My Clinical Approach 

I have an integrated approach and pull from various theories to best help my clients. Main approaches I utilize include psychodynamic, emotion-focused, cognitive behavioral, and interpersonal theories. I fundamentally believe that each person has lived their life to the best of their ability, however, due to various circumstances and systemic issues have developed various ways to cope that are no longer effective or are considered unhealthy. Therefore, the above approaches help individuals to understand interpersonal patterns and psychological processes that occurred while they grew up, deepen their awareness of their thoughts and emotions, and learn to process and manage their thoughts and emotions in healthy and corrective ways which also lead to healthy behaviors.

 

I also use a culturally sensitive and empowerment-based multicultural approach in which I discuss and explore with my clients their various social identities (i.e., gender identity, sexual orientation, racial/ethnic identity, nationality, social class identity, disability identity, religious identity and more), cultural values/backgrounds, and systemic factors that impact their lives and presenting concerns. For instance, many minority populations suffer from mental health symptoms due to continued systemic oppression, cultural adjustment, and minority stress. These experiences are thus critical to acknowledge, understand, and frame in one's narrative and sense of wellness and healing. 

 

Lastly, I incorporate the use of mindfulness and self-compassion at times to help clients manage their symptoms and inner challenges.

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Please note that while this is my main approach, I work with my clients together to find an approach that best works for them.