Senior Staff Psychologists

BIO

Hello and welcome to the Counseling Center! College can be an exciting time personally, academically, socially and spiritually. I feel fortunate to be part of students’ journey of self-discovery and growth. I am passionate about assisting students overcome challenges and attain lifelong skills. Working at three UC counseling centers and being UC undergraduate and graduate alumni, I am familiar with the quick pace of the quarter system and invested in helping students lead a balanced life that fits their values and priorities. I have special interests in multicultural counseling, Asian American mental health, child-parent intergenerational conflict, identity, intimate relationships, trauma and resilience, family concerns, anxiety, depression, and mindfulness.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, UC Santa Barbara

Publications

• Kim, B. S. K., Ahn, A. J., Lam, A. N. (2009). Theories and Research on acculturation and enculturation experiences among Asian American families. In N. T. Trinh, Y. C. Rho, F. G. Lu, & K. M. Sanders (Eds.), Handbook of mental health in Asian American families (pp. 25-43). New York: Humana Press.
• Kim, B. S. K., Ng, G. F., & Ahn, A. J. (2009). Client adherence to Asian cultural values, common factors in counseling, and session outcome with Asian American clients at a university counseling center. Journal of Counseling and Development, 87, 131-142.
• Ahn, A. J. (2008). Bridging Intergenerational Gaps among Korean American Families. Germany: VDM Verlag.
• Ahn, A. J., Kim, B. S. K., & Park, Y. S. (2008). Asian cultural values gap, cognitive flexibility, coping strategies, and parent-child conflicts among Korean Americans. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 14, 353-363.
• Kim, B. S. K., Ng, G. F., & Ahn, A. J. (2005). Effects of client expectation for counseling success, client-counselor worldview match, and client adherence to Asian and European American cultural values on counseling process with Asian Americans. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 52, 67-76.

BIO

Hello! I am glad to be part of the UCI community and serve the needs of students in my role as a psychologist at the Counseling Center. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement. I approach my role as a therapist with the goal of supporting you in this journey by creating a safe place for you to process your thoughts and emotions, and to help you explore and develop coping skills to change unhelpful patterns of behaviors. I have primarily worked with adults who have experienced anxiety, depression, academic concerns, relationship issues, trauma, and grief and loss. Additionally, I enjoy working with students exploring their identity from an intersectional and multicultural perspective. I integrate humanistic and cognitive behavior therapy approaches along with mindfulness practices, as mindfulness has been shown to be effective in reducing stress and depressive symptoms. I strongly believe that individuals are experts on themselves, and therefore, focus on tailoring therapy to meet my clients’ needs.

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

Liaison:  GIA & CEU Coordinator

Publications and Presentations:

• Balice G., Aquino S., Baer S., Behar, M., Belur, A., et al. (2019). A review of barriers to treating domestic violence for Middle Eastern women living in the United States. Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, 5(1), 30-36. doi: 10.17140/PCSOJ-5-146
• Balice, G., Behar, M., Abughazaleh, T., Scheneman, K.A., Belur, A., & Baer, S. (September, 2018). Infidelity: A predictor of domestic violence. Poster Presented at Annual Summit International on Violence, Abuse & Trauma Across the Lifespan (IVAT) 2018, San Diego, CA.
• Belur, A., Balice, G., Aquino, S., Baer, S., Flitter, J., & Scheneman, K. (2018, July). #MeToo: Now what? Exploring the factors and impact of self-disclosure of sexual assault in a public domain. Poster presented the Person-Centered and Experiential Psychotherapies & Counselling Conference 2018, Vienna, Austria.

