Bilingual
Counseling Services
People are just as wonderful as sunsets if you let them be. When I look at a sunset, I don't find myself saying, "Soften the orange a bit on the right hand corner." I don't try to control a sunset. I watch with awe as it unfolds.
-- Carl Rogers
My Approach
I view mental health as a part of the whole to one's well-being; one cannot be completely healthy without a healthy mental state, and therefore cannot deny the importance of mental health. It is a normal part of life to experience difficulties at some point or another, and my role as a counselor is to be an assistance when this happens. I provide a safe space for clients to bring in their problems, and to dissect the problems together. During the process, I build trusting and caring relationships with clients in order to help organize their thoughts and feelings, and discuss anything that comes to mind. As I believe that everyone knows themselves best, I am but a guide in helping one gain insight and clarity about one’s relationships, problems, and personal patterns. I believe this experience will lead to change and growth, and eventually improved life satisfaction. My ultimate goal as a counselor, is to alleviate suffering and facilitate this process.
My theoretical orientation is one that draws from psychodynamic theories, humanistic theories, and existential theories. What this means is that I see problems arising from unfinished business from the past that must be unpacked in the counseling sessions. I believe in the power of allowing people to feel heard, understood, accepted, and supported. And I believe in helping clients gain a better understanding of themselves, their relationships, problems, and personal patterns to feel liberated and lead more meaningful lives.
I am an advocate for providing culturally sensitive counseling. I have been trained extensively in developing sensitivity to clients from different cultures and see clients through the lens of their identities and worldviews instead of mine. This means that I take into account the diversity of groups that make up a society today and provide interventions that are effective to these groups. It is my ethical duty as a counselor to provide culturally sensitive counseling throughout my practice.