Hi there, this is my story.
You’re probably wondering… why or how I got into the field. Who is Michelle anyways?
I define myself as an Asian American, a first-generation college graduate, a social worker who cares deeply about social justice, mental health advocate, Asian American mental health de-stigmatizer, and a culturally competent and sensitive therapist. I am an anti-racist clinician and aim to be culturally responsive in the way I provide treatment and how I live my life.
Outside of my professional work, I am the youngest daughter of Vietnamese immigrants, a sister, partner, friend, a bad but joyful dancer, and a dog owner.
I grew up in the Bay Area, a culturally diverse melting pot, where things naturally felt like home. My middle and high school classmates were all in the same boat; our parents are working-class immigrants and as offsprings have the opportunity to “lead better lives”. It was comfortable to be around those to understand our cultural and family backgrounds. As we navigated the “American Dream” and the underlying pressures of the Model Minority Myth, we recognized the privilege of higher education and future stability.
Through conversations with peers, I noticed similar patterns of difficulties. We faced guilt, a lot of it. The guilt is triggered by new opportunities and lived experiences. We struggled with self-care and rest because we learned of our parent’s hard work and grit. There was a looming pressure of “giving back” and how to navigate boundaries with what we could and could not provide as new professionals.
As new life experiences continued, emotional distance and relation with familial or cultural values changed. Communication and understanding were hard to bridge. Despite all of these nuances, we try our best to show up for our families while navigating a life that has been unpaved.
Therapists are human, too. Actually, let me start over, therapists are human... first.
In my emerging adulthood, I experienced challenges of personal health complications, caregiving for my ill and disabled mother, and acculturating to my personal identity versus my parent’s immigrant background and traditions. In college, I was given the opportunity away from “home” where I first-handedly experienced imposter syndrome. Being a minority in higher educational settings, training to be a healthcare professional at a young age, in addition to living in Midwest weighed heavily on my mind. I constantly felt as though I stood out and never felt at home. With vulnerability and seeing my first therapist, I came to the awareness that these are common experiences as BIPOC individuals maneuver their individual journeys to lead diverse generational milestones.
Throughout my personal experiences, I made it my life’s work to continue to learn from others as well as support individuals in their mental wellness. In my own therapy experiences, I understand the importance of a nonjudgemental and safe holding space. I greatly benefited from receiving guidance from an objective mental health professional who took the time to understand, validate, and guide me. But something was missing… my therapist was not Asian. Some clinical interventions, so-called “coping skills”, labels or shock of learning family traditions and norms made me feel disconnected and at times, shameful of my cultural background.
As a therapist and social work professional, I learn with and from my clients. Wherever you may be, I consider our therapeutic relationship sacred and hold it with gentle care. It is my intention to meet you on your current path toward your journey, with great humility, compassion, and an open mind. I invite my clients to correct me and hold me accountable, as I practice curiosity and how to show up as a safe person in your life.
Education & Experience.
I have experience working in nonprofit mental health acute residential settings along with major hospital organizations in Michigan & California. I’ve worked with adults with acute mental health illnesses in Partial Hospital and Intensive Outpatient Program settings. In addition, I’ve served clients through Solution Focused Therapy for depression and anxiety, pregnancy, and postpartum mood symptoms in an OBGYN clinic, and provided Behavioral Health Consultations for medical doctors and nurse practitioners in primary care settings.
In my professional years, I developed a proficient background in evidence-based treatment interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Self-Compassion.
The University of California, Santa Cruz | Bachelor in Psychology
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor School of Social Work | Masters of Social Work
Michigan Medicine Hospital & Department of Psychiatry | Social Work Field Placement
Kaiser Permanente Department of Psychiatry Fellow | Masters Fellowship Placement and Training
Kaiser Permanente Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Medicine | Women’s Clinic / OBGYN Specialist
El Camino Health Mental Health & Addiction Services | Partial Hospitalization & Intensive Outpatient Program
Postpartum Support International Training
Components of Care: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders 2021
Perinatal Mental Health Advanced Psychotherapy Training 2022