BIO

Hello and welcome to the UCI Counseling Center! I am a bilingual/bicultural licensed clinical psychologist and have worked with children, adults, and college students in community mental health and counseling center settings. I specialize in working with clients who have experienced various forms of trauma, PTSD, anger management, domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and couples counseling. Stop by and visit the Counseling Center and make an appointment. It always helps to speak to someone who will understand your adjustment on campus and/or struggles in your personal life related to family or other relationships. I try to create a place of warmth, acceptance and support where students can share and feel safe. I believe counseling should help you create your own personal empowerment and emotional wellness. I would like to learn more about you and how your experiences have made you the person you are today.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Washington State University

Liaison: CARE Office

Recognition: Latina Business Woman of The Year –Recognized by the County of Orange, City of La Habra, and the Senate for the strong commitment to the Latina/o community.

BIO

When working with a student, my goal is to understand how that student’s unique life experiences and past relationships have influenced the student’s overall sense of well being. My clinical interests include depression, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, identity, family or intergenerational conflict, Asian American mental health, multiculturalism, and the assessment of learning disabilities. I am bilingual in Mandarin Chinese/English, and enjoy working with students from diverse background.

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles

Liaison: UCI Law School

BIO

Hello and welcome to the Counseling Center!  I am incredibly excited to be working at UCI and with you all. I work from an integrated approach that is both collaborative and supportive.  College is an exciting time where students get to explore not only their academic interests, but personal and career interests as well.  I strive to create a warm and safe environment for my students as they strive towards their personal and academic goals.  I believe that each individual has their own unique story and experience, and as such, tailor each treatment to the individual based on their needs.  My clinical areas of interest include depression, anxiety, identity development, trauma, relationship concerns and Asian American mental health.  I look forward to meeting you!

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, The Wright Institute

Liaison: Athletics

BIO

Hello and welcome to UCI Counseling Center! I have had the honor of working with college students at several university counseling centers and community clinics across the U.S. as well as South Korea, and I am so excited about having the opportunities to be part of your journey at UCI. In psychotherapy, I use an integrative approach, combining client-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and interpersonal theories, within a multicultural framework. My professional interests include multiculturalism/social justice, acculturation, adjustment difficulties, identity development, eating disorders/body image concerns, training/supervision, group therapy, outreach programming, anxiety, trauma, depression, and career concerns. I very much enjoy working with international students, students of color, LGBTQ students, graduate students, and first generation students. In addition, I can offer clinical and outreach services in both English and Korean languages. For my self-care, I enjoy traveling, knitting, practicing yoga, painting my nails, watching movies, going to art museums, taking walks, and being connected with my family and friends.

 Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Ball State University

Liaison: Eating Disorder Treatment Team Coordinator

Publications and Presenations:

Pillow, M., Bauer, C., Choi, Y., and Tallent, C. (2019, May). Creating and Maintaining Eating Disorders Treatment Resources on Campus: Navigating Challenges and Tips for Success, Panel Discussion at the Chicago Area College and University Eating and Related Disorders Symposium, Chicago, IL.

Bellare, Y., Michael, R., Gerstein, L. H., Cinamon, R. G., Hutchison, A., Kim, T., & Choi, Y. (2018). Future perceptions of U.S. and Israeli young male adults, Journal of Career Development https://doi.org/10.1177/0894845318763956

Sahai, N., Choi, Y., Hu, T., & Li, F. (2018, September). Considerations for working with international students in the current political climate, Workshop presentation at the 25^th Annual Dennis H. May Conference on Diversity Issues and the Role of Counseling Centers, Champaign, IL.

BIO

Hello and welcome to the UCI Counseling Center!   In my work with students, I believe that the therapeutic alliance that develops between the client and the therapist is very important. I put effort and energy into developing a relationship that is caring, trusting, and collaborative. In this way, I think the best work can be done and you can get the most out of your therapy experience.  I enjoy working with a variety of concerns, and my areas of special interest include multiculturalism, identity and interpersonal relationship concerns, the incorporation of art into therapy and self-care, managing stress, anxiety, and depression, LGBTQ issues, and adjustment to transitions and new circumstances. I look forward to meeting you!

