My journey to becoming a therapist wasn’t exactly what you’d call straightforward. Growing up surrounded by expectations to fit into the model minority box, my career path seemed pre-chosen: doctor, lawyer, or engineer. But life had other plans for me.

The heart of my professional shift was grappling with my own mental health challenges. As an Asian American, I faced the heavy shadows of age-old stigmas and stereotypes about mental health – to not talk about it, keep my head low, don’t draw attention, and do my best to appear better than “okay.” Breaking away from these expectations wasn’t easy — it was a journey of healing and self-discovery I often walked alone. This path led me to creative self-expression and, ultimately, the freedom to define my identity on my own terms, beyond the societal and cultural barriers I faced.

It was through my own struggles that I found purpose and passion to contribute and to serve for the greater good. I realized that our pain, as daunting as it may seem, serves a profound purpose. My trials and tribulations forged my principles, ethics, and approach to life, shaping the therapist I am today. I believe our greatest strengths emerge from our hardest battles.

This insight propelled me into mental health work with individuals facing significant challenges: foster youth, those on juvenile probation, experiencing homelessness, battling substance use, and children with chronic illnesses. These experiences, far beyond any formal training, taught me invaluable lessons about compassion, empathy, and the human spirit.

With over a decade of experience, I carry these lessons into my practice, serving a wide array of individuals. Before I could offer help, I knew I needed to live by the values I championed, setting a high bar for integrity and excellence. Helping others isn’t just a job – it’s a serious responsibility I embrace wholeheartedly. This ethos is at the core of my team’s culture, driven by a deep respect for the individuals we support. They deserve the best we can offer, and I’m here to ensure that’s exactly what they receive.

Mark Twain once said, “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” This quote resonates deeply with me, serving as a constant reminder of my journey’s origin and the purpose that fuels my dedication to mental health.

My drive to embark on this path is deeply rooted in my own encounters with trauma and a firsthand perspective on human suffering. Growing up, I yearned for a beacon of hope, love, and compassion—the very essence of what I strive to be in my professional life today. This ethos has become my guiding principle, my “religion,” if you will.

The transformative power of mental health support is something I don’t just practice – I live by it. Having navigated through numerous personal adversities, including traumatic childhood events and significant losses, my resolve to assist others is reinforced by the invaluable insights and wisdom gained from these experiences. I’ve seen how the most challenging periods can lead to profound creativity, strength, and personal growth, both in myself and those I’ve had the privilege to support.

I hold an unwavering belief in our collective ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. This belief is the foundation of my work, guiding me as I walk alongside those in need of guidance and support.

Our lives’ most difficult chapters often pave the way to our most significant achievements and character development. I’ve learned that our deepest sorrows can catalyze transformation, enriching our lives with greater meaning and deepening our understanding of our place in the world.

At the heart of it all, I believe our life’s purpose is to pursue the greatest good we can envision and let this noble aim steer our actions. This conviction empowers me to extend relentless compassion and empathy, creating a space where individuals are seen and understood beyond their struggles.

I’m deeply passionate about the power of preventive care and personal transformation, guiding my focus in therapy toward addressing the immediate concerns my clients face and fostering choices that enhance their overall quality of life.

Driven by an innate curiosity, I relish in uncovering the distinct ways individuals perceive and navigate their life’s journey. I consider myself a ‘people researcher,’ applying a scientific lens to explore the vast spectrum of human experience. My experiences have shown me the rich diversity that defines us—our unique mix of attitudes, beliefs, and viewpoints that weave together to form the intricate mosaic of humanity. Yet, amidst this diversity, I’ve discovered underlying threads that bind us, revealing our shared journey of growth, discovery, and adaptation. We are all beautifully complex works in progress, continuously evolving and reshaping our paths.

Embarking on my journey to become credentialed, I didn’t just stick to the academic path laid before me. Instead, I dived headfirst into a wide array of self-development pursuits. From leadership workshops to meditation, martial arts, fitness, exploring ancient rituals, improving on public speaking, and more, I immersed myself fully. I’ve always believed that to truly help others, I must lead by example, holding myself to a high standard of personal growth and integrity.

Initially, my clinician training was fueled by a singular thought: I was determined to work with the most challenging cases and individuals. This resolve led me through diverse experiences, from juvenile probation and the foster care system to supporting older adults with dementia and Alzheimer’s, aiding the homeless, veterans, and children facing unique medical challenges. Each role pushed me to my limits, both personally and professionally, refining my clinical skills under intense pressure.

Beyond my clinical expertise, I bring two decades of experience as a certified black belt and martial arts instructor, having competed nationally and coached at the Olympic level. This background has instilled in me the values of perseverance, integrity, respect, and courtesy, deepening my understanding of mind-body training and coaching techniques that I integrate into my practice.

