About me…

Hello! I’m La (she/her), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing individual teletherapy services to Washington and Oregon residents. I work with individuals of all identities, backgrounds, and orientations. I am of Southeast Asian lineage and identify as a daughter of Cambodian and Iu-Mien refugees.

My area of expertise is working with communities of color, second or third generation adult children of immigrants or refugees, and individuals that identify with multicultural identities.

As a woman of color, I understand the feelings of wanting to develop cultural identity and the overwhelming need to develop your own sense of self. I have experienced the stressors related to living and navigating the complexity of family expectations, culture, and dominant society. I understand the impact of marginalization and systematic oppression. Most importantly, I understand the benefits of finding a non-judgemental space where you can truly honor who you really are, to be seen and heard. A space to sort through demands and stressors of everyday life, relationships, and cultural identity/BIPOC-specific challenges. As a POC therapist, I can offer this space to you. My approach to counseling has been described as:

  • Warm

  • Supportive

  • Compassionate

  • Relational

  • Gentle and Direct

  • Liberating

What is therapy?

Psychotherapy is process work meaning how you learn and grow is a process and takes time. It is gradual and sometimes slow. And, the process can also feel validating, liberating, and empowering. However, in order to learn and grow, we have to often discuss difficult aspects of your life. This can often bring up unpleasant memories. It’s not uncommon for you to experience uncomfortable feelings like sadness, anger, frustration, disappointment, guilt, worry, and helplessness. Sometimes people end up feeling worse before they feel better, and that can be heavy to sit with at times. Remember, real-life moves through challenging moments, learning to overcome obstacles, and celebrating achievement. Therapy is a space where you can have an open and honest dialog about yourself and the world around you. This means discussing some of those challenges, finding healthier ways to cope and manage obstacles/stressors, and celebrating your successes.

There is no way to guarantee what your experience will be like, and much of your outcome will depend on your current motivation and commitment to your work with your therapist. Therapy is collaborative work and we both have roles that are very important.

Clinical Approach…

I work from an integrative perspective drawing from a variety of disciplines to adapt to the unique needs of each client and overall goals. Some tools and techniques I include in my practice are:

  • Client-Centered Therapy

  • Process Oriented and Self Reflective

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Systems Theory

  • Strength-Based Therapy

  • Attachment Informed

  • Multicultural

  • Mindfulness and Self-Compassion

  • Internal Family Systems (IFS Institute Level 1 trained- Global Majority Cohort)

  • Social Justice and Anti-Oppressive Framework

Areas I can help with:

  • Anxiety/depression

  • Improving self-esteem, self-worth, and self-compassion

  • Stress management

  • Exploring multicultural identities/issues

  • Challenges related to intergenerational trauma

  • Impact of marginalization/systematic oppression

  • Stressors related to living and navigating the complexity of dominant culture/society

  • Awareness of mind and body connection

  • Relationship challenges

  • Life Transitions

Ready? Let’s talk

A little more info about me….

My professional background includes working in medical clinics/hospitals, community mental health agencies, and various domestic violence programs. I’ve had the opportunity of working with individuals of diverse identities, backgrounds, and orientations. Many who identify as BIPOC, immigrants and/or refugees. Please see below for information regarding my professional licensure and educational background.

  • Professional Licensure

    Licensed Independent Social Worker, Washington #LW61287356

    Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Oregon #L10900

  • Educational Background

    Master of Social Worker, Eastern Washington University, 2015

    Bachelors in Psychology and Social Sciences, Portland State University, 2005