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles at Alliant International University

Liaison: Interactive Screening Program Coordinator

BIO

I want to help us live with purpose and meaning. Students and I focus on developing understanding, acquiring pragmatic skills, and experiencing compassion. My work centers on the intersection of connection and belonging. I build spaces where we can live authentically in community. In those places, we reinvent our family’s cultural traditions for our evolving world. My interests include educational equity, career and talent development, supervision, mentoring, contemplative spirituality, mindfulness, first generation college students, the LGBTQIA+ experience, and Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. I have experience teaching in a variety of settings from early intervention to graduate level and I have a background in large-scale implementation and policy research and evaluation. Outside UC Irvine, I am an indoor kid that spends time in mountains, forest, deserts, and tide pools.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Oregon

Liaison: Student Success Initiatives

Welcome (Bienvenidos) to the UCI Counseling Center! It is my privilege to work with the UCI community and to be part of the UCI Counseling Center!

College can be a time of a lot of changes and self-exploration. I am a bilingual/bicultural licensed clinical psychologist who uses a person-centered and integrative approach when working with students and utilize a social justice-oriented perspective and intersectional lens to help students gain insight into their presenting concerns. I am passionate about social justice and using my voice to advocate for marginalized groups. My clinical interests include working with first-generation BIPOC students and student athletes, with an emphasis on social justice, equity, inclusion, and belonging. My other clinical interests include working with adjustment issues, men’s issues, depression, anxiety, and overall phase of life concerns. There are many obstacles and hardships associated with being a student of color, being the first in one’s family to go to college, and/or growing up in a low-income household. I believe I can provide insight from personal and clinical experiences to help alleviate the obstacles that many marginalized students face.

When not working with students, I enjoy playing soccer and watching sports, as well as spending time with my wife and two cats. I also enjoy watching movies and going on walks!

Go Anteaters!

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of La Verne

Liaison: eSports

BIO

Hello and welcome to the UCI Counseling Center! College is an exciting time that can also come with some challenges. Safety is really important and as a therapist I work from an integrative and collaborative approach to help students feel safe as we walk down an exploratory path together. I aim to meet a student where they are at, which allows for a unique experience for every student I work with. Having worked at a number of other university counseling centers, I am extremely passionate about working with young adults and students across the lifespan struggling with anxiety, depression, family/relationship conflict, and any sort of adjustment difficulties. I also have a special interest working with individuals experiencing any degree of disordered eating, body image disturbance, and/or challenge navigating how to “take up space” in the world. As a therapist, I aim to assist students in gaining insight into their intersectional context and strive to support students as they explore their identities and functioning based on where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they are going. I look forward to getting to you know!

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of La Verne

Liaison: SOAR Center

BIO

Greetings – I am excited to be on staff here because I know that your Counseling Center is an amazing resource for the campus community and for you as a student of the University of California, Irvine. I am privileged to have trained here as an intern at the very start of my career and now to be back working with this dynamic population of students among a team of incredible professional colleagues. I believe that the college years are among the best period in life to take advantage of counseling opportunities because there is so much change going on in your lives and so much potential for positive growth that serves you for a lifetime.

My approach to student concerns combines a cognitive-behavioral framework with a developmental perspective on how your challenges have come to be and how best to overcome them towards optimal personal satisfaction and capability. I work with students on a variety of concerns including academic, personal and relationships issues in a collaborative style where you and I work together to identify, practice and strengthen the understandings and skills that best work to relieve your concerns and remove obstacles in the way of your best life.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Utah

BIO

Hello and welcome to the Counseling Center!

