Racial Identity

I have over 17 years of experience - both clinical and research - in racial identity development.

As a black man in America i first hand understand and have the lived experience of what it is like being black in this country. As a first generation African American, i also have the lived experience of being raised in two different cultures and navigating the different cultural dynamics.

As a Black therapist, I will give you the space to process your identity and racial trauma, as well as, any challenges that come with navigating a white supremacy society.

Exploring topics of racial, cultural, and ethnic background as it relates to one’s family origins and personal identity.

I am mixed-race Chicanx and racial identity is something that I have been navigating since early childhood. In that way, much of my relationship with racial identity and mental health is informed by the concept of belongingness and thwarted belongingness as well as systemic oppression.

Race means a multitude of things depending who you ask. I have been working with BI&POC communities my entire career with a specialization in mixed individuals navigating their own identity.

As a Black woman, I bring a unique perspective to my practice that is rooted in both professional expertise and personal experience. I understand the complexities and nuances of navigating racial identity in today's society. I provide a safe and affirming space where individuals can explore their racial identity, process experiences of discrimination and oppression, and cultivate a sense of empowerment and resilience.

There are many individuals who are facing multiple forms of violence through relationships with toxic systems. In my work, I stress that real love does not require one to give up their freedom for the sake of belonging. It’s in the power of our ability to use our voice and to think and feel for ourselves that we find the power to stand alone and stand with others. The ability to do both is what real freedom and real love requires. You deserve to be free and to feel love.

My passion for therapy stems from a long history supporting international adoptees as well as those who are adopted or fostered across racial lines. In my ten years of practice, I have found that this area of focus has uniquely poised me to work with individuals navigating all kinds of complex identity issues.

My expertise is in helping people with multicultural backgrounds integrate their various cultural and racial identities in order to resolve their internal multicultural dissonances.

At my other practice, Anise Health, I work with clients from the Asian and Asian American community, and we specifically specialize in giving culturally-responsive care. I have been working with clients who are first-generation immigrants, children of immigrants and refugees, and biracial clients and helping them understand their racial identity more, in addition to helping them understand their generational trauma and relationship with their parents.

I maintain experience in working with clients of various racial backgrounds, of all gender identities. I love bringing in various models, techniques, and exercises to help clients continue developing their racial identity. By letting each client lead to discuss their experience, clients are able to have space to both process their identity while fostering growth. I also use unorthodox exercises into the space, like using cultural songs, poems, movies, or books.

Much of my graduate level research and training has been in understanding the complex racial identity development of people of color and White individuals. My dissertation research included examining how Black clients responded to White therapists who overtly broach cross-racial differences in the therapy session.

I have experience working with folks who want to process their racial and cultural experiences and the ways in which they are impacted. I have also worked with people who feel disconnected from their racial and cultural identities.

I am Half-Korean and Half-Italian, and my parents are 1st and 2nd generation immigrants to the US. Therapy has historically been a "white" thing to do, and has not always been a safe experience for people of color. I enjoy working with people of all intersecting identities, and work to remain culturally humble as a person and clinician. Therapy can be a helpful place to address issues related to racial identity, racial trauma, or navigating multiple cultures.

Our aim is to facilitate discussions on fostering and promoting positive racial identity, racial consciousness, and addressing internalized biases. Through multicultural counseling techniques and identity exploration, we empower clients to navigate the complexities of race and racial identity with confidence and authenticity.