EDUCATION

GRADUATE SCHOOL:
I received my Doctorate of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Counseling Psychology at the University of Santa Barbara, California (UCSB). The Counseling, Clinical, and School Psychology Program at UCSB is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association and adheres to a scientist-practitioner model. Therefore, my training placed heavy emphasis on academic, research, and practitioner knowledge and skills.

My research was in the area of multicultural counseling competency with an emphasis on Asian American mental health. I have published in the Handbook of Counseling Psychology and I have presented at various professional conferences. I also regularly conduct community presentations at UC Irvine on topics including stress management, self-care/burnout, healthy relationships, sexual wellness, and cross cultural issues.

Prior to receiving my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, I received a Masters in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). I pursued this degree because of my commitment to social justice and serving multicultural clientele. The education and training I received in Social Welfare has enriched my current professional identity as a psychologist. It provides me a wider understanding of how sociopolitical and cultural factors impact a person’s psychological and social well-being.

COLLEGE:
I earned a B.A. in Psychology and graduated with Cum Laude Honors at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD).

CLINICAL AND TEACHING

I currently serve as a Senior Staff Psychologist at the University of California, Irvine Counseling Center. My past clinical experiences include working at other university counseling centers (UCLA and CSULB) and community clinics.

I was trained in both interpersonal and mindfulness based cognitive-behavioral therapies with an emphasis on multicultural competency. My clinical approach with clients is integrative which means I tailor my approach to each client to support their worldview and values. I also specialize in using mindfulness and acceptance commitment therapy interventions to assist clients in emotional freedom and self-acceptance.

My clinical areas of expertise include: psychological wellness, identity/self growth, healthy
relationships, couples therapy, sexual wellness/sex therapy, mindfulness, life transitions, career, parenting, stress management/anxiety, depression and cross-cultural issues.


TEACHING EXPERIENCE:
In addition to my clinical work, I have a passion for teaching. I currently am an Adjunct Faculty at the California State University, Long Beach.  I teach Human Sexuality and Counseling, Medication and Counseling, and Counseling Methods for the graduate, Marriage and Family Therapy Program.

I also teach Intimate Relationships at the University of California, Irvine in the undergraduate department.

In the past, I taught at Argosy University, teaching Sociocultural Diversity and Couples Therapy for the graduate, Marriage and Family Therapy Program.

Teaching courses in my areas of clinical expertise allows me to keep abreast of new developments in the field and provides me with the great rewards of being a part of the professional development of therapists in training.