Life is a journey filled with challenges and opportunities. My philosphy as a counseling psychologist is to really see and understand my clients as who they are, who they want to be, and what they want to get out of their lives. My work has always been in line with the research results that therapeutic relationship is essential for clients’ change and development. Therefore, my goal is to provide individualized and secured space for my clients to explore themselves, as being both independent individuals and interdependent members of their unique context/system. I adopt an intergrative counseling approach consisted of a broad range of knowledge, skills, abilities, research, and intuition, including ACT (Acceptence and Commitment Therapy, Brief Psychodynamic Therapy, Attachment Theory, Family Systems, Constructivist School of Thoughts, Person Center Therapy, and multiculturism). I believe in the self-agency and autonomy of clients in the process of their exploration and change, I look forward to assisting.

I came to the US from Beijing, China, 9 years ago in pursuit of a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology in Indiana University Bloomington. I graduate in the year of 2017, and have been a licensed clinical psychologist since 2019. I have experience working with diverse student populations, including but not limited to first generation college students, racial/ethnical minorities, second generation immigrants, international students, and I’m particularly interested in cross cultural communication, cultural immersion, and adjustment and adaptation to college life, as well as supporting social justice and equality to underserved/underrepresented students.

To relax, I enjoy cooking, swimming, playing guitar, and reading numerous books.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Indiana Bloomington

Liaison: DREAM Center

BIO

Welcome to the Counseling Center!  I feel it is a privilege to be part of my clients’ journey as I help students to develop coping skills to manage depression and anxiety, and to begin to live the life that brings them happiness.  I am trained as a cognitive-behavioral therapist and use tools from that framework specifically tailored to the needs of my clients.  My clinical interests include social anxiety, PTSD, identity issues and depression.  I look forward to working with you!

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Southern California

BIO

Hello and welcome to the UCI Counseling Center! Working with college students has been a passion of mine since graduate school, and I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work at several college counseling centers along the West coast. As a former UC undergraduate student, I am thrilled to now be a part of the Anteater community and look forward to possibly working with you on your collegiate journey. I believe a strong therapeutic alliance is central to one’s personal growth and healing process; therefore, I work hard to develop a relationship with each student that is trusting, non-judgmental, and collaborative. I work from a multicultural, client-centered perspective, combining cognitive-behavioral and interpersonal therapies with mindfulness-based strategies, tailoring my style to fit your needs and treatment goals. My approach to therapy can be described as compassionate, active, and gently challenging, utilizing humor and warmth to balance the difficulty of therapy. My professional areas of interest include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief/loss, relationship issues, identity development, life/role transitions, academic/career concerns, and assessment of learning disorders. I welcome all facets of diversity and identity into my practice. I believe our varied, intersecting identities have a profound impact on the way we view and interact with the world, and I also believe that we are innately programmed to strive toward personal growth and wellbeing. I welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey toward harnessing your inner strength and taking steps toward a happier, healthier you.

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Pacific University School of Professional Psychology

Liaison: Assessment Coordinator

BIO

Greetings and welcome!  In my work with students, I emphasize the importance of personal responsibility and making informed decisions to improve one’s quality of life.  I believe university students are at an incredibly powerful and meaningful point in their lives, both personally and academically.  Through building of a therapeutic relationship that is based on trust and rapport, my hope is that students will learn how to identify potential roadblocks on their journey to success, as well as identify and build upon their own personal strengths and coping skills.  I see my role as a psychologist as multifaceted.  Sometimes I teach students coping skills to manage symptoms related to depression, stress, and anxiety.  At other times I am there to listen to them as they discuss and process the issues they are having in relationships and adjusting to college life.  My areas of specialty include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and solution-focused/goal-oriented therapy.  My goal is to help students learn ways in which they can overcome obstacles, reframe challenges into opportunities for growth, and move forward with achieving the goals they set for themselves.  I look forward to working with you here at the UC Irvine Counseling Center.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Kansas

