ABOUT HELEN
“I bring warmth, compassion, mindfulness and my innate belief in the potential in everyone to all of the arenas of my work. In return, life - the people I’ve come to know, diverse cultures and communities, and the natural world - has been a valuable teacher. These experiences have kept me humble, curious, and continuously learning from each moment and everyone I meet. ”
APPROACH
As a highly experienced, California-licensed therapist, my work is grounded in psychodynamic, collaborative, and culturally attuned principles that foster strong therapeutic relationships. My approach is furthered informed by evidence-based practices - key drivers of meaningful and lasting change. In partnership with clients, I draw from highly effective models including Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the Gottman Method for Couples Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
I believe that repair and healing are possible at every stage of life. I meet clients where they are, helping them build the insight and skills needed to move toward their goals. I am especially well-suited for clients who are ready to engage in meaningful change.
EXPERIENCE
Over the course of my career, I have had the honor of working with children, adolescents, adults, older adults, couples, and families from diverse backgrounds as they navigate life's challenges and transitions. Whether supporting clients through trauma recovery, relationship challenges, pregnancy and parenthood, grief and loss, identity exploration, navigating Asian and Asian American identities, or major life transitions, I remain continually inspired by the courage it takes to seek support, engage in the work of healing, and create the life they envision.
In addition to my clinical work, I have spent many years leading and developing behavioral health programs across community-based organizations, integrated healthcare systems, and behavioral health companies. These experiences have allowed me to expand access to quality mental health care, build innovative clinical services, and support the delivery of compassionate, evidence-based treatment at scale.
Teaching, mentoring, and supervising clinicians have also been some of the most meaningful parts of my professional journey. Throughout my career, I have trained and supported emerging and experienced multidisciplinary clinicians across a variety of settings, helping them develop their clinical skills, professional identity, and confidence as healers. These experiences continue to deepen and enrich my work as a therapist.
Above all, I remain grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside clients as they heal, grow, strengthen their relationships, and create lives that feel more connected, authentic, and fulfilling.
EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFC #42942) by California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Masters of Science in Clinical Psychology from San Francisco State University
Bachelors of Arts in Psychology from University of Pennsylvania
Member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
Board advisor for Manatee, providing telemental health for children and families
Adjunct faculty in the Clinical Psychology Graduate Program at San Francisco State University
Founder of the group practice, Nurture with Therapy