Why I do This

I love using IFS Therapy to help people in their process of deepening their self-awareness and balancing their care for others with care for themselves. It's a thrill when clients start to feel more agency and strength and begin taking steps to bring harmony into their lives.

About Me

I am American Asian; a blend of two cultures. I was born in and lived some of my formative years in the Philippines. The rich experience I’ve had of being a young girl of mixed customs, traditions and practices, including living the conventions of a military family, has familiarized me with the nuances of blending cultures and how it shapes who we are and our values.

Like most people, maybe even all people, I too, have experienced the polarization of wanting to say/do one thing but find myself saying/doing the opposite, or instead, shutting down and staying quiet. Through my own IFS therapy, I have learned the positive intentions of my protectors and embraced them as my internal heroes, whom sacrificed joy and fun to protect a vulnerable part of me that yearned for acceptance and approval.

 As a Psychotherapist

Being a psychotherapist is my second career. After being in the science field, I longed to work in a deeper capacity and decided to go back to school to study counseling. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling in 2005 from Sonoma State University and became licensed as an MFT in 2013.

As a Level 3 Internal Family Systems psychotherapist, I continually strive to be and do better by consistently attending trainings and participating in ongoing consultation, supervision and groups to enhance my skills and grow as a therapist, particularly focusing on IFS.