Background:
My journey to become a psychologist began in college. As a psychology major, I was fascinated by the complexities of human behavior, especially how our life experiences influence how we relate to ourselves, as well as to others. While completing my Master's degree in psychology, I became interested in women's health concerns and worked as a graduate assistant at the Women's Resource Center where I organized outreach services focused on eating disorders, relationship concerns, and women's wellness. During my doctoral program, I gained clinical experience researching, diagnosing, and treating eating disorders, such as bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, and anorexia nervosa. I completed my pre-doctoral and post-doctoral clinical training at the University of California, Berkeley where I worked in student mental health.
In 2008, I became a mother and my motherhood experienced inspired me to complete additional clinical training in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of prenatal and postpartum mood concerns. I've also completed several trainings in mindful parenting and I use mindfulness-based skills to help mothers cope with the challenges that new parenthood can bring.
In my practice, I focus on maternal mental health. In addition to treating postpartum depression, I also have experience working with creative professionals, such as writers who wish to explore and identity their career goals. As a parenting educator, I also offer prenatal parenting consultations where I discuss how parenthood alters partnerships and how parents can best prepare for the emotional changes that child rearing can bring.
Graduate Education:
- 2004-2005: Postdoctoral Fellowship (APA-Approved), University of California, Berkeley
- 2003-2004: Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship (APA-Approved), University of California, Berkeley
- 2004: Psy.D.(APA-Approved), University of Northern Colorado
- 1999: M.A.(APA-Approved), University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Postdoctoral Education & Training:
- Mindfulness-Based Support For Fertility Concerns with Buffy Trupp, M.A. (based on the work of Dr. Alice Domar)
- Mindful Motherhood Practitioner Training based on the work of Dr. Cassandra Vieten
- Mindful Parenting Training, Center for Reflective Parenting and New Center for Psychoanalysis
- Postpartum Mood Disorders Assessment and Treatment Training, Postpartum Support International
- San Francisco Psychoanalytic Institute (SFCP) Early Childhood Development Consultation Program/Training
- PACT Training Level I (Psychobiological Approach to Couples Therapy)
- Attachment & Psychotherapy training with David Wallin
Clinical Training & Consultation:
- Private Practice, Licensed Psychologist (PSY20718)
- Health Educator/Group Facilitator, UCSF Great Expectations Pregnancy Program
- Medical Advisory Board Member & Freelance Writer, BabyCenter
- Adjunct Clinical Faculty, CPMC Hospital, Department of Psychiatry
- Clinical Supervisor, Access Institute
- Member of the Senior Clinicians Group for Perinatal Wellness at CPMC Hospital
- Former Staff Psychologist, UCSF School of Medicine
- Former Staff Psychologist, UC Berkeley
- Former Consulting Psychologist for the Adoptee Mentor Program (AMP)
- Former Chair of Eating Disorders Awareness Week, UC Berkeley
Presentations:
- Along with my colleague, Dr. Bindu Garapaty, I presented a workshop discussing how culture impacts diagnosing and treating postpartum mood concerns among Asian and Asian American women.
- In April 2015, I presented at the APA, Division 39 (division of psychoanalysis) conference about "The Afterglow," the postpartum support group that I co-developed and co-facilitate for the UCSF Women's Health and Resource Center.
- In April 2016, I presented at a perinatal education conference for the CPMC Department of Nursing, addressing cultural sensitivity in the postpartum setting.
Awards:
- 2010: Division On Women Award from the Asian American Psychological Association, Symposium Topic "Postpartum Depression and Culturally Appropriate Birth Plans: Educaton For Practitioners."
Affiliations:
- Member, Northern California Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology (NCSPP).
- Member, American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA).
- Member, American Psychological Association (APA).