At the heart of my work is a commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). I founded Optimind with the mission to offer culturally-sensitive and trauma-informed services to everyone. My clients have spanned a broad spectrum, from tech employees at Google/Facebook and CEOs to elite athletes, the homeless, individuals navigating life post-incarceration, and children in the foster care system or facing serious medical conditions.

I share my diverse experiences with you in the hope that they instill confidence in my ability to understand and support you, no matter your journey. So, come as you are, knowing that I will accept and welcome you with open arms, ready to embark on this journey together.

I’ve had the privilege of diving deep into a specialized strand of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) pioneered by Dr. Burns from the Stanford School of Medicine. This version of CBT isn’t just a standalone approach for me – it’s intricately woven with other therapeutic modalities to enrich my practice. My affiliation with Stanford Children’s Health has been a cornerstone, allowing me to collaborate with numerous providers and tap into a wealth of resources and expertise from some of the most respected figures in our field. My philosophy as a therapist goes beyond addressing symptoms – I’m all about treating the whole person and recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health with every facet of life.

Mental wellness is more than a profession to me—it’s a way of life. I’m continually learning, researching, and honing my skills to not only enhance my knowledge but to elevate my practice. This commitment has afforded me a profound empathy for the challenges involved in adopting healthier habits, mastering coping skills, and navigating personal healing journeys. My journey into mindfulness and meditation began in the realm of martial arts, embracing ancient practices before seamlessly integrating them into mental health in a way that resonates with today’s needs. The simplicity at the heart of mindfulness fascinates me, underscoring my belief that less is often more in both mental health care and self-care. Moreover, I’m passionate about incorporating the healing aspects of nature and the innovative use of technology into therapy, constantly exploring creative avenues to enrich the mental health landscape.

I’m excited about the steady progression and growth surrounding mental health awareness and an overall increase in openness towards less restrictive, traditional ways of treatments and expanding towards a more holistic approach that includes integrating physical health, nutrition, mindfulness, and even spiritual practices. I envision a world where meditation and mindfulness practice are normal in everyone’s life.

With the increasing focus on mental health awareness and destigmatization, more people are recognizing the importance of mental health and seeking support and resources to improve their well-being. I’m deeply excited to see how research and innovation in the field of mental health continue to expand and transcend our understanding of mental health conditions and effective treatment and to merge science and creativity in a way that positively impacts people’s lives.

We’re seeing the effects of technological advancements and digital health through telehealth. Telehealth and virtual mental health support have indeed improved access to quality mental health care by overcoming time, distance, and transportation barriers. Since telehealth became more widely used and accepted, it’s allowed me to easily expand my service beyond my zip code. Because it’s evolving and we’re only starting to scratch the surface, I believe telehealth will continually get better with more creative treatments that will allow for accessibility, flexibility, and affordability for all.

Most of all, I am excited to be a part of that change and hope to continue to lead and empower more individuals, professionals, and non-professionals, to rise and take a stand to make the world a better place.

Just so you know, you’d be teaming up with someone who’s on his own journey, too. Far from perfect? Absolutely. But I’ve learned that a dash of self-awareness can really flip the script on how we view the world and ourselves.

You might have heard that therapy feels like talking to a wall. Well, I’m here to break that mold. I’m all in—genuine, unfiltered, and real. Therapy with me? It’s about being authentic because that’s where the magic happens. I’m right here with you, walking this path together, eager to explore the solutions, growth, and self-discovery that await us both.

My approach is all about leading with the heart, being kind, and understanding that life’s punches don’t break us—they just leave a few dents and bruises. I’m here to remind you of the incredible strength you carry within – ready to help you tap into your own superpowers to navigate life’s hurdles. Expect a mix of gentle encouragement and the occasional loving challenge because I believe in you—big time.

Think of mental wellness as going to the gym for your mind. It’s about consistent practice, embracing healthy habits, and allowing yourself the space to heal and grow. It’s not about erasing problems but about building the resilience to face them head-on with grace.

And me? I’m just another human being who’s navigated through storms to find a sense of strength and purpose in the aftermath of tough times. I’m a strong believer in the transformative power of facing our challenges head-on and finding strength in our scars – a concept known as post-traumatic growth.

Outside the therapy room, you’ll find me soaking up life—be it through a good book, challenging myself in different realms, a hike in nature, or diving deep into the realms of psychology and wellness. Yosemite National Park, with its majestic Half-Dome, is my go-to place for recharging and feeling alive – I have hiked Half-Dome 6 times now. It’s a reminder of the beauty and resilience that surrounds us, urging us to grow stronger with every step we take. And as a passionate traveler, I’ve made it my personal goal to transcend traditional tourist experiences by living abroad and immersing myself in local cultures. My adventures have taken me from Guatemala to Japan, including Peru, Mexico, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Vietnam, allowing me to embrace the nuances of local living and understand societal strengths and needs. This journey has not only broadened my horizons but also deepened my empathy for humanity, challenging old notions of a secured life and beginning a lifelong adventure of exploration and connection.