Achievement
High Achievement
Low Achievement
Calling all pre-AP students, college-bound high schoolers, graduate students, young professionals, entrepreneurs, strivers, and overachievers. You've worked hard to make it this far, so why does it still feel dissatisfying? In today's fast-paced world, it seems like we're always reaching for the next big goal. From preschool to college and beyond, striving for perfection comes with a cost. You don't have to live with that stress, anxiety, and depression. As a recovering overachiever, I help individuals of all ages decouple success from happiness so you can enjoy each fully and independently. Let's get clear on what you really want from life together.
Low achievement and high achievement are two sides of the same coin. Are you standing in the way of your own success? Is it hard to find the motivation to begin? Perhaps you are struggling with learning differences that make achievement perennially difficult. I combine my experience in the classroom as a special educator with effective psychological techniques to help you overcome your obstacles and set realistic goals so you can find meaning and joy.
Asian-Americans and Children of Immigrants
Asian-Americans, Immigration, and Acculturation
You've worked hard to live up to your parents' high expectations, but wonder if they'll ever be proud of you. Maybe you are the parent who wants the best for your American-born children, and don't know why they are so rebellious and unhappy. As an immigrant born in China and raised in the United States, I understand the challenges of being a "third culture kid." I take a culturally-mindful approach to every case and am especially sensitive to generational differences in expectations.
Immigration and acculturation occur at different rates for each of us. This may lead to gaps in understanding between family members, as well as feelings of isolation and misalignment. My aim is to help families improve their communication to unite in their goals and arrive at mutual understanding. I have a specialized interest in helping young adults differentiate from their families of origin to develop their own voice and metrics of success.
I am proficient in mandarin Chinese.
Postpartum Depression and Perinatal Mood Disorders
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Perinatal Mood Disorders
You've heard about the "baby blues" and know that it's normal to feel sad, worried, or emotional after your baby's arrival. But at what point does it become more than the blues? Irritability, weepiness, panic, obsession or disinterest in your baby, hopelessness, and guilt are all symptoms of postpartum depression.
Giving birth is a major life event, whether it's your first child or fourth, the act of becoming a new mother can be disorienting. Motherhood brings up old wounds from our own childhoods; traumas that didn't get a chance to heal. It can make us question our relationship with our own parents. It's isolating to be home with a newborn all day and wonder whether you're seizing this "joy" that everyone seems to be talking about.
You are a good mother. You are enough. As the mother of two young children, I know what it's like to be in the trenches of everlasting afternoons. It may feel like forever, but this stage is temporary and there is hope. I utilize a holistic approach to treating PPD that incorporates nutrition, sleep, routines, coping skills, and social support. I work in conjunction with your OB/GYN or midwife to help develop an integrative treatment plan so you can start feeling like yourself again.
Perinatal mood disorders refers to the broader category of depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder that occurs around pregnancy. For many women, these symptoms come during pregnancy or even while trying to conceive. Bringing new life into the world is stressful at every step of the process. For women who have a history of depression, anxiety, or other mental illness, the added physical and emotional tolls of conception and pregnancy can be overwhelming. Couple that with the desire or need to stop taking psychiatric medications, it's no wonder you are feeling lost. In addition to offering extra support and a place to vent, we will tailor a treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms while creating new life.
*Babies under 12-months are always welcome to attend your sessions with you.