BIO

Hello and welcome to the Counseling Center! I am a former international student who has been living in the U.S. since I came here more than a decade ago. I value education and the opportunities it brings, and look forward to helping students as they navigate their educational journey. My experiences of being a first-generation immigrant and a woman of color in the U.S. have deeply impacted my personal identity and professional interests. I have a particular interest in working with women of color in STEM fields, international and immigrant students, graduate students and Asian and Asian American students. While I enjoy working with a wide range of students related to their concerns, particular areas of experience include body image difficulties, relationships, acculturation, intergenerational communication, anxiety and stress related to discrimination. I work collaboratively within a Cognitive-Behavioral framework and am an advocate for my clients. Along with individual therapy, I enjoy conducting group therapy and engaging in outreach and consultation with the greater campus community. My research intersects with my clinical interests and is broadly focused on racial discrimination and its impact on mental health and lived experience. I look forward to working with you soon!

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston

Liaison: Womxn’s Center for Success and Cross Cultural Center

Publications:

• Mukkamala, S., & Suyemoto, K. L. (2018). Racialized sexism/sexualized racism: A multimethod study of intersectional experiences of discrimination for Asian American women. Asian American Journal of Psychology, 9(1), 32-46. http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/aap0000104

BIO

Bienvenidos! (Welcome!) I am delighted and privileged to be able to work with you amazingly gifted UCI students whether it be through therapy or community outreach, which may include teaching, workshops, and mentoring.  My work with students is guided by a multicultural lens that seeks to understand and honor their unique stories and intersectional identities within their social-cultural communities.  I feel that cultural humility is salient in my role as a therapist. As a first generation to college, Latina, I am mindful of my own story, how that has shaped my worldview and the importance of cultivating a space of inclusivity. I intentionally seek to facilitate opportunities for authentic expression from my clients and encourage them to honor their strength and resiliency. I too learn from my clients.  Although I work from a generalist approach, I do possess clinical interests that include working with issues related to college adjustment and academic persistence, Latin@/x mental health, the 1st generation and transfer student experience, eating disorder/body image concerns and spirituality in the healing process. I embrace an additional passion for leadership development, training and peer program coordination and supervision. Ultimately I see myself as an advocate to our students and seek to serve as a resource and bridge for them as they navigate the college experience. It brings me great joy serving our student community, and ultimately empowering them to own their stories, and strengthen their voice, spirit and leadership as agents of change. On a personal note, I have a passion for dance, teaching Zumba and enjoying quality time with my family and friends. Have a blessed day!  Zot Zot Zot!!!

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Arizona State University

Liaison: C.O.A.C.H Coordinator

PUBLICATIONS

• Dixon Rayle, A., Sand, J. K., Brucato, T., & Ortega, J. (2006). The “Comadre” group approach: A Wellness-based group model for monolingual Mexican women. Journal of Specialists in Group Work, 31, 1-20.
• Ortega, J. (2019). Supervising paraprofessionals: A multicultural perspective. In T.R. Burnes & J. E. Manese (Eds.), Cases in multicultural clinical supervision: Models, lenses, and applications (pp. 97-113). Cognella, Inc.

BIO

Hello and welcome to UCI Counseling Center! I am excited to be a part of the UCI community and provide quality psychological services to contribute to student’s mental health. As much as college can be exciting, it sometimes can be overwhelming due to various adjustment challenges. I am grateful to be at the Counseling Center to extend my unconditional support for those who want to bring change in their current situation. As a former international student and a woman of color, I recognize that culture and various identities play a vital role in our lives. My work centers around building meaningful therapeutic alliance with clients, while also practicing from evidence based approach. My work is embedded in principles of social justice and multiculturalism. In my career, I have been privileged to work with students from diverse backgrounds and identities. My professional area of interest includes, but is not limited to: working with international students, undocumented students, Asian American mental health, marginalized groups, traditional and non-traditional first generation students, adjustment to college, cultural adjustment, relationship problems, academic problems, career issues, anxiety, depression stress and time management.

