Gottman Referral Network

About

A good therapist-client fit provides a solid foundation for success. I’m bi-lingual (Mandarin/English), and my professional experiences set me apart in FOUR UNIQUE ASPECTS: (1) In addition to Gottman Couples Therapy, I am trained in the very dynamic Developmental Model (The Couples Institute, Menlo Park, CA) and utilize other approaches as appropriate; (2) my prior career working in the high-stress environment of large law firms, the investment sector and the startup/venture world has helped me truly understand the demands and uncertainties in today's competitive work/life dynamics and their impact on couples and families; (3) I bring to my work a deep cultural knowledge and sensitivity about Chinese, other Asian and mixed-race families; and (4) my specialized experience working with grief and loss has proven to be highly relevant in the relationship context as many couples have to grieve and process their deep hurt and traumas, lost dreams, long-term disappointments and shattered trust in order to rebuild new, enduring and deeper connections in their “relationship 2.0.” These multiple dimensions have fundamentally influenced my conceptualization of couples issues and broadened my treatment repertoire.

Living and working in diverse cultures and places of the world has also cultivated my capacity for compassion, empathy and curiosity. I make genuine efforts to understand each couple from the multiple lens of culture, family history, socioeconomic background, education, gender identity and assumptions, and phase of life transitions.

In Chinese, the term corresponding to the English word "crisis" is 危机, which comprises two characters: 危 (crisis) and 机 (opportunity). They are two sides of the same event and experience. And that's what I believe: That human beings are fundamentally resourceful and capable. It is through understanding our struggles that we come to truly appreciate our strengths and desires and find capacity to explore new paths to our goals.