About Me

As a PhD in public health, licensed psychotherapist, spiritual companion, and restorative coach, I love working with sensitive, intelligent creatives, empaths, and professionals from a strengths-based, multicultural, and social justice lens. Together, we can gently honor your unique experiences and empower you to move through the impacts of work and relationship stress, change, and life transitions— into the life that you want. Using some of the best evidence-based and cutting edge tools currently available, including mindfulness, Brainspotting, parts work, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), we can help you to become more present within yourself and your relationships, and to feel more alive.

I’ve walked this path too. An introvert, highly sensitive person (HSP), person of color, and second-generation Asian American immigrant, I’ve grappled over the years with the complexity of not easily fitting into pre-made boxes. Having spent time in academic public health research, where I received my doctorate, as well as decades of leadership in community-based social change efforts, I understand the challenges of work-life balance and burnout — as well as the unrelenting yearning for and possibilities of creating an authentic and meaningful life. I’ve done my own healing work, too, with the tools I offer. I can truly relate, from the inside out.

In my free time, I savor morning quiet time and yoga, enjoying a lovingly-crafted home-cooked meal (admittedly often created by others!) with my partner and loved ones, and finding play time in nature or with the arts.

I offer deep gratitude to the Ramaytush Ohlone elders and people, past, present, and future, who call the land that I am on their home, to all the healed ancestors, and the indigenous wisdom keepers for helping us remember who we are and leading us home into reciprocal, collective liberation.

Here’s how people describe how it is to work with me:

I didn't know what to expect with Helen, but her method really resonated with me and allowed me to focus and open up. I was dealing with family trauma and internalizing my issues deep down. Helen was very warm, understanding and patient. She allowed me to open up and feel personally taken care of, connect with my feelings that I have been afraid to confront, and focus and calm myself.

~ Sally Y.

I am now able to speak up for myself! Working with Helen I was able to look at issues (yucky sticky things!) and figure out a solution for each issue I was working on. I can now say “no,” or speak up if something isn’t what I want and be straight forward about it, rather than simply accepting what is given or offered to me. As a person of color from an immigrant background who (intentionally or not) chose the hardest path possible for almost every step of my life, eventually I was able to be in tune with my true feelings and how my body felt. By the end, it was weird not to choose what made me feel good and spread that positive feeling with those that I care about!

~ Kay A.

I had the privilege of working with Helen for two years, and was always struck by her calm presence, deep compassion, and quick intellect. She is grounded, warm, patient, and curious about everyone she meets. I highly recommend her!

~ Laurel R., LMFT

I’m honored to be with you on this journey.