The Journey: Owning the “In-Between”
I’ve always moved a little differently. Growing up as a queer biracial kid who loved anime and gaming, I frequently navigated the pressure of being “too different.” I know the exhaustion of code-switching, especially when I was told I was “talking white” for showing intelligence or told I didn’t fit the vibe of what people expected. My path to becoming a therapist was personal. After being empowered by my own journey in the therapy chair, I realized that my eccentricities weren’t flaws: they were my greatest strengths.
My path into this field was also shaped by a front-row seat to the complexities of substance use and mental health. I’ve seen firsthand how these challenges aren’t just individual struggles. Instead, they are systemic ripples that impact families, friendships, and communities. That lived experience is why I’m so passionate about helping people break cycles, no matter how long those cycles have been spinning.
Together: A Partnership of Equals
You won’t find a “stuffy” therapist here. I bring a bubbly, relaxed energy to our sessions because I want you to feel comfortable enough to be yourself. I don’t view you as something to be “fixed.” Instead, I’m here to guide you toward a place where you feel confident and self-sustaining.
I’ll always be direct with you when you need a push, but I also keep the big picture in mind. This is especially true when we are working through trauma. I understand that the weight you’re carrying isn’t just in your head; it’s often a natural response to navigating a society, a culture, or past experiences that weren’t always built with your safety in mind. In our sessions, you don’t have to “perform.” I am a firm believer that being different is okay and being eccentric is part of being human. Also, let’s be real: life is messy. In this space, you can take the mask off. If you need to cuss and vent to drop the professional act to say how you actually feel, then do it.
Specialized Support for the “Outsiders”
I utilize Narrative Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and an Affirmative lens to support:
Trauma & Resilience: Processing past experiences to help you feel safe and grounded in the present.
BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ Identities: Navigating systemic pressure while staying true to your authentic self.
Neurodivergence: Creating a world that works for your brain, not against it.
Juvenile Justice & Substance Use History: Supporting those navigating “the system” or family cycles with dignity and a clean slate.
Anxiety, Depression, & Life Transitions: Moving past the “stuck” feeling and into a place of active, committed living.
The Person Out of the Office
When I’m not in the therapist chair, I’m leaning into my own eccentricities. I’m a proud Cat Dad, a gamer, an occasional enjoyer of the gym, and a music lover. I often share a quote from the video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 that guides my philosophy:
“You know, hobbies don’t always have to be useful. I’m enjoying the uselessness of today, and readying my usefulness for tomorrow.”
I believe your value isn’t tied to your productivity. Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is lean into the “useless” things you love to recharge for the work of tomorrow. You don’t have to be productive 24/7 to be worthy of love or respect. You don’t have to be “useful” to be enough. You’re enough right now, in this exact moment.
Your Path, Your Terms
You deserve a space where you don’t have to constantly explain your culture, your beliefs, your hobbies, or your history. You just have to show up. Whether you are dealing with the echoes of the past or the anxieties of the future, let’s work together to make sure you’re the one holding the controller.
Ready to start writing your next chapter? Let’s connect and turn your unique path into your greatest power.
