Immigration/Acculturation

I come from a unique background of spending my early childhood in South Korea and navigating the issues of adapting to a new culture after immigrating to the United States. I'm also passionate about raising awareness about the importance of therapy and destigmatizing mental illness in Asian American communities.

Many of my clients are first or second generation citizens, or working here with a green card. Immigration/Acculturation is not usually the reason someone seeks therapy with me, but it underlies almost every conversation.

I have the experience not only of having, myself, lived and worked in other countries in my adult life, but of having worked with refugees, immigrants, dislocated peoples, expats living abroad, and persons who have returned to their country of origin, as well as, those unable to return to the country of origin. I have an existential and person-centered non-pathologizing lens through which each person's lived experience is honored and is at the core of the therapeutic relationship.

As a daughter of immigrant parents, I know what it's like to have to manage family traditions/expectations while trying to carve out your own path in this country. For many of us, taking care of our families, including our parents, is part of who we are. Trying to balance that with your well being can be hard. I'm from the border of El Paso, TX, a very unique city full of beautiful people. I've also worked with immigrant populations for nearly 10 years as a social worker in schools.

I bring a deeper understanding of immigration and acculturation issues through my own experience. I have a lived experience of being from an immigrant family, and navigating the intricate balance between personal, familial, cultural, religious, and national values. I work to create a safe and understanding space for clients to explore their own identities and how they would like most to authentically live them in their current lives.

I have a professional background in assisting immigrants as they navigate the complexities of their cultural identities while undergoing the process of integration into a foreign culture.

Growing up in immigrant families often means straddling two worlds, which can create tension, confusion, and stress. I work with children of immigrants to help them navigate this complex identity and communicate openly with their families.

I grew up in Italy and moved to the U.S. over a decade ago to attend Columbia University, so I understand the challenges of adapting to a new culture while staying connected to your roots. I’ve also worked at a college counseling center in NYC, supporting international graduate and undergraduate students as they adjusted to life in a new country. Whether you're navigating cultural shifts, visa uncertainty, or feeling caught between worlds, I provide a space where all parts of you are welcome.

As an immigrant myself, I understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with the process of adapting to a new culture and country. My personal journey has deepened my empathy for the emotional complexities of immigration and acculturation. I'll provide a safe, inclusive space for you to explore your unique journey and its emotional nuances.

Being an immigrant woman, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to leave a whole world behind and find yourself navigating constant newness. I also know how key it can be to have a safe, compassionate space while undergoing that process in order to feel grounded and to successfully handle the transition to your new life. I have worked for many years with recent immigrants processing the exhilaration and at the same time the grief that often comes with the journey.

In addition to providing therapy, I also conduct Immigration Psychological Evaluations to assist individuals and families in their immigration process. If your attorney suggested that you obtain a report from an immigration evaluation therapist, you’ve come to the right professional. I have worked with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and I’m experienced in conducting psychological assessments.

Growing up in immigrant families often means straddling two worlds, which can create tension, confusion, and stress. I work with adult children of immigrants to help them navigate this complex identity and communicate openly with their families.

We'll delve into your cultural background and heritage, helping you embrace and preserve what's meaningful to you. Together, we'll address the stressors of adapting to a new culture, providing you with coping strategies and support. If you're experiencing challenges within your family due to cultural differences, we can work on improving communication and understanding.

I completed an APA-accredited predoctoral internship at RAMS, Inc., a community mental health agency in San Francisco, California. As part of my work at RAMS, I completed clinical rotations at the Comprehensive Crisis Center, PAES Vocational services, and an outpatient clinic. The didactic part of my training at RAMS focused on cultural competency, which has been an essential part of my clinical work with first-generation immigrants in psychotherapy.

Being an immigrant myself, and providing services in Spanish and Portuguese allows me to access an increasing part of USA-living populations, the Latine/Hispanic community. I have great experience working with clients experiencing adjustment issues due to migration/acculturation, chronic trauma, childhood and adult abuse, grief and loss.

I was born and raised in the small, beautiful South American country of Ecuador, and immigrated to the United States when I was 17 years old. I am a Licensed Associate Counselor and completed my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Phoenix. I currently provide therapy for children (ages 6+), adolescents, adults, couples, families, and individuals from different populations. I am also a bi-lingual therapist fluent in Spanish and English.

Emotional challenges related to being an immigrant can feel insurmountable. A fast-changing political and socio-economic landscape can make it hard to open up unless you feel safe, and completely comfortable. Living as an immigrant can be stressful and often comes with its own set of unique difficulties. As an immigrant, I have a deep understanding of acculturative stress, and immigration trauma. Together we can navigate the emotional and psychological challenges faced by our communities.

One of our core founding principles is to support individuals and families struggling with the challenges of adapting to a new culture, acculturation and adjustment to a new cultural environment while honoring their cultural heritage and supporting their mental health. Our awareness and advocacy of the trauma of immigration we support clients in achieving integration and resilience in their new environment.