Areas of Focus

The experience of those with ADHD often doesn’t just encompass problems with attention, concentration, and/or hyperactivity and restlessness. Common struggles include feelings of anxiety, depression, questioning one’s abilities, a long history of low self-esteem, difficulties in relationships and/or work and feeling as if one is not achieving to their full potential. 

Please know this: it’s not your fault. You, or your child, weren’t just “lazy” or “stupid,” or any other self-deprecating belief people diagnosed with ADHD often carry with them. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that is not about simply lacking willpower.  Those who are diagnosed as adults often feel a sense of relief, yet lament a life that could have been. 

I provide therapy for children, teens, and adults who struggle with ADHD to explore strengths, learn strategies to manage ADHD and challenge negative self-perception. 

Please note that while I have years of neuropsychological assessment training and experience, at this time, I do not offer evaluations for ADHD. I have a number of trusted colleagues to provide a referral to for such an evaluation. 

Being a part of a cultural community often invokes a sense of community and pride. So many of the norms, values, and beliefs are learned from our immigrant parents. However, many who grew up in a dual culture also experience complex feelings including guilt, shame, obligation, and struggles with self-esteem. 

"We came here for you," may be a familiar phrase heard growing up that can lead to feelings of guilt and debt towards immigrant parents. Balancing one’s own desires and expected roles within your family is a common experience among those raised in America by immigrant parents. Many grew up in households where mental health and emotions were taboo to discuss. In these families, cultural clashes and conflicts can occur leading to strained relationships. 

During graduate school, I was part of a research lab that examined empathic guilt in Asian Americans, other cultures, and populations. My dissertation explored the role of empathic guilt in conflicts between Chinese Americans and their immigrant parents. Some of my most memorable clinical experiences include working with families in Chinatown to give back to the community I spent summers in as a child. 

I offer a therapeutic space to help you reflect, process, and navigate common difficulties experienced by people raised by immigrants. Please note, I do not offer family therapy for adult children and their parents but may be able to help you find a clinician who does.

Children and teens face a number of challenges today. Mental health providers have seen an explosion of mental health needs in youth during distance learning and return to school in the midst of a pandemic. Parents and families have reported significant increase in anxiety and depression in their children. Often youth are not verbally expressive like adults-what seems to manifest as a behavioral change may actually be a result of stress, depression and/or anxiety. Other common struggles teens and parents notice are long time patterns of perfectionism and self-esteem difficulties that we often see with increasing academic and social pressures (especially in the Bay Area!)

I help youth and their parents in the reduction and management of struggles by utilizing a combination of individual therapy, parent consultation & education, and family therapy when appropriate.