Hello! My name is Lisa (she/her).
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, especially when you’re having to navigate inevitable changes. Whether that be finding balance in your life or addressing feelings of injustice, I aim to work alongside you, helping clarify and achieve the aspirations that bring you to therapy. As a first-generation Chinese American, I have witnessed and personally experienced the lasting effects of oppression, rigid structures, and microaggressions. While these may seem small in isolation, over time, they accumulate, creating internal conflict, leaving behind frustration, and, ultimately, anger.
My intersecting identities have shaped how I view the world. I understand the experience of being a minority and the complexities that come with it such as code-switching, dealing with stereotypes, and feeling pressure to conform to societies expectations. This internal conflict has given me a deeper understanding of cultural loss, the complexities of identity, and the emotional weight that can accompany the struggle to balance tradition with personal autonomy.
Beyond my work with intergenerational and cultural identity issues, I am committed to addressing issues related to body image and disordered eating, particularly within BIPOC and low-income communities. To strengthen my clinical skills, I am currently pursuing a certification in eating disorders, which will equip me to better serve clients who struggle with disordered eating. The beauty standards which are perpetuated further through societies unrealistic standards, and I hope to support you through your journey of accepting your body at any size.
I believe that conflict is not the result of an individual’s actions alone but is due to relational patterns and interactions of the family or couple system. Together, we will examine family patterns and negative cycles that perpetuate conflict and improve the quality of relationships. Drawing from Structural and Contextual Family therapy, we will explore the roles, boundaries, and hierarchies that exist in your life and systems while also exploring the need to both give and receive; in utilizing this approach we will explore intergenerational influences on care.
During our time together, I hope to serve as a guide on your journey toward meaningful change. I recognize that every client’s experience is unique, and I am committed to creating an inclusive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel seen and respected. By embracing my cultural complexities, I aim to support clients in exploring their identities and finding balance in ways that honor their values.
I look forward to chatting with you!
Credentials
Education
- Master of Arts in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy
- Bachelors of Science in Psychology and Sociology