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, University of Tennessee At Knoxville

BIO

Greetings and welcome to the Counseling Center! I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to come alongside and assist UCI students as they work towards achieving their academic and personal life goals. I approach students’ concerns with benign curiosity, compassion and tenderness and encourage students to do the same. Using an integrative treatment approach, I facilitate deep, mindful reflection upon personal experiences and authentic expression of affect, with the intention of moving students toward greater insight, self-awareness and overall wellbeing. I also welcome humor into the therapeutic process, recognizing that levity can often provide relief from challenges and facilitate positive change. I work with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, self-esteem, grief/loss, partner relationship issues, adjustment to college/career, and personal/sexual/gender identity development. I also have a special interest in working through issues associated with the intersection of spirituality and mental health, sexuality and/or sexual identity; concerns related to diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder; and animal-assisted therapy as a health service psychology intervention.

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Biola University

Liaison: Disability Services Center

BIO

Hello and welcome to the Counseling Center!

As a clinician, I am passionate about how stories shape who we are and how we navigate the world, specifically how experiences of disempowerment and disconnection impact view of self and others. I use a strengths-based approach to help students identify strengths and increase self-confidence, self-compassion, and self-acceptance. I truly believe that a warm, genuine, and supportive therapeutic relationship is essential to helping students feel empowered and connected to self and others. If I am your counselor, I look forward to the honor of hearing your story and helping you navigate your path at UCI.My professional interests include identity development, self-compassion and self-empowerment, multicultural concerns-cultural trauma, working with Middle Eastern and South Asian populations, destigmatizing mental health, group therapy, outreach/prevention, and supervision/training.

A bit about me: I am originally from India but moved to the United States when I was 8 years old. I have lived across the globe from places in India, Kenya, and the United States. Being a world traveler, I absolutely enjoy learning about and immersing myself in new cultures. I have a strong passion for social justice and advocacy and look forward to continuing that at UC Irvine. In my free time, I love to puzzle, read mystery thrillers and of course binge Netflix! I am excited to be here and learn all the gems this Irvine campus has to offer. Go Anteaters!

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, Iowa State University

Liaison: Graduate Division

BIO

Mirësevini (Welcome) to UCI Counseling Center. I feel fortunate to be part of the CC team and for the opportunity to give back to the UCI Community. I am dedicated to providing the support needed for students to live a more successful and healthier life. I have a holistic approach to working with students, which includes the mind, body, and emotions. I view individuals as whole beings who are made up of interdependent parts with each part playing an important role for optimal psychological wellbeing. I work with students to obtain physical, mental, and emotional balance. As a first generation immigrant I am also sensitive to issues of diversity, thus in my work I utilize a multicultural lens while focusing on the therapeutic relationship. My clinical areas of interest include acculturation related issues, adjustment to college, men’s issues, first generation and/or transfer students, non-traditional and international students, and ethnic identity issues. My research focuses on multicultural/multiracial relationships, the impact of acculturation on psychological wellbeing and romantic relationship satisfaction, and ethnic identity as a protective factor. I look forward to hearing from you and working together to reach your goals.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Alliant IU/ CSPP – Los Angeles

Liaison: PEER Educators Coordinator

BIO

I’m glad that you have found your way to the Counseling Center.  My hope is that you will find this a safe space to gain support and tools to solve the problems you face. Reaching out for help can take courage because it may feel hard and scary to do.  However, it is often the first step to feeling and doing better.  

I have worked with clients with a wide variety of difficulties and from varied backgrounds.  I tend to come from a cognitive behavioral approach and incorporate skills from Dialectical Behavior Therapy.  I enjoy working with clients in individual, relationship and group therapy settings.  I value multiculturalism, which for some may also include spiritual and religious diversity. 

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Fuller Theological Seminary, Graduate School of Psychology

BIO

Welcome! I am excited to be here and look forward to providing culturally sensitive and quality clinical services for you. Despite the good times, you may run into challenges as a student. I hope you will utilize the Counseling Center and seek support when needed. I aim to provide a warm and safe atmosphere in our therapy sessions in which you can process life issues and gain practical tools to move forward.

My approach to therapy is holistic, collaborative and client-centered. I use evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I have worked with individuals from various cultural backgrounds in inpatient and outpatient settings.  My clinical interests include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, intergenerational conflicts, confidence issues, life transitions, cultural diversity issues, academic/work stress, and adjustment to chronic health conditions, to name a few.  I am an UCI alumnus (Zot Zot!) and the languages I speak are English and Mandarin.

Overall, I look forward to connecting with you.  I truly hope you will succeed and have a positive experience at UCI.

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, Palo Alto University

Hello and welcome!

College is a pivotal time in life and is filled with many profound transitions that can be both exciting and stressful.  Whether you are facing new experiences or are struggling with prior challenges, I am looking forward to providing support and collaborating with you.   I strive to provide a welcoming and safe space for students to explore their challenges, recognize their strengths, and develop new strategies for personal and interpersonal growth.   I was born in Thailand, and am the first in my family to attend college in the U.S.  I have worked in education and community mental health settings.  My areas of interests include parent-child relationships in immigrant families, Asian-American mental health, trauma-informed care, feminist psychology, and special education.

Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology, California School of Professional Psychology-Los Angeles 

Liaison: Transfer Student Center

BIO

Welcome to the Counseling Center! Being an undergraduate and graduate student can present many opportunities and challenges. Being able to integrate self-care and wellness is important to being at your best.  This is also a time of growth and change emotionally as well as academically.  I look forward to working with you to help maintain a sense of balance and progress toward your goals.

I work from a compassionate and explorational style to provide support and to encourage self-development and the development of life skills to manage life as student. My goal is to provide a safe place where you will feel supported and able to focus on mental wellness.

From an integrative approach I utilize Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), mindful self-compassion, performance enhancement skills, and DBT skills in my work. I have worked extensively with student–athletes at Division I schools and Graduate Students along with addressing eating concerns, anxiety, relationship skills and phase of life challenges in adults.

 Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with Health Psychology Emphasis, California School of Professional Psychology

Liaison: Graduate Housing

BIO

Hello and Welcome to the Counseling Center!

Undergraduate and Graduate school can present novel and challenging circumstances that can be difficult to manage alone. I believe therapy provides an opportunity for individuals to become aware of ways we perceive ourselves and the world around us. Through self-awareness and understanding,  the goal is for you to gain new perspectives on your thoughts and feeling, which will empower you to approach things differently in ways that feel true to you.

My treatment approach is unique to each individual’s needs and focuses on a collaborative style with you to explore your experiences. I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where I guide you on the journey of exploring different aspects of what is troubling you. I will assist you in identifying and utilizing your strengths, increasing your self-esteem and breaking unhealthy patterns that are impacting your current circumstances.

As an immigrant myself, I am sensitive to the impact of multiculturalism and intersectional identities. I seek to honor and understand students’ unique identities and how it interacts with their experiences within their communities.

I look forward to having the honor of being a part of your journey of self-exploration, obtaining a sense of balance and progressing towards your goals.

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Alliant International University

BIO

Hello and welcome to the UCI Counseling Center! Thank you for taking some time to learn more about our services and providers.

College and graduate school can bring exciting opportunities, but can also present difficult challenges. I believe that therapy can provide a safe space to help you understand yourself and others better, which can lead to more satisfying relationships and fulfillment during this stage of life.

Some of my clinical interests include: depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, acculturation issues, family conflict, self-esteem, and life transitions. I enjoy working with individuals of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds. As a bilingual psychologist, I have had the opportunity to work in different community mental health settings and primarily serving first generation Spanish speaking immigrants. My hope is that through our work together, you will feel heard, understood, and supported to reach your goals and achieve your full potential.

On a personal note, I love playing soccer, biking, and traveling with my family. I look forward to meeting you!

Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology, Alliant International University

Liaison: Latinx RC