Renew with Intention

Relational patterns can be inherited just like other traits, such as eye color. Imagine an immigrant parent who didn't grow up in a strong family system. Perhaps they were raised in a traumatic environment: in the midst of war, separated from their own parents, in impoverished conditions, etc. With the resources and knowledge they had, they did their best to protect and care for you. However, some of the strategies they may have used, like guilt-tripping, criticism, or strict discipline, may have been shaped by their own survival experiences. When it becomes your turn to parent, you may wish to be different but you may not know how. It's not enough to "want to be different." Instead, change requires the deliberate unlearning of what's been internalized—we’ll help you get there. 

Adverse childhood experiences include abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction ranging from family members with substance abuse issues to experiences of chronic stress. Often we develop survival strategies in childhood that worked well during that period of life. For example, some people may develop “codependency” traits or become “people pleasers” because it allowed them to survive. As adults, however, these habits aren’t always so helpful, potentially leading to unhealthy relationship dynamics or a poor sense of self—we can help you with healing your past experiences. 

Sometimes, the key to understanding your current struggles lies in the past. The family you grew up with has a big impact on who you are today. Even those who grew up in “good and happy” homes often find that there are unique ways they have been impacted by family dynamics. It has to do with how those early experiences interact with your personality organization. For example, a shy and reserved individual may find that it is hard to assert themselves because they grew up in a large family with lots of competition and noise. Working through lingering family of origin issues can help you be the healthiest version of yourself—we’ll help you make sense of your family dynamics.

Asian Americans, in addition to people who are Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), are underrepresented in mental health care. For some, the whole idea of therapy (divulging personal problems to a stranger) runs countercultural to one’s upbringing. For others, one major barrier is being able to find a therapist with whom they feel comfortable. We provide a safe space for Asian Americans and BIPOC individuals. In therapy with minority clients, we work through topics such as identity development, macro- and micro-aggressions, imposter syndrome, interracial dating, family struggles, and being a first-generation college student—we’ll help you navigate these challenges with cultural sensitivity and support, empowering you to thrive.

On the surface, living with depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder may look similar—moodiness, irritability, excessive worries, unhappiness, too much sleep (or too little), disrupted appetite (eating too much—or too little), dysregulated energy (too much energy—or, you guessed it, too little energy)… But, these are distinct disorders. Depression is a mood disorder characterized by a prolonged sad mood lasting more than two weeks, low energy, and motivation, disrupted sleep, changes in appetite, anhedonia (losing joy in previously enjoyable activities), and sometimes suicidal thoughts. Anxiety, on the other hand, manifests as excessive worry, restlessness, fatigue, muscle tension, difficulty sleeping, and at times, panic attacks. Understanding these differences is crucial in recognizing and treating these conditions effectively, as each requires a unique approach to support and treatment.

Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including depressive lows and manic or hypomanic highs. These shifts can significantly impact a person's energy, activity levels, and ability to function in daily life. Unlike other mood disorders, bipolar disorder requires the expertise of a specialist who understands its nuances and can distinguish it from other conditions. Each individual's experience of bipolar disorder is unique, with specific patterns and triggers. Effective management often involves a tailored approach, incorporating medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help individuals lead balanced and fulfilling lives.

Our providers are highly skilled in addressing chronic mental health conditions and are expertly qualified to help you effectively manage your moods, enabling you to lead a fulfilling and balanced life.

Trauma is an emotional response to experiencing or witnessing distressing events, whether directly or indirectly, and it can deeply affect an individual’s emotional well-being. You might find yourself avoiding reminders of the event, experiencing unsettling flashbacks or nightmares, or dealing with concentration and memory challenges. Triggers, such as certain sights or sounds, can stir up distressing feelings.

Addressing trauma involves naturally occurring feelings of anxiety or fear, and that's completely understandable. Our approach is to gently explore how these experiences have affected you, within a therapeutic environment that feels safe and supportive. We understand the courage it takes to face these challenges. We'll use evidence based interventions to ensure you are empowered to move forward, helping you feel strong, secure, and free from the shadow of past events. What you've been through doesn’t have to define you.

Personality disorders are often misunderstood and stigmatized, particularly Narcissistic and Borderline Personality Disorders, due to their complex nature affecting both individuals and those around them. The term "Personality Disorder" itself can feel stigmatizing, yet it simply refers to a set of interpersonal and intrapersonal challenges.

With professional support, individuals can learn to manage symptoms, improve relationships, and lead fulfilling lives. If untreated, these disorders can severely impact relationships, such as parent-child or marital connections. Many seek therapy to recover from the effects of living with someone who had unrecognized personality difficulties.

Having extensive training in treating personality disorders, we offer compassionate and comprehensive support to foster true healing, aiming for more than just symptom management. Lasting change is achievable with appropriate treatment.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period (from birth through the first year) can be exciting and extremely challenging. The hormonal and physical changes are significant on a woman’s body – then, add on top of that the learning curve of becoming a mom, adjusting to new family and marital dynamics, identity and role confusion, sleep deprivation, and it is no surprise that this season is one of the most intense that a woman goes through!

Whether you are struggling with postpartum stress, or a true perinatal mood disorder (i.e., postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma), the good news is that you do not have to suffer alone AND research shows that treatment works.

From one mom to another, we understand how overwhelming it can be and how lonely it can feel during those early years. We are here to help you take care of your mental health as you build a strong foundation for you and your family.

Even the most joyful life transitions can be stressful and overwhelming. Changes can bring uncertainty, identity shifts, increased responsibilities, and emotional turmoil. Therapy can be a space where you remain grounded while you figure out how to integrate these new experiences into your sense of self. We can provide emotional support, coping strategies, new perspectives, and achievable goals so you can move through this season with resilience and confidence.