ABOUT ME

Hi, I’m tina! (she/her)

Born & raised in New York City, I am a 2nd generation Chinese-American now living in the evergreen state of Washington! So much of who we are comes from diverse experiences and interactions. It’s valuable to recognize and know these identities you bring to the table, who your authentic self is and how they show up for others & yourself. With empathy, empowerment (& sometimes humor!), I hold space for clients to be fully seen, known and accepted. My hope is that through our work together, you can begin to access your strengths, develop new ones, & have ways to navigate every season of your life wholeheartedly.

I focus on body-centered therapy that helps you reconnect and recognize parts of your body that may be stuck or feeling the emotions and stressors of the every day. In taking small (and meaningful) steps, progression is possible. It would my privilege to come alongside you on your healing path.

I have over 7 years of experience working with folks going through transitions, trauma, suicidality, anxiety, relationship and identity issues — helping all within an empowering and holistic framework. I am a certified trauma professional specializing in sexual trauma survivors and complex trauma. I also have extensive experience working with those in crisis as well as those on the path of recovery. Additionally, I believe that integration of our faith with evidenced based research and practices is important in honoring our complexities and wonderfully made beings of ourselves. Through a better understanding of your world view and by integrating several different approaches, I collaboratively work with people towards healing and restoration.

Work with me

My approach & credentials

  • My approach to therapy is collaborative, empowering, personalized, evidence-based and relational. There is no one-size-fits-all model to therapy, as I believe that every person has a unique background and story. I will personalize care to your specific needs while using a primarily evidence-based approach to help you make the changes and work towards the goals you want to make. I believe that healing and growth isn’t an individual process, but is done in relationship with one another– which is why our therapeutic relationship is also just as important to cultivate and co-create together. Your goals may naturally change throughout time, and that’s okay! I value collaboration and will ask for your feedback throughout so that you are working towards the goals and progress you’d like.

    While I integrate many different treatment approaches into my work, my therapeutic style is largely influenced by Personal-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Psychodynamic/Attachment-Based Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. All of these are grounded within a social justice lens, addressing and exploring your authentic self with compassion and trust. I also enjoy utilizing mindfulness and somatic/movement based interventions restoring connections to all areas (biological, psychological, social and spiritual) of our very being.

  • —Trauma & Recovery (complex, racilized/cultural, sexual)
    —    Life Transitions
    —Depression
    —Stress, Burnout, Coping Skills
    —Anxiety (excessive worries, nervousness)
    —Cultural Identity (cross-cultural issues, belonging, identity development)
    —Relationship Issues (intimacy, attachment, communication)
    —Spirituality issues (spiritual abuse, spiritual identity, deconstruction, hope)
    —Self-Worth & Confidence
    —Family Conflict

  • -Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) - #LH61256870
    -Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Wheaton College
    -Bachelors of Arts in Psychology & Business Admin at Boston University

    Trainings & Certifications:
    -Certified Trauma Professional
    -    Eating Disorder Training Network Level 1, Seattle Children’s Hospital
    -    TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
    -WCSAP Sexual Assault Advocate/Therapist
    -Suicide Prevention & Crisis Planning

  • Other than being a therapist, I am also a certified aerial yoga teacher! In my free time I love being able to engage in movement through yoga/aerial yoga/dance. I also spend time with my dog & my partner, talking walks, hiking, and exploring all the nature Washington has to offer. I am very much a lover of the arts and appreciate all kinds of movies, tv shows, performances and music. You can catch me getting lost in a new binge-worthy show, a fictional novel or spending time with the community around me.

“when we deny the story, it defines us. when we own the story, we can write a brave new ending.” —Brene Brown

 

Keeping silent about something tragic bleeds into different facets of your life, your personality, your spirit, your soul. And if this is you, I want to encourage you to share your untold story. In bringing it into the light, the darkness dims and soon enough light prevails. Know that by coming as you are, into a safe and compassionate space, there is so much empowerment, so much freedom, and so much healing that can unfold.