Immigration/Acculturation

I have worked for many years life changes especially with the immigrant community and 2nd generation youths who may have recently arrived or came to this country.

I have the experience not only of having, myself, lived and worked in other countries in my adult life, but of having worked with refugees, immigrants, dislocated peoples, expats living abroad, and persons who have returned to their country of origin, as well as, those unable to return to the country of origin. I have an existential and person-centered non-pathologizing lens through which each person's lived experience is honored and is at the core of the therapeutic relationship.

Being an immigrant woman, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to leave a whole world behind and find yourself navigating constant newness. I also know how key it can be to have a safe, compassionate space while undergoing that process in order to feel grounded and to successfully handle the transition to your new life. I have worked for many years with recent immigrants processing the exhilaration and at the same time the grief that often comes with the journey.

I come from a unique background of spending my early childhood in South Korea and navigating the issues of adapting to a new culture after immigrating to the United States. I'm also passionate about raising awareness about the importance of therapy and destigmatizing mental illness in Asian American communities.

As an 1.25 generation Chinese-American (the son of immigrant parents), I have a special interest in using a multicultural approach to support clients who are immigrants or the children of immigrants.

One of our core founding principles is to support individuals and families struggling with the challenges of adapting to a new culture, acculturation and adjustment to a new cultural environment while honoring their cultural heritage and supporting their mental health. Our awareness and advocacy of the trauma of immigration we support clients in achieving integration and resilience in their new environment.

As an immigrant myself, I understand firsthand the challenges and triumphs that come with the process of adapting to a new culture and country. My personal journey has deepened my empathy for the emotional complexities of immigration and acculturation. I'll provide a safe, inclusive space for you to explore your unique journey and its emotional nuances.

I'm an immigrant from Greece and the Middle East who is now naturalized in the United States. As someone who identifies as racially ambiguous, I'm passionate about serving immigrant communities and addressing cross-cultural dynamics. I know firsthand how branching out while maintaining a connection to your culture can feel impossible. In therapy, I will work with you through a culturally-humble and culturally-affirming lens to help you navigate these challenging dynamics.

Historical/Intergenerational Trauma Racial Identity Family Conflict

Personal Growth Values Clarification Racial Identity Family Conflict Historical/Intergenerational Trauma

Together we will explore issues of home, belonging, and identity, as well as cultural expectations, individuality, and choice.

I am an immigration evaluation therapist who has been conducting immigration evaluations since 2015. At this time, I offer immigration evaluations for the following types of cases: Hardship, Cancellation of Removal, Removal of Conditions, VAWA (for men and women), and U-Visa. I offer evaluations for clients located in the following states: Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and South Carolina.

Specialties include: An Immigration Evaluation adds tremendous value to an immigration case. They are critical in detailing a client's mental health, trauma history, and compelling reasons for leaving their country of origin. Through my work with immigrants and their families, I conduct evaluations to assist with the immigration process. I've conducted evaluations for a wide range of immigration cases, including asylum and extreme hardship waivers.

In addition to providing therapy, I also conduct Immigration Psychological Evaluations to assist individuals and families in their immigration process. If your attorney suggested that you obtain a report from an immigration evaluation therapist, you’ve come to the right professional. I have worked with individuals from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and I’m experienced in conducting psychological assessments.

I specialize in exploring the unconscious impacts of immigration and acculturation. I help clients navigate the emotional complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural integration, uncovering how early experiences and internalized cultural conflicts shape their current struggles. Through this process, we work to integrate past and present, fostering a sense of self that honors both heritage and personal growth.

As a bi-cultural therapist, I work with people experiencing challenges from cultural adjustment. Whether you have just arrived and are struggling to adjust, or you are a first generation student, we can work together to improve your experience.

As an immigrant, I understand first hand the challenges one faces around acculturation and assimilation. Going through the immigration process can be scary and the pressure from the society along with family pressure can result in stress while feeling like you don't quite fit in. As your therapist, we will delve deeper around the challenges you face and assist you in feeling confident with yourself and finding healthy ways to cope with potential anxiety that can arise.

Many of my clients are first or second generation citizens, or working here with a green card. Immigration/Acculturation is not usually the reason someone seeks therapy with me, but it underlies almost every conversation.