching out while maintaining a connection to your culture can feel impossible. In therapy, I will work with you through a culturally-humble and culturally-affirming lens to help you navigate these challenging dynamics.

Many of my clients are first or second generation citizens, or working here with a green card. Immigration/Acculturation is not usually the reason someone seeks therapy with me, but it underlies almost every conversation.

I was born and raised in the small, beautiful South American country of Ecuador, and immigrated to the United States when I was 17 years old. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and completed my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. I currently provide therapy for children (ages 6+), adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals from different populations. I am also a bi-lingual therapist fluent in Spanish and English.

I have the experience not only of having, myself, lived and worked in other countries in my adult life, but of having worked with refugees, immigrants, dislocated peoples, expats living abroad, and persons who have returned to their country of origin, as well as, those unable to return to the country of origin. I have an existential and person-centered non-pathologizing lens through which each person's lived experience is honored and is at the core of the therapeutic relationship.

I am a bilingual therapist fluently in English and Mandarin. I am familiar with culturally competent therapy and service. Born and raised in Taiwan, I have worked and clinically trained in the U.S in various Asian mental health setting including hospital outpatient department, community mental health clinic, school-based mental health services, and private practice. As an Asian American psychotherapist, I naturally connect with immigration and acculturation issues that clients experience.

As an immigrant myself, I understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with the process of adapting to a new culture and country. My personal journey has deepened my empathy for the emotional complexities of immigration and acculturation. I'll provide a safe, inclusive space for you to explore your unique journey and its emotional nuances.

I specialize in exploring the unconscious impacts of immigration and acculturation. I help clients navigate the emotional complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural integration, uncovering how early experiences and internalized cultural conflicts shape their current struggles. Through this process, we work to integrate past and present, fostering a sense of self that honors both heritage and personal growth.

I have worked for many years life changes especially with the immigrant community and 2nd generation youths who may have recently arrived or came to this country.

I specialize in supporting clients navigating the emotional and psychological challenges of immigration and acculturation. I understand the complexities of balancing cultural heritage with the pressures of adapting to a new environment. Through culturally sensitive therapy, I help individuals process trauma, manage stress, and build resilience while reconnecting with their roots. I aim to provide a safe space where clients can explore their identities and heal through cultural transitions.

I have a professional background in assisting immigrants as they navigate the complexities of their cultural identities while undergoing the process of integration into a foreign culture.

I bring a deeper understanding of immigration and acculturation issues through my own experience. I have a lived experience of being from an immigrant family, and navigating the intricate balance between personal, familial, cultural, religious, and national values. I work to create a safe and understanding space for clients to explore their own identities and how they would like most to authentically live them in their current lives.

As an immigrant, I understand first hand the challenges one faces around acculturation and assimilation. Going through the immigration process can be scary and the pressure from the society along with family pressure can result in stress while feeling like you don't quite fit in. As your therapist, we will delve deeper around the challenges you face and assist you in feeling confident with yourself and finding healthy ways to cope with potential anxiety that can arise.

Together we will explore issues of home, belonging, and identity, as well as cultural expectations, individuality, and choice.

Immigration and acculturation present unique challenges, from navigating cultural shifts to managing feelings of isolation or loss of identity. I understand how these experiences impact mental health and relationships. I specialize in helping individuals process these transitions, rebuild their sense of belonging, and foster resilience in their new environment. My goal is to help you feel grounded and empowered while maintaining your cultural values.

I completed an APA-accredited predoctoral internship at RAMS, Inc., a community mental health agency in San Francisco, California. As part of my work at RAMS, I completed clinical rotations at the Comprehensive Crisis Center, PAES Vocational services, and an outpatient clinic. The didactic part of my training at RAMS focused on cultural competency, which has been an essential part of my clinical work with first-generation immigrants in psychotherapy.

I am an immigration evaluation therapist who has been conducting immigration evaluations since 2015. At this time, I offer immigration evaluations for the following types of cases: Hardship, Cancellation of Removal, Removal of Conditions, VAWA (for men and women), and U-Visa. I offer evaluations for clients located in the following states: Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina.