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specializing in supporting those who struggle with perfectionism, self-criticism, people-pleasing, fear of disappointing others, challenges in accepting their feelings, and the impact of generational trauma
OFFERING virtual THERAPY ACROSS CALIFORNIA |
Hey there! I'm Lisa. If you’re reading this, you’re probably thinking about investing in yourself or someone you love and I want to say - that’s beautiful.
After over 15 years of being in and out of therapy myself, I've come to understand what actually makes a difference- and I bring those same qualities into how I show up with my clients.
I aim to be present, thoughtful, compassionate, and curious, while offering gentle nudges when needed. I'll hold you accountable with care, and when it feels right, I'll sprinkle in some lightness and humor- because let's be real, the work can get pretty heavy. I primarily work with Asian Americans, people of color, and LGBTQIA+ who often find themselves stuck in cycles of people-pleasing, anxiety, depression, and both internal and external anger. Many carry resentment from feeling like they've had to betray themselves. A lot of my clients carry the weight of childhood trauma, feeling like they had to grow up too quickly, and were often labeled the "black sheep," the "troublemaker," "caretaker," or even "the therapist" among their friends. Underneath it all is usually a longing for something more honest and fulfilling. A deeper connection with themselves and others, but getting there can feel confusing or overwhelming.
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Does this sound like you?
You find yourself stuck in a cycle of feeling angry, resentful, invalidated, betraying what you really want time and time again, constantly choosing others over your own well-being. Then the guilt hits - "Oh my gosh, I'm a terrible person. This is not okay; how could I even think that?" You have been disconnected from yourself for so long that your deepest desire is to reconnect with yourself and find peace.
My typical client seeks a more authentic relationship with themselves and others without compromising their own well-being and peace, but they don't know how to achieve it.
You find yourself stuck in a cycle of feeling angry, resentful, invalidated, betraying what you really want time and time again, constantly choosing others over your own well-being. Then the guilt hits - "Oh my gosh, I'm a terrible person. This is not okay; how could I even think that?" You have been disconnected from yourself for so long that your deepest desire is to reconnect with yourself and find peace.
My typical client seeks a more authentic relationship with themselves and others without compromising their own well-being and peace, but they don't know how to achieve it.
Life is busy, your time is valuable, and therapy is expensive.
I intentionally keep a small caseload so I can be fully present in each session. I know life is busy, therapy is an expensive investment, and your time matters. You deserve care that's focused, grounded, and intentional.
You're in the right place if YOU are...
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• Feeling like you've tried everything but nothing will work
• Having a hard time saying "no" and struggling to set boundaries or reinforce them • Highly critical on yourself and others • Struggling with low self-esteem or not feeling "good enough" • Isolating yourself because no one "gets" you • Noticing strong feelings but don't how to deal with them in a healthy manner and end up pushing them away • Noticing irritability and lashing out on others, especially the people closest to you • Often noticing yourself going into shame spirals and feeling overwhelmed and stuck in them • Feeling like you have to hide parts of yourself to be accepted • Seeking validation and approval from others and question your own judgment and decisions • Feel like it's your responsibility to anticipate the needs of others fearing what would happen if you don't |
With yourself
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You're feeling anxious, angry, upset, or a mixture of these emotions. You ask yourself why you can't stay happy for long periods of time and often shame yourself for feeling a certain way. Pretty soon, you're running away from discomfort, may it be through watching TV, browsing social media, eating, people pleasing- you are handling issues in ways you don't like. When you're not busy, you feel uncomfortable sitting with yourself and the emotions, which leads you to distract yourself again.
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With Others
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You're feeling like they don't understand you; there's either too much fighting or avoidance of fights altogether. There is tension, where you feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Close relationships can often trigger surprising and intense feelings, and you don't know what to do except what you know how to do. This can be especially challenging for people who grew up with challenging family relationships in childhood since relationships often resurface emotions related to what we learned growing up, our fears, and the way we feel about ourselves. |
how do I have healthier relationships with myself and others?
Recognizing that you want healthier relationships is the first step! The more you are able to deepen your connection with yourself, the more you can show up for others in an authentic way that feels more genuine, fulfilling, and aligned with who you really are.
