Background

I received my doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Washington and completed my pre-doctoral internship at the Yale School of Medicine.

During my doctoral training, I co-developed Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention with Dr. Sarah Bowen and Dr. Alan Marlatt. This work integrated mindfulness practices with cognitive-behavioral strategies to support recovery from addictive behaviors. I have trained clinicians nationally and internationally in this model and continue to draw on that foundation in my clinical work.

Over the past 15+ years in private practice, my work has expanded beyond any single model toward a more integrative approach. While mindfulness remains a central thread, I increasingly draw from relational, somatic, and behavioral traditions to meet the complexity of each individual.

Approach

My approach is integrative and collaborative.

Mindfulness provides a foundation for the work. By slowing down and bringing attention to thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations in the present moment, we begin to notice the patterns that shape our lives — often outside of conscious awareness.

From there, therapy may take different directions depending on what is most helpful.

At times we may use structured, evidence-based strategies such as behavioral experiments or exposure to help reduce avoidance and build new patterns of responding.

At other times, we may explore attachment dynamics, protective parts of the self, or body-based responses that developed earlier in life.

Rather than following a single model, I draw from behavioral science, relational theory, and somatic awareness to help clients relate differently to their inner experience and create meaningful change in their lives.

Journey

My path into psychology was shaped by both contemplative practice and scientific training. Meditation introduced me to the transformative potential of awareness, while academic research taught me to approach psychological work with rigor and curiosity.

Early in my career I founded the Seattle Mindfulness Center as a way to bring together community, clinical work, and contemplative practice. Over time my work has continued to evolve, integrating mindfulness with relational, somatic, and behavioral approaches.

As a bicultural person, I am also deeply attuned to the experience of navigating multiple identities, histories, and cultural contexts. I value exploring how personal struggles intersect with broader social and cultural systems, and I especially enjoy working with people who find themselves living between different worlds.

Across all of my work, I aim to create a therapeutic space that is thoughtful, compassionate, and grounded in both science and lived experience.