Individual Therapy

Who’s not affected by unresolved issues from their past?

Domestic violence that you have been too afraid to speak out about?

Sexual abuse that you have kept secret?

The death of a loved one with whom you could never make amends?

Anger toward parental figures?

The lingering pain of childhood?

An abusive parent or an unrealized dream that still haunts you?

It’s a burden to carry this all alone.

Unfortunately, that burden is made worse by guilt and shame.

Cultural expectations and boundaries…

I once had a client whose Chinese parents wanted her to become a doctor or lawyer – even though it was the last thing she wanted to do. This caused a substantial amount of pressure, which left her feeling hopeless, agitated, and fatigued. They thought it was a “phase” and that she would eventually “get over it.”

She felt she had no one to talk to, especially since there was a heavy stigma of shame attached to therapy within her Asian culture and community. She fell into a deep depression and was insecure about confronting not only her parents but anyone in her life. She put on a fake smile so she wouldn’t “cause any trouble.”

Within the Chinese culture, we always want to put on a “face” to make it look as though everything is under control – that nothing is wrong. God forbid that we admit that we need help. This is the stigma of shame that I hope to break down.

Feelings of worthlessness and low self-esteem…

When I first started clinical training, I had a client who had so much shame around the fact that she had had two abortions and never spoke of it. She came from a Jewish background and felt extremely guilty about what she did.

Needless to say, that was a major cause of her self-esteem issues, and she turned toward other external things to compensate for her lack of self-worth.

Luckily, we were able to process the pain from her past, and she slowly moved forward. She realized that she might never get over the hurt (which is completely healthy and normal), but she could embrace the pain caused by her actions and be more self-soothing.

Fear of the “implications” of therapy…

Who can say that they haven’t thought about getting therapy at some point in their life but were afraid of what the “implications” might be?

“You’re weak.”
“You’re crazy.”
“Something is wrong with you.”
“You should be able to deal with your problems on your own.”

Does this sound familiar? Fortunately, none of these implications is true. Unfortunately, the people who have this idea toward therapy never get the help they need. Getting help is one of the most courageous actions anyone can take.

It’s a heavy burden to bear on your own, isn’t it?

None of us go unscathed in this world.

Pretty much everyone I know has dealt with pain – either from their present or past.

What’s unfortunate is that many minorities, especially Asian Americans, don’t get treatment and go through their entire lives with hidden pain because they are too embarrassed to speak about it. They have to put on an act for the world so that they don’t “lose face.”

In certain situations, when not dealt with, mental health issues can physically manifest as cancer, tightness in the body, panic attacks, headaches, or suicidal thoughts. The results of not getting help can rob you of your potential, steal your dreams, and keep you from truly experiencing all that life offers.

I’ll help you reclaim parts of yourself you thought were lost.

… so you can live as a more whole, integrated individual. This is the goal of Gestalt Therapy, which is a part of my background and training.

My goal is to get you in touch with the side of you that says, “It’s not okay to be angry,”… or the side of you that constantly puts yourself down and tells you you’re not good enough.

My clients “speak” to the various sides of themselves as they confront and address their issues; in so doing, they integrate all aspects of their personality. In certain situations, you might speak to the individual with whom you have “unfinished business.”

For instance, the woman who had had two abortions spoke to her unborn children, which released a significant amount of guilt that she had been keeping inside of her.

In individual therapy, we will delve into the issues with which you’re currently struggling.

We will focus on the past, present, and future so you can take active steps toward feeling better and achieving your goals. You will learn how to stay centered and hold on to yourself while not being compromised. And, fingers crossed, we can share a laugh or two along the way. After all, no therapeutic technique is as helpful as a good laugh.

Just so you know… working with me is not for the faint of heart. I will challenge you and, at times, push you beyond your comfort level. But that’s where growth happens. I will make you aware of things that you may have wanted to push aside and challenge you on issues that you may not want to face.

Albert Einstein said that we could not solve a problem with the same level of awareness that created it. Awareness can lead to different decisions, which lead to new possibilities. Through self-awareness, you can then begin to take responsibility for your own life and empower yourself.

It’s time to unburden yourself and find your voice…

Imagine being liberated from shame, anger, depression, and anxiety.

Imagine what it could be like to have a purpose in this world.

Imagine what it would be like to live life without fear.

If you’re ready, I would like to offer you a free 15- to 20-minute consultation where I can get a better idea of who you are, your issues, and whether we are the right fit. Call today: (804) 310-7516!