The way in which one person deals with a situation varies from the way another person deals with the exact same situation. While we may not always see it, there is often an opportunity for growth and understanding in adverse circumstances. One of my goals as a therapist is to help people better understand themselves and see the opportunities even when faced with great challenges and suffering.
I have witnessed suffering diminish as acceptance and awareness increases. I have found the relationship itself between the therapist and patient can be very healing. My empathy helps patients feel safe and understood which allows us to do deeper emotional work. This not only helps alleviate symptoms such as depression and anxiety but also helps patients have more gratification and meaning in their relationships, work, and play.
I have witnessed suffering diminish as acceptance and awareness increases. I have found the relationship itself between the therapist and patient can be very healing. My empathy helps patients feel safe and understood which allows us to do deeper emotional work. This not only helps alleviate symptoms such as depression and anxiety but also helps patients have more gratification and meaning in their relationships, work, and play.
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About Me
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Associates
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I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, bilingual in both English and Mandarin. I received my MA degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University, CA and I am also a Certified Life Coach.
I completed several years of my training in private practice in Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, and received supervision that was mainly focused on psychodynamic approaches, with an emphasis on the relationship between client and therapist.
I completed several years of my training in private practice in Beverly Hills and Manhattan Beach, and received supervision that was mainly focused on psychodynamic approaches, with an emphasis on the relationship between client and therapist.
Addiction
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One out of every eight Americans has a significant problem with alcohol or drugs, with 40% of the group having a "dual diagnosis, " or concurrent mental/nervous disorder. It's generally accepted that chemical dependency, along with associated mental health disorders, has become one of the most severe health and social problems facing the United States.
Depression
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At times, almost everyone feels depressed or anxious; these feelings are normal. However, when these feelings overcome someone's ability to function, they may be afflicted with an anxiety disorder or depression, and sometimes both. Major depressive disorder affects approximately 14.8 million American adults in a given year.
Terminology
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Addiction is a very widespread problem in our society. In addition to drugs and alcohol, other common addictions are gambling, sex, internet/gaming, and shopping. Therapy can help people get to the root of their addictions. Usually the addiction is a symptom of other deeper issues that are not being addressed